Each organ of the female reproductive system works in complete harmony with one another.  The fallopian tube connects the ovaries to the uterus and is responsible for egg transportation.  If a woman becomes pregnant and the egg does not leave the fallopian tubes, it can result in an ectopic pregnancy, otherwise known as a “tubal pregnancy.”  A tubal pregnancy is very dangerous and a woman should always seek prompt medical attention if one is suspected.

While a laparoscopic procedure to check the full function of fallopian tubes is not possible, the tubes can be tested to check for obstruction or blockage which could lead to infertility.  With a hysterosalpingogram, a doctor will use an opaque dye to make sure that fallopian tubes are open.  Tubal insufflation is used to check the status of the tubes and a dye is injected into the uterus and should pass through the tubes without incident if no blockage is present.

Sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and pelvic inflammatory disease can affect the fallopian tubes and the ovaries, and if not treated it can lead to infertility.  Ovaries in a woman secrete estrogen and progesterone, hormones which are responsible for female sexual characteristics during puberty and later in life responsible for being able to maintain a pregnancy.  If the ovaries are blocked, damaged or injured, it can make a woman unable to conceive and if not treated, it can prevent pregnancy indefinitely.

Ovaries and fallopian tubes play a very important role in the fertility of a female and when one or both is not present, it can lead to problems with a hormonal imbalance and infertility.  A woman should always have a pelvic exam once a year to ensure the tubes and ovaries remain healthy and to avoid any problems should she decide to try and become pregnant.

A radical hysterectomy removes the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus and cervix and is done to solve chronic pain from endometriosis.  Choosing an endometriosis hysterectomy is a difficult choice and can render a woman infertile and kick start premature menopause in younger women.  Removing the uterus only and leaving other reproductive organs does not change monthly hormone fluctuations that cause bleeding and may not improve the more severe symptoms of endometriosis however.

For a couple that has been actively trying to conceive a baby for a long period of time, fertility testing can highlight endometriosis as being an underlying female cause.  Fortunately, with the latest revelations in the world of reproductive medicine the condition can be treated, managed or even alleviated completely.  Endometriosis affects roughly 10-20% of women of childbearing age and can result in fertility issues for couples trying to get pregnant.

There are certain risk factors which can increase the risks of a woman developing endometriosis which can include never having been pregnant before.  There are also certain factors which can decrease the risk of endometriosis which includes the following:

• Having fewer periods
• Multiple pregnancies
• Early first pregnancy

Just as there are things that increase or decrease the risks of endometriosis, there are also other factors which have no significant impact on whether or not the condition develops which include; tampons, oral contraceptives and IUD’s.  Risk factors for endometriosis are things that do not directly cause the disease, but seem to be related in some sort of way.

Having an endometriosis hysterectomy while drastic can be the only thing that alleviates pain for some women.  However, prior to having a hysterectomy, a woman should always consult with a medical specialist in order to see if there are other alternatives available.  Remember, endometriosis may be a deterrent to being able to become pregnant but for many women seeking treatment and following the advice of their medical professional can help improve the condition and allow a woman success when trying to conceive a baby.