Fallopian tubes are the female reproductive organs that carry the eggs from the ovaries to the uterus during the menstrual cycle. Pregnancy also takes place in the fallopian tube and the fertilized egg moves to the uterus through fallopian tube for implantation. If the fallopian tube is blocked or damaged due to any reason, the fertilized egg cannot move towards the uterus which affects conception.
How Do I Know if My Fallopian Tube Gets Blocked?
If your fallopian tube is blocked or damaged, you may not know it until you try to become pregnant and face trouble. In some cases, women may experience pain in the abdomen or pelvic area.
The most common sign is the inability to become pregnant even after having sexual intercourse for more than six months. The condition that causes a blocked fallopian tube shows its own signs and symptoms.
What Causes Blockage of Fallopian Tubes?
The fallopian tubes are small in size and hence they get blocked or damaged very easily. They get blocked mostly due to the scar tissue caused by an infection. Other than that, there could be other reasons for a blocked fallopian tube such as:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Endometriosis
- Sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhea
- History of abdominal surgery
- Fibroids
All these conditions can cause scar tissue that can block the fallopian tube.
How Do Blocked Fallopian Tubes Affect Fertility?
Ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes are the reproductive organs in the female. Any damage to these organs due to a medical condition can affect your chances of conceiving.
Fallopian tubes connect the ovaries and the uterus. Ovaries store their eggs and release them every month when ovulation takes place. The egg will travel from the ovaries to the fallopian tube. The sperm travels to the fallopian tube from the vagina through the uterus to combine with the egg. This is where the fertilization of the egg takes place. After the fertilization of the egg, the embryo will move to the uterus through the fallopian tube to promote the implantation. But if the fallopian tube gets blocked or damaged, the sperm cannot move towards the egg and even the fertilized egg also cannot travel to the uterus. As a result, the chances of getting pregnant get affected.
Diagnosis of Blocked Fallopian Tubes
It is difficult to diagnose blocked fallopian tubes. Blocked fallopian tubes can be diagnosed using the following three methods:
- HCG (hysterosalpingogram) test: During HCG, a dye is inserted into the womb that flows through the uterus and fallopian tube. The stain can be seen in the X-ray. If the dye does not flow into the fallopian tube, it indicates a blockage.
- Ultrasound or sonohysterogram: This method generates the images of fallopian tubes using sound waves.
- Laparoscopy: In this method, a camera is inserted into the body by making a small incision to capture the images of the fallopian tubes.
Treatment for Blocked Fallopian Tubes
If the blockage of fallopian tubes is small, they can be removed using laparoscopic surgery. But if the fallopian tubes are blocked by large scar tissue, it is not possible to remove the blockages. Surgery can be helpful to remove the blockage based on the condition. The surgery focuses on removing the scar tissue and opening the fallopian tube from the inside.
If the blockage is caused by the damage to a portion of the fallopian tube, the damaged part will be removed during the surgery. If the blockage occurs in the uterus, you might have chance of pregnancy. The chances of pregnancy are low if the blockage is at the ovary.
If the blockage of the fallopian tube cannot be treated through surgery, the doctor may suggest the IVF procedure where the fertilized eggs are directly placed in the womb without passing through the fallopian tube.
Visit IRA Fertility If You Suspect that You Have Blocked Fallopian Tubes
If you suspect that your fallopian tube is blocked and are worried about your chances of pregnancy, visit IRA Fertility today. We have helped several women with a blocked fallopian tube to have a baby. We begin our treatment by determining the cause of the blockage and then will try to close the blockage. If the blockage cannot be closed, we suggest IVF for a successful pregnancy. Call us now to know your treatment options.
