The transportation of the egg cell to the womb or uterus can be hindered or prevented if the fallopian tubes do not function correctly. The most frequent causes of this are Endometriosis and sexually transmitted diseases leading to infection (see STD's and infertility).

 

Endometriosis
The mucous membrane tissue lining of the uterus is called 'endometrium'. It develops and thickens during every cycle and is shed and expelled during menstruation.
In the condition known as 'endometriosis', this tissue occurs in place other than within the uterus, such as on the ovaries, the pelvic floor, on the bladder and bowels. It can even grow too deep and too thick in and on the uterus itself. The areas of tissue located in these other places undergo the same changes during the cycle as the tissue in the uterus itself.

Endometriosis is not a dangerous condition. Approximately one in ten women have some degree of it without any significant symptoms. The most common complaint is pain, increasing during menstruation and during sexual intercourse.

Endometriosis is restricted only to certain areas and does not always lead to a lesser degree of fertility. Treatment is therefore not always necessary.

Serious endometriosis

However, it is true that the sooner a diagnosis is made, the higher the chances are of maintaining an effective level of fertility and avoiding procedures to treat it. Given time, endometriosis will eventually lead to fertility problems. It causes adhesions in and around the fallopian tubes which impede the transportation of egg cells to the uterus. Adhesions can also form in the uterus itself, preventing the embryo from being able to implant.

The most effective method of determining the kind and extent of endometriosis, and treating it, is by performing laparoscopy.