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Adhesions
What are adhesions to the fallopian tubes and how can they prevent a pregnancy?
Our Expert's Answer
This information was published 12 years, 1 month ago and was correct at the time of publication. It may not reflect our current practices or regulations.
Please note that all the answers we give are on a generic basis only, as we cannot provide more in-depth answers without access to your medical history. If you need a more detailed response, tailored to you, we would recommend a consultation with one of our Fertility Specialists for more comprehensive medical advice.
Adhesions are areas of fibrous scar tissue that stick internal surfaces together. The common causes of adhesions to the fallopian tubes are infections, previous surgery, abdominal trauma, endometriosis and appendicitis. Adhesions may affect the chances of achieving a pregnancy. The ends of the fallopian tubes have finger like projections or fimbriae which move over the surface of the ovary to collect the egg as it is released. If there are adhesions the fimbriae would not be able to perform this action. Adhesions may be treated by surgical intervention or it may be necessary to have IVF treatment to conceive.