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Understanding Tubal Abnormalities

Our New Braunfels fertility specialist expertly treats tubal abnormalities

Many fertility patients first think of sperm or egg quality if they are struggling to conceive. Yet one of the most common causes of female infertility stems from tubal abnormalities. The delicate fallopian tubes play a critical role in providing a pathway to pregnancy, but they can also be easily damaged or blocked. Fortunately, our New Braunfels fertility specialist Dr. Susan Hudson has experience successfully treating tubal infertility in Texas Fertility Center New Braunfels patients.

Your fallopian tubes can provide clues to female infertility

The fallopian tubes are the connection point of conception, where the sperm and egg meet. They are located between the ovaries, which produce eggs, and the uterus, where a fertilized egg develops.

Additionally, the fallopian tubes power the transport of the mature egg released from an ovary. At the end of the fallopian tubes, small fingerlike structures called fimbriae catch the mature egg, and tiny hairlike fringes called cilia sweep it` on its way to fertilization.

Since the fallopian tubes are vital to reproduction, Dr. Hudson, our New Braunfels fertility specialist, begins with a complete health history to understand if tubal abnormalities might be present.

  • We consider pelvic surgeries. The fallopian tubes are especially susceptible to damage from any pelvic surgery, which can include an appendectomy or bowel procedure.
  • History of disease matters. The fallopian tubes are located near the vagina and cervix, meaning they are prone to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) from sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. These infections can leave scars or blockages, leading to female infertility.
  • Inflammation or swelling can block narrow tubes. Even small amounts of scar tissue, inflammation or other blockages can impede the pathway to conception. For instance, women suffering from endometriosis may have tubal adhesions and scar tissue. Other women have a condition known as hydrosalpinx, in which fluid accumulates in one or both tubes, creating swelling.
  • We assess risk factors. Gleaning accurate information about the health of your fallopian tubes is important to avoid an ectopic pregnancy. We carefully monitor this serious condition, which occurs when an embryo doesn’t implant in the uterus and often gets stuck in the fallopian tubes, a possible life-threatening situation. Texas Fertility Center New Braunfels always prioritizes a mother’s health.

We deliver hope for those facing tubal abnormalities

Dr. Hudson has ready options to diagnose tubal abnormalities. Two common tests include an X-ray dye test called a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) and a saline ultrasound where air bubbles are pushed through the tubes to see if they are open.

After thorough testing, Dr. Hudson customizes care, considering age, any possible risk factors and personal timelines.

Texas Fertility New Braunfels proudly provides experienced and personalized care, helping patients navigate female infertility. Contact us to learn how our New Braunfels fertility specialist Susan Hudson MD treats tubal abnormalities.