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Question - Abdominal Adhesions & Infertility:
"I have one child who is 3 years old, but have been unable to get pregnant again after almost a year of trying. I had a laparoscopy finally, and the doctor said my uterus is attached to the lower wall of my stomach. Although they were able to detach some of it, partial attachment remains. Also, my left tube is "gummy" and somewhat mangled (if that makes sense) and could not be fixed during the laparoscopy, or without the doctor being able to have his hands on the tube. He said it was very difficult to explain to me.
When I gave birth my child, I had to have a C-section after 3 days of inducement. About a week afterward, an infection was discovered in the incision. I had to pack the incision twice daily with gauze to soak up the draining fluid, use a long q-tip to clean it. I don't know if the infection had anything to do with the fact that my left side was very seriously affected by adhesions, and it's my left tube that remains a problem.
They don't know yet if the detachment of my uterus from the stomach wall will help anything (I've had a lot of pain, bowel problems, and extreme bloating), or if it will just re-attach at the points where they were able to separate it. If my uterus does remain suspended as it is, will this possibly affect implantation? I've a had a couple menstrual cycles prior to these findings which were very late, and I'm now wondering if my fertility could be hampered during the implantation phase of conception."
Answer:
It sounds like you suspect your incision infection may have resulted in the adhesions -- while I cannot answer this directly, I can say that adhesions often result from abdominal surgery, even without infection. Infection might increase the chances of adhesions.
On the question of how the suspension of your uterus could affect implantation, I would direct you to a physician to be sure. However, it is technically possible to have a clear-and-free, healthy uterine cavity (interior) even if there are adhesions, etc. present on the outside of the uterus.
There are several ways that your doctor might determine if implantation is an issue. Typically, an endometrial biopsy can give you a good idea of whether or not your uterine lining (endometrium) is adequate or not for implantation.
Last, secondary infertility can be just as trying as primary, so be sure you find good emotional support for yourself, and be sure you're seeing an appropriately trained and experienced fertility specialist.
For more information on effects of secondary infertility, please see:
© Tracy Morris
