When we talk about getting pregnant, we usually think only about the egg and sperm, and that’s it—the magic has already happened! But did you know that there’s a lot more involved in this process than most people realize? For pregnancy to occur, many parts of the reproductive system are involved, especially the ovaries and the tubes, also known as the fallopian tubes.

Even more important than the uterus itself in fertilization, the fallopian tube is the cradle of conception. It’s the place where the sperm meets the egg, and from there, a new life begins. Where are the tubes located? The tube is connected to the uterus at its lateral ends. They act like arms that move with the body’s motion, contrary to what many imagine. We might get the impression that the tubes are fixed, but actually they make gentle, swaying movements like hands to catch the egg as soon as it leaves the follicle. The right tube captures the egg(s) that are released from the right ovary, and the left tube does the same on its side. Each one is responsible for the ovary on its respective side.

uterus, tubes, and ovaries

Inside, the tube resembles a fluffy carpet, full of microscopic tentacles that support and cradle the egg comfortably. There it stays for 12 to 24 hours, waiting for the sperm. When intercourse happens, the race is on to the tubes. Once they arrive, the competition to see which sperm fertilizes the egg first begins. As soon as fertilization takes place and cell multiplication starts, the tube then uses these tiny arms inside it to make movements that help the tiny zygote fall into the uterus, where it can implant and finally result in pregnancy.

And What If the Tube Isn’t Healthy?

There are issues that can affect the tubes, and one of them is blockage or adhesion. The most common symptom in these cases is a delay in getting pregnant. Since the tube is necessary for fertilization, it may prevent the sperm from passing and thus hinder its encounter with the egg. Or, even if this meeting happens, it might block the zygote from entering the uterus, leading to another problem common among women with adhesions or collections of masses in the tubes: tubal pregnancy. Other problems can also affect the tubes and make pregnancy more difficult, such as:

Hydrosalpinx: Inflammation in the tubes that can be caused by sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia. This condition leads to a collection of fluids that are harmful to both eggs and sperm. In theory, women who have this condition tend to have a harder time getting pregnant naturally. The solution for these cases includes medical treatments as well as in vitro fertilization.

Blocked tubes and with adhesions

Endometriosis in the tubes: Endometriosis is a condition where the blood-rich tissue that lines the uterus leaves it and affects other organs and nearby regions, such as the tube for example. If endometriosis affects one or both tubes internally, pregnancy can become impossible—just as in the case of blockage with mass collections.

The good news is that most problems involving the tubes can be resolved, either with medication or surgery. Some cases, such as complete tubal ligation, may not permit natural pregnancy, but fertilization is still possible through in vitro methods if there’s a change of mind. In cases of women who have had a tubal pregnancy and needed to remove a tube, it is still possible to become pregnant using the remaining tube. The process of getting pregnant might take a bit longer, but it’s possible! All it takes is an ultrasound to determine which side the woman is ovulating from (alternating cycles, sometimes right, sometimes left) and increasing the frequency of intercourse during that cycle.

Diagnosing any tube problems only requires exams such as hysterosalpingography, tomography, and ultrasound. If there are issues such as blockage of the tubes or adhesions, the doctor will recommend a procedure called laparoscopy. It’s simple, easy, and effective—and it can completely change a woman’s fertility! Many women with problems in their tubes have been able to become pregnant normally after surgery. Suspect you have tube problems? Feel pain? Notice anything different? Then it’s best to see a doctor to get checked out. If there is any kind of problem, a specialist can help overcome it and restore your fertility.

Author’s Note: I often get questions about yam tea and also ovulation inducers in cases of tube problems. Look, the problem is not in the ovaries but in the tubes. Even if a woman is ovulating and has problems with her tubes, she won’t be able to get pregnant—even if she ovulates more than once. The tube is necessary for the sperm to fertilize the egg, since it houses the egg until the moment of fertilization. If the tube is not healthy, what’s the point in ovulating? In reality, the condition needs to be treated before considering ovulation induction. Make your doctor your best ally!

See also: What Is the Role of the Fallopian Tubes in Fertility?

Photos: Tf’s Private Collection