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FALLOPIAN TUBES
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 be treated successfully through unani herbal medications.
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