ONP Hospitals

Blocked Fallopian Tubes

The uterine tubes are another name for the fallopian tubes. In women, it is positioned on each side of the uterus and is responsible for transporting an egg from the ovary to the uterus as well as male sperm back to the uterus. Each month, the egg rolls from the ovary into the uterus with the aid of ciliated epithelia that line the fallopian tubes. The epithelia’s ciliary activity aids in the migration of sperm toward the egg. Fallopian tube scarring or adhesions may result in a blockage, reducing a woman’s ability to conceive.

Everything You Need To Know About Blocked Fallopian Tubes

What are Blocked Fallopian Tubes?

Blocked Fallopian Tubes are defined as any obstruction in the tubes that prevents an egg from traveling through the uterus and prevents sperm from reaching the egg. Blocked Fallopian Tubes are associated with a high risk of infertility.

Female infertility is caused by a blockage of the fallopian tubes in around 35-percent of cases. Tubal factor infertility is a condition in which one or both of a woman’s fallopian tubes are blocked, resulting in infertility.

Causes

Blocked fallopian tubes are caused by a variety of factors. The most common are as follows:

  • Endometriosis: Some women may not be conscious that endometrial tissue may accumulate in the fallopian tubes, causing a blockage to form in the tubes. In addition, the development of endometrial tissues on the outer surface of other organs might result in a tubal obstruction.
  • Sexually transmitted diseases (STIs): Scarring caused by Chlamydia and Gonorrhea might result in an obstruction of the urethra.
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease: This illness may result in tissue scarring as well as infections, both of which can lead to hydrosalpinx.
  • Fibroids: The development of fibroids that are linked to the uterus or close to it might cause the fallopian tubes to become obstructed.
  • Past ectopic pregnancy: Ectopic pregnancy may result in scarring of tissues in the fallopian tube, resulting in a blockage of the tube.
  • Past abdominal surgery: Previous fallopian tube procedures might result in adhesions, or scarring, that prevents the tubes from functioning properly.

Symptoms

The majority of women might have obstructed fallopian tubes without experiencing any signs or symptoms. The most common kind of blocked fallopian tube is known as a hydrosalpinx, in which fluid fills and enlarges a blocked fallopian tube.

The symptoms of a blocked fallopian tube might be caused by conditions that lead to a blocked fallopian tube. Endometriosis, for example, is known to induce agonizing and heavy periods, as well as pelvic discomfort. 

The following are some of the most typical symptoms of a hydrosalpinx:

  • Abnormal vaginal discharge
  • Pain in the pelvis
  • Pain in the abdomen
  • Difficulties in the process of becoming pregnant
  • Painful Menstruation 
  • Experiencing discomfort when urinating
  • Painful intercourse

Treatments

In the event of a blocked Fallopian tube, a variety of treatment methods are available. Your fertility surgeons assist women in making an informed decision about their treatment options so that they may maximize their chances of becoming pregnant and having a healthy baby.

  • In vitro fertilization (IVF) to bypass the Fallopian tubes: When a woman’s Fallopian tubes are blocked, the best therapy is In Vitro Fertilization, which bypasses the Fallopian tubes entirely. For this treatment, you’ll need to take progesterone for two weeks after the egg harvesting and fertilization to ensure a successful pregnancy.
  • Laparoscopic or hysteroscopic surgery to repair the Fallopian tubes: Blocked Fallopian tubes may be repaired with these simple, minimally invasive treatments. A tiny telescope is introduced into the patient’s belly button during a laparoscopy. After this procedure, patients should expect a two to three-day recuperation period. The telescope is placed into the cervix during hysteroscopic surgery, eliminating the need for an incision. This therapy has a 24-hour recovery period.
  • Laparoscopic surgery to remove the Fallopian tubes: When a woman’s Fallopian tubes are severely damaged, she may have to consider having them removed to improve her chances of becoming pregnant in the future. After that, she’d have to resort to IVF to start a family.

With the help of the experts, parents may be certain that their obstructed Fallopian tubes will be properly treated.

Conclusion

Thinking about one’s medical history might be helpful while planning a pregnancy. This might include variables that increase a woman’s likelihood of having blocked fallopian tubes, such as previous surgery or an infection in the region. Causes of infertility may be diagnosed if these factors are taken into account.

If just one tube is compromised, or if scarring is minor, the prognosis for fertility is favorable. IVF may be a possibility, if surgery to clear the blockage in the fallopian tubes fails.