What causes tubal adhesions?
Spread of inflammation: Commonly occurs in appendicitis, peritonitis, inflammation of these organs adjacent to women’s internal reproductive organs, inflammation can spread directly and cause pelvic inflammation in women. When suffering from chronic cervicitis, inflammation can also circulate through lymphatic vessels, leading to pelvic connective tissue inflammation.
During menstruation, the endometrium will shed, the blood sinuses in the uterine cavity will open, and there may be blood clots present. If unsanitary sanitary pads are used during menstruation or if sexual intercourse occurs during menstruation, it can provide bacteria with the opportunity for retrograde infection, leading to the occurrence of pelvic inflammation.
Surgical infection: Poor postoperative care following surgery can lead to inflammation and cause tubal adhesions. This can occur after procedures such as abortion, IUD insertion or removal, tubal flushing, tubal patency test, and tubal imaging.
Does tubal adhesion affect IVF embryo transfer?
Tubal adhesions are caused by chronic inflammation of the fallopian tubes, resulting in impaired transport of eggs. It can be classified as tubal lumen adhesions and peritubal adhesions, with tubal lumen adhesions further divided into complete and partial obstruction, commonly occurring at the isthmus, ampulla, and infundibulum of the fallopian tube.
Tubal adhesions are often caused by chronic pelvic inflammatory diseases and are closely related to tubal blockages and hydrosalpinx. Accumulation of inflammatory exudate at the adhesion site can lead to hydrosalpinx; severe adhesions can obstruct the fallopian tube, resulting in blockage; adhesions between the fallopian tube and the ovary and surrounding tissues can cause the fallopian tube to be twisted and the location of the ovary to change.
Each of these scenarios has different effects on embryo transfer. If tubal adhesions without hydrosalpinx are present and chronic pelvic inflammatory disease is controlled, embryo transfer is possible.
If tubal adhesions are accompanied by hydrosalpinx, it can reduce the pregnancy rate, so it is necessary to surgically remove or occlude the affected fallopian tube with hydrosalpinx before IVF to avoid negative impact on pregnancy success.
