The fallopian tubes play an important role in pregnancy or conception. This branch outs from either side of the body of the uterus and forms the passages through which the egg is conducted from the ovary into the uterus. The fallopian tubes are about 10 cm long & the outer end of each tube is funnel shaped, ending in long fringes called fimbriae. The fimbriae catch the mature egg and channel it down into the fallopian tube when it is released from the ovary. Fallopian tube itself is highly movable muscular structure capable of precisely coordinated movement. The egg & the sperm meet in the outer half of the fallopian tube, called the ampulla fertilization occurs here, after which the fertilized egg now called an embryo its way down the tube towards the uterus. The uterine end of the fallopian tube, called the isthmus, prevents the embryo from being released into the uterus until just the right time for implantation, which is about 4 to 7 days after ovulation.
The tube is much more complex than a simple pipe, and the lining of the tube is folded and lined with microscopic hair like projection called cilia, whose beating pushes the egg and embryo along the tube, the tubal lining also produces a fluid that nourishes the egg and embryo during its sojourn in the tube.
Fallopian tube abnormalities account for between 25% and 50% of female infertility. Damages to fallopian tubes usually occur through pelvic infection, often due to unknown causes. There are certain causes of pelvic infection.
Sexually transmitted diseases
Infection after childbirth, miscarriage, medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) or IUD (intrauterine device) insertion.
Postoperative pelvic infection (e.g. surgery for perforated appendix, ovarian cysts)
Severe endometriosis's
Tuberculosis
Besides causing blocked tubes, any pelvic inflammatory disease can also produce bands of scar tissue, called adhesions, which can alter the functioning of the fallopian tubes. Pelvic tuberculosis is a fairy common cause of tubal damage in India. It is a silent disease, and most women suffering from pelvic tuberculosis are unaware of this fact. The tuberculosis bacteria reach the tubes from the lungs through the bloodstream & can cause irreparable tubal damage. There are also certain other abnormalities in which fallopian tubes get damaged but they are very minimal. These abnormalities can b be treated successfully through unani herbal medications.
