The Fallopian tubes are organs in the female reproductive system that connect the uterus to the ovaries. The ovaries store eggs that are then released into the tubes during ovulation and then either fertilized or leave the body during menstruation. Complications and disorders can occur within the female reproductive organs that involve the Fallopian tubes or ovaries, but many of these can be treated and normal functioning can be restored.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease, also known as PID, is an infection of the Fallopian tubes, uterus or other female reproductive organs that typically occurs from sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea and chlamydia--although it can also be caused by other bacteria, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. PID, if untreated, can damage tissue in the Fallopian tubes and other organs, as well as lead to chronic pelvic pain, infertility and higher rates of ectopic pregnancy. Symptoms can be nonspecific and include lower abdominal pain, fever, vaginal discharge that has a smell, and painful intercourse or urination. It can be diagnosed by a physical examination, vaginal ultrasound, and if needed, surgery. Treatment involves antibiotics but doesn't cure the damage that has already been done by the infection.
Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that may be in or on the surface of the ovary, the Mayo Clinic says. Every month, the ovaries produce follicles that look like cysts but are filled with hormones; sometimes these follicles keep growing and become what is known as a functional cyst. According to the Mayo Clinic, these cysts typically go away, but in some cases they can grow large and interfere with normal ovarian functioning. Nonfunctional cysts can form because of endometriosis or develop from normal ovarian tissue. Symptoms of ovarian cysts can include irregularities with the menstrual cycle, pelvic pain, pain during bowel movements, or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen. Treatment of ovarian cysts can consist of watchful waiting, taking birth control pills or surgery to remove the cysts.
Blocked Fallopian Tubes
According to sharedjourney.com, damaged Fallopian tubes are one of the most common causes of infertility in women. This can occur when one or both tubes become narrowed or scarred due to endometriosis, PID, surgery or ectopic pregnancy. To determine whether the Fallopian tubes are blocked, a procedure called a hysterosalpingogram, or HSG, is done. An HSG involves injecting a dye into the uterus and through the Fallopian tubes, and a special X-ray tracks the path of the dye and locates any blockages. Surgery may also be performed for a definitive diagnosis. In some instances, surgery can help unblock the tubes and remove excess scar tissue.
Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy is described by the American Pregnancy Association as a situation occurring when a fertilized egg attaches somewhere other than the uterus. These eggs typically attach in the Fallopian tubes, so they're also termed tubal pregnancies. The American Pregnancy Association estimates that this occurs in one out of every 60 pregnancies, and these situations must be dealt with immediately because an embryo cannot grow normally in the Fallopian tubes and can cause serious problems if untreated. Ectopic pregnancies may be caused by scar tissue or infection in the tubes, impeding the egg's path; abnormally shaped tubes; and previous surgery in the pelvic area or tubes that may have caused adhesions. Symptoms can include sharp, stabbing abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding and weakness or dizziness. Treatment for ectopic pregnancies may involve taking a drug called methotrexate, which allows your body to absorb the pregnancy tissue, or surgery to remove the Fallopian tube or the ectopic pregnancy.
