The reproductive system is designed to work like a well-oiled machine. When infections, surgeries or malfunctions occur, complications can arise that cause infertility. Two key areas of the reproductive system that may be affected are the organs in your pelvis and, more specifically, the fallopian tubes.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is an infection of the reproductive organs in your pelvis, including the vagina, uterus, ovaries and/or fallopian tubes. PID occurs when sexually transmitted bacteria enter your body during sex without a condom or by having multiple sexual partners.
The most common types of bacteria that cause PID are gonorrhea and chlamydia. Rarely, PID-causing bacteria can enter your reproductive system through childbirth, miscarriage or abortion.
PID Symptoms
Many women experience no pelvic inflammatory disease symptoms, so the condition might not be discovered until an evaluation for infertility. However, you may notice signs such as:
- Abdominal pain
- Heavy discharge with odor
- Discomfort or bleeding during intercourse
- Fever
- Mid-cycle spotting
- Painful urination
PID & Pregnancy
If left untreated, PID causes scarring in the area of the reproductive system where it occurs. This buildup of scar tissue can make it difficult for an embryo to implant correctly, leading to ectopic (or tubal) pregnancies and miscarriages. Too much scar tissue can damage reproductive organs to the point of infertility.
If you suspect you have PID, it is important to seek treatment immediately in order to preserve your fertility. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to easily and successfully treat the infection.
Previous Tubal Surgery or Pregnancy
Like the scar tissue that develops with PID, other changes to your fallopian tubes may be affecting your ability to get pregnant. Whether you had your tubes tied in the past or experienced an ectopic pregnancy, there are ways Inovi can help you conceive.
Pregnancy After Tubal Ligation
If you have had a tubal ligation surgery to prevent pregnancy in the past, it is possible to have a reversal procedure to restore fertility. While many factors affect the success of a tubal reversal, the majority of women are able to become pregnant following surgery.
Previous Ectopic Pregnancy
If you have had an ectopic pregnancy in the past (where an embryo implants in your fallopian tube rather than your uterus), then you have an increased risk of that occurring again. At Inovi, your fertility specialist will determine the cause of your tubal pregnancy, which will better inform your care team about the outlook for future pregnancies.
Sometimes, ectopic pregnancies are caused by scar tissue (perhaps from PID) that blocks an embryo’s way to the uterus. Other times an oddly shaped fallopian tube or past surgery may be the cause.
Whatever the case, many women who have had ectopic pregnancies go on to have healthy pregnancies with the right care.
Inovi’s Philosophy of Care
At Inovi, we strive to walk alongside you throughout your infertility journey. This starts with diagnosing roadblocks to fertility like PID and tubal issues that could be preventing you from conceiving. Call 713-401-9000 today to make an appointment with Dr. Stephan Krotz, and let us help you start growing your family.