Fallopian Tube Pain

The fallopian tubes are an important part of the reproductive system, as they connect the ovaries with the uterus. When the egg is released by the ovary, it travels through the oviduct to reach the uterus. This period is considered to be the most fertile period for the woman because, if the sperm meets the egg in the oviduct, it fertilizes the egg and starts moving towards the uterus. As the fertilization takes place in the oviducts, any problem in them can cause difficulty for a woman to become pregnant. Although one does not experience any severe symptoms due to problems in the oviducts, one of the main symptom that one is likely to experience is pain. This pain is usually felt in the area between the navel and the area where the pubic hair begins. So, if you are experiencing pain in your lower abdomen, you may like to know about the reasons that can lead to such pain.

Causes
As has been mentioned above a woman does not experience any severe symptoms in case of problems of the oviduct. Let us take a look at some of the possible causes of this problem.

Ovulation
One of the most common, as well as the least serious causes of such pain is ovulation. Most women are reported to experience painful ovulation leading to some kind of abdominal pain. When the ovary releases the eggs, the oviduct pushes it into the uterus. During this process, the oviduct contracts itself in a rhythmic motion, which is likely to cause pain on either side of lower abdomen. This pain usually begins as a severe one with the follicle bursting and then, becomes a dull one. Experiencing pain after ovulation is usually not a serious problem. However, if it continues 2-3 days after ovulation, it would be a good idea to consult your health practitioner.

Blockage
Fallopian tube blockage is one of the main causes of the occurrence of pain in this area. The medical term for blocked oviduct is hydrosalpinx and it is caused because of scarring of the oviducts, due to some kind of infection or injury. For instance, a woman's oviduct may get blocked, if she has experienced problems like pelvic infection or may be ectopic pregnancy. When the tubes become blocked, it causes the problem of infertility and hence, it is important to undergo treatment immediately. Usually, women do not experience any other symptoms other than lower abdominal pain. Moreover, blockage in oviducts occurs during one's periods and hence, is mistaken as menstrual cramps. Usually, this is diagnosed when the woman is unable to conceive even after one year of unprotected sexual intercourse.

Ectopic Pregnancy
Another major reason for pain in the oviduct is ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is a condition which occurs when the fertilized egg attaches itself on the oviducts, instead of the uterus. This is very dangerous because, if it is not treated at the right time, the oviducts are likely to burst, causing bleeding in the stomach. As this can be life-threatening situation for the woman, one has to be very careful. Along with pain in the abdomen, some other symptoms of ectopic pregnancy include vaginal bleeding, spotting, etc. If the cause of pain during pregnancy is the above, the only way out is to abort the fetus with the help of medical procedures.

Cancer
One of the most serious and rare cause of such pain is cancer in that area. Although usually, cancer does not develop in the oviducts, many times, cancer which has begun in some other area of the body may spread to the oviducts. The risk factor that can cause oviduct cancer include a family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer. Some of the symptoms that one may experience due to oviduct cancer include, watery discharge from the vagina along with blood, bloating, vaginal bleeding, pain, etc. This cancer can be diagnosed with the help of pelvic tests, blood tests, CT scans, etc. One may have to undergo a surgery to get rid of this problem.

These are some of the reasons that can lead to pain in oviducts. As most of these causes can be life-threatening, if not treated at the right time, you have to be very careful. So, if you experience pain anywhere near your lower abdomen, do not waste time and consult your health practitioner who will conduct appropriate tests to find the root cause of the problem.