Causes of Infertility - Pelvic Adhesions

Infertility Fast Facts

6.1 Million

Couples approximately in the United States, or 10 percent of all couples of childbearing age, have difficulty conceiving.

Pelvic Adhesions

Deposits of scar tissue that bind the pelvic organs together, adhesions that develop in the pelvis can cause infertility issues. Adhesions can form in various places and interfere with joining of egg and sperm, as well as the implantation of the embryo.

  • Adhesions form around the fallopian tubes can prevent the sperm from fertilizing the egg. 
  • Adhesions around the ovaries can impede the ovulation process
  • Adhesions that develop inside of the uterus can interfere with the implantation of an embryo and prevent pregnancy.

Pelvic adhesions can be caused by abdominal and pelvic surgeries, infection, and endometriosis.  Women who have pelvic adhesions may have infertility as their only symptom, while others may experience abdominal pain, cramps, and painful intercourse. 

The only way to diagnose pelvic adhesive disease is by laparoscopy or hysteroscopy procedures, where Dr. Brown can directly visualize the pelvic and abdominal cavity.

During the procedure, Dr. Brown will work carefully to limit the number of pelvic adhesions that develop following the laparoscopy and/or hysteroscopy as well as remove the adhesions that are present upon evaluation. Additionally, Dr. Brown may irrigate the pelvis with a solution to prevent adhesions from forming after surgery.  Depending on the extent of the adhesions and your medical history, we will recommend the best treatment for you.