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Fertility / Infertility (Expert Forum)
Fallopian tubes/ endometriosis
Questions in the Fertility/Infertility forum are answered by doctors affiliated with USF Health. Topics covered include fertility or infertility issues, egg quality, fertility drugs and side effects, fertility tests, genetic testing, in-vitro fertilization (IVF), ovulation, relationship issues, risk factors, sperm count/quality, and surgery.
Fallopian tubes/ endometriosis
by JulieAM, Mar 14, 2007 12:00AM
Hello--I had a laparoscopic cystectomy in November last year, during which I was also diagnosed with stage IV endometriosis on bowel (sigmoid and rectum adhered to back of uterus), appendix, ant. and post. cul-de-sacs, both tubes, and the infundibular pelvic ligaments, left ureter and left ovary (endometrioma). I had the surgery for pain and the suspicion of ovarian cancer (CA125 was over 300), but the doctor knew I still want to have children. I am 38 and this is my first time to be diagnosed with endometriosis, though I have had bad bowel symptoms for about 10 years. (I was alway referred to internists or gastroenterologists, who all told me there was no physical cause for my symptoms.) My question: The operative report says "both tubes were noted to be clubbed", but no further mention is made of the fallopian tubes in the report. Does that probably mean that the tubes were left "clubbed"? It specifically says that some endometriosis was left on the bowel and ureter, but doesn't mention the tubes. Also, is clubbing of the tubes caused by endometriosis? Most of what I can find online about it refers to PID, and I've never been diagnosed with PID. Do clubbed tubes mean they are totally blocked, or does it just refer to the shape? I know I have to ask my doctor these questions, but I can't get answers on the phone and my appt is not until April. I am trying to plan what questions to ask when I go because appts are hard for me to get. Thank you very much for providing this service and reading my post.
Doctor's Answer
by Forum-M.D.-SP, Apr 10, 2007 12:00AM
Sorry for the late response. These are questions your doctor can answer. I am not sure the status of your tubes matters, given the severity of your endometriosis. Having said that, if your tubes are blocked, then you will know that the chances of getting pregnant on your own are very slim (I never like to say zero) and you will need IVF. However, with severe endometriosis, regardless of the status of your tubes, IVF probably offers you the best chances of conception even if the tubes are open. Of course, with open tubes there would always be a chance you could get pregnant on your own - just not very high if your endometriosis as as extensive as you have described. With bad endometriosis, I have seen fallopian tube involvement - so the clubbing could be from the endometriosis rather than PID. Another question best answered by your MD. Good luck!
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