Can a woman reproduce without fallopian tubes?

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The fallopian tubes play a critical role in female reproduction by connecting the ovaries to the uterus. In some instances, one or both fallopian tubes may require surgery in order to function properly, or may be removed completely in the case of an infection or if a fertilized egg implants itself inside one of the fallopian tubes, also called an ectopic pregnancy. Becoming pregnant without properly functioning fallopian tubes, while not impossible, may be challenging, according to MayoClinic.com.

Function

The fallopian tubes are a symmetrical pair of tubular organs that are responsible for carrying the mature egg that is released from the ovary to the uterus. Fertilization of the egg by a sperm occurs within the fallopian tubes.

Significance

An estimated 15 percent of couples are infertile, with females experiencing dysfunction in 50 to 60 percent of all cases. Tubal dysfunction is the cause of infertility in 40 percent of infertile women, according to eMedicine.com.

Reproduction

Though the fallopian tubes are essential in a natural, unassisted conception, there are medical treatments that bypass the function of the fallopian tubes and result in a successful pregnancy.

Tubal Reconstruction

Women with tubal disease may experience a tubal blockage due to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), congenital defects, scarring from a previous surgery or endometriosis. Tubal microsurgery can reconstruct the fallopian tubes while minimally disrupting the tubal and pelvic anatomy, according to InfertilitySpecialist.com.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

In vitro fertilization is the process of fertilizing an egg and a sperm in a medical laboratory and then implanting the fertilized egg into the uterus through the cervix. Ovulation may be induced by the use of drugs. Because eggs are harvested from the ovaries, potentially absent or poorly functioning fallopian tubes are bypassed. Sperm is collected and then used to inseminate the egg before the embryo is transferred into the uterus.

Source:

InfertilitySpecialist.com: Tubal Disease

eMedicine: Fallopian Tube Reconstruction; K. Boyle, J. Colon; September 2008.

Shared Journey: What Is IVF?

MayoClinic.com: Fallopian Tubes: Is Pregnancy Possible With Only One?

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Can a woman reproduce without fallopian tubes?

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