When eggs mature, a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) initiates ovulation. It causes the ovaries to release the eggs, which then travel through the fallopian tubes where fertilization occurs and then to the uterus where implantation occurs.

Women with tubal disease or abnormalities often have a blockage or damage to their fallopian tubes, which impedes the progress of the egg or embryo.

Some women who’ve had their fallopian tubes tied as a means of birth control wish to reverse the surgery. Although tubal ligation reversal can be done with relative success, there is no guarantee that the reversed surgery will restore fertility.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a common treatment option for women with tubal disease. Eggs are retrieved from the follicles and do not have to make the passage through the tubes. In IVF, the eggs are fertilized in vitro (outside the body), incubated, and the embryos then transferred to the uterus.

Although IVF success rates are higher than tubal reconstruction surgery, some women choose to reconstruct their fallopian tubes to be able to attempt pregnancy naturally. Tubal ligation reversal success rates are comparable to IVF.

What causes tubal disease?
Can PCRM do tube-tying reversals?
My HSG X-ray shows that I have damaged fallopian tubes. What are my best options for getting pregnant?
My HSG X-ray shows that my fallopian tubes are swollen. What does this mean?