Everything you need to know about Fallopian Tube Blockage and Infertility

Author: Dr. Jigna Tamagond ,Consultant – Fertility Specialist

 

Infertility affects a staggering number of people. All genders experience infertility due to causes known and unknown. Blockage in the fallopian tubes is one of the prevalent causes of female infertility.

Blockage in the fallopian tubes accounts for a cause of infertility in approximately 30% of women worldwide.

The fallopian tubes are the bridges that connect the ovaries and the uterus.

It plays a major role in the process of conception.

It allows the egg to travel from the ovaries to the uterus. The sperm travel upwards from the uterus through the fallopian tubes to meet with the egg which may result in the potential fertilization of the egg.

The fertilized egg travels through this bridge and gets implanted in the uterus resulting in a pregnancy.

Effect of tubal blockage on fertility:

As a consequence of tubal blockage, fertilization of the egg does not occur. Or even if fertilization occurs (due to partially blocked tubes), the blockage in the fallopian tube restricts the movement of the fertilized egg to the uterus, leading to an Ectopic pregnancy.

Although, it is still possible for an egg to get fertilized and result in pregnancy if there is a blockage in only one of the fallopian tubes.

Of all the range of reasons, below are a few factors that result in a tubal blockage:

 

1. 1. Presence of scar tissue due to infections (such as pelvic inflammatory disease and STIs)
   2. History of abdominal surgery – appendix removal surgery, Ectopic pregnancy
   3. Endometriosis
   4. Inflammation in the uterus and fallopian tubes
   5. Birth defects and abnormalities of the uterus and the fallopian tubes
   6. Fibroids or polyps in the uterus

Signs that you might have Blocked tubes:

Symptoms of a fallopian tube blockage depend on the root cause of the blockage.

For example, in the case of Endometriosis, the individual may experience heavy and painful periods.

There is mild to regular pain on one side of the abdomen in the case of Hydrosalpinx.

Some women may experience pain in the pelvic region randomly or during their period.

However, upon diagnosis, this condition can be managed and treated.

Diagnosis:

Blocked fallopian tubes are difficult to identify due to their root cause-specific symptoms. Usually, the condition is undiagnosed until an individual faces difficulty getting pregnant.

The most commonly used tests to diagnose blocked fallopian tubes:

 

1. 1. Hysterosalpingogram or HSG is an X-ray test, in which a safe nontoxic dye is injected into the uterus to detect the blockages in the fallopian tubes.
   2. Sonohysterogram, commonly called a sonogram, is an ultrasound test used to view the inside of the uterus. It creates a computer image using sound waves.
   3. Laparoscopy famously known as Keyhole surgery in which a small cut is made in the body to insert a tiny camera that helps to view the inside of the abdomen.

Treatment options for Blocked fallopian tubes:

As mentioned, one can get pregnant if the fallopian tubes are partially blocked, or even if one tube is open. However, the risk of an ectopic pregnancy is high in the case of a partially blocked tube.

In case of a complete blockage in both the fallopian tubes, the chances of conceiving without treatment are far less likely.

Fallopian tube blockage treatment options are based upon

 

1. 1. The age of the individual
   2. Type/cause of the malformation
   3. Location of the blockage

In case of a pelvic infection diagnosis, antibiotics are prescribed.

In conditions where surgery is required, laparoscopy is used. This method aims to remove the blockage and open the fallopian tubes to better a woman’s chances of conceiving.

The chances of conceiving after surgery depend upon:

 

1. 1. Age
   2. Partner’s sperm health
   3. The level of fallopian tube damage

In cases where surgery is not recommended or in the event of an unsuccessful surgical outcome, the individual is advised In – Vitro Fertilization (IVF).

IVF involves fertilization of the egg with the sperm under controlled laboratory conditions. The fertilized egg is transferred into the uterus, which upon implantation in the uterus, results in a successful pregnancy.

It’s possible to have your dream of having a baby, even in case of a fallopian tube blockage with the right intervention at the right time.

Always consult your doctor about the treatment options available and suitable to you, to understand your chances at having a healthy and safe pregnancy.