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Conception also occurs in the fallopian tube. If an egg is fertilised with sperm, it travels via the tube to the uterus for implantation.
Causes Of Blocked Fallopian Tubes
Adhesions can occur within a fallopian tube or between the end of a tube and an ovary, causing it to become obstructed. These obstructions can be caused by a variety of health issues including:- Pelvic inflammatory disease, or PID: PID is a bacterial infection in the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. If left untreated, the disease can cause inflammation, scar development, and obstructions in the fallopian tubes.
- Sexually transmitted diseases: Bacterial STDs such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea can cause PID, resulting in scarring and obstructions.
- Endometriosis: Endometriosis causes uterine tissue to grow where it should not, such as the fallopian tubes. These growths can cause blockages and scarring.
- Abdominal and pelvic surgery: Any surgery in the lower belly or pelvis, including those to remove uterine fibroids or ovarian cysts, has the potential to create scar tissue, resulting in a tube blockage. A ruptured appendix caused by appendicitis may also result in scarring.
Symptoms Of Blocked Fallopian Tube
A blocked fallopian tube, also known as hydrosalpinx, typically goes unreported and causes no symptoms. For example, even with a blockage, you can have entirely normal periods, and the blockages are usually not uncomfortable.Female infertility can be caused by fallopian tube blockages, therefore difficulty conceiving is often one of the first symptoms for many women. Women with a blockage may also be more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy.In some circumstances, a hydrosalpinx may cause discomfort. Some women endure regular abdominal or pelvic pain, which worsens during their periods. Unusual vaginal discharge can be a sign of a blocked fallopian tube.How To Figure Out If Your Fallopian Tubes Are Blocked?
The most common method for diagnosing fallopian tube obstructions is a hysterosalpingogram or HSG test.- Hysterosalpingography (HSG): An HSG is an X-ray dye test that checks for blockages in your fallopian tubes. It is the most commonly used test to detect hydrosalpinx. Your provider will introduce a dye medium into your uterus and use X-rays to monitor its migration. If the dye leaks out of your tubes and into your pelvic cavity, they are open. If the dye stops, your tubes are clogged.
- Ultrasound: Your fallopian tubes are normally invisible on an ultrasound. However, if they are swollen due to fluid buildup, they will appear larger than normal. They are sometimes shaped like sausages. Your provider can order additional testing to confirm that the alteration is caused by a hydrosalpinx.
- Laparoscopy: Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows your doctor to see within your abdominal cavity. They make tiny slits in your tummy and insert a small camera (laparoscope) to examine your fallopian tubes more closely. Sometimes they'll place a catheter into your vagina and cervix to inject dye into your uterus and fallopian tubes to look for blockages. Laparoscopy can be performed to confirm the findings of an HSG.
Effect On Fertility
Blocked fallopian tubes are a common cause of infertility. The fallopian tube is where sperm and egg meet to fertilise. A clogged tube can prevent them from connecting.If both tubes are completely obstructed, pregnancy is impossible without treatment. If your fallopian tubes are partially blocked, you may become pregnant. However, the chance of ectopic pregnancy rises.This is because a fertilised egg has a more difficult time passing past a barrier to reach the uterus. In some circumstances, your doctor may propose in vitro fertilisation (IVF), depending on the feasibility of the therapy.If only one fallopian tube is blocked, the blockage is unlikely to impede fertility because an egg can still pass through the unaffected tube. Fertility medicines can improve your chances of ovulating on the open side.Treatment Of Hydrosalpinx Or Blocked Fallopian Tube
Treating a hydrosalpinx increases your chances of becoming pregnant. Your treatment will be determined by the severity of your obstruction and your age.If you have an active infection, your doctor will prescribe medicines to treat it. Surgery treatments include:Bilateral Salpingectomy
Bilateral salpingectomy is the removal of one or both fallopian tubes.Salpingostomy (neosalpingostomy)
Salpingostomy (neo salpingostomy) treats a blockage in your tubes. Salpingostomy is typically performed using laparoscopy. Salpingostomy involves your provider making a small incision into your fallopian tube to drain it. Your supplier can remove the broken pieces of the tube and reopen the sealed ends. In recent years, salpingostomy has been a less common alternative than IVF due to the related risks. Following this operation, you may be at a higher risk of miscarriage and pregnancy difficulties. IVF has a higher success rate for pregnancy than salpingostomy.Many individuals and couples attempting to conceive get hydrosalpinx treatment before deciding on IVF, which completely bypasses the fallopian tubes. Your provider can advise you on the best solutions based on your specific case.Chance Of Pregnancy
It is possible to become pregnant after treatment for blocked fallopian tubes. The manner of treatment and the degree of the block will determine your chances of becoming pregnant.A successful pregnancy is more likely when the blockage is close to the uterus. If the blockage is near the ovary, the success rate is reduced.The likelihood of becoming pregnant following surgery for tubes compromised by infection or ectopic pregnancy is low. It depends on how much of the tube needs to be removed and which component is removed.Consult your doctor before beginning treatment to determine your chances of a successful pregnancy.Complications Of A Blocked Fallopian Tube
Ectopic pregnancy is the most common consequence of obstructed fallopian tubes and its treatment. If a fallopian tube is partially clogged, an egg may be fertilised but become stuck inside. This causes an ectopic pregnancy, which is a medical emergency.Surgery to remove a portion of the fallopian tube increases the likelihood of an ectopic pregnancy. Because of these dangers, doctors frequently recommend IVF over surgery for women who have blocked fallopian tubes and are otherwise healthy.Prevention
It is not always possible to prevent blocked fallopian tubes, especially if the blockage is caused by endometriosis or another abdominal or pelvic surgery. However, you can make efforts to lower your risk of other obstruction causes such as pelvic inflammatory disease, chlamydia, and gonorrhoea.- Avoid douching: It can alter the usual bacteria in your vagina, increasing your risk of infection.
- Practice safe sex: Use condoms when having sex, and enquire about your partner's sexual history.
- Get tested for sexually transmitted diseases: Women under the age of 25 should be tested for chlamydia and gonorrhoea once a year, while women above the age of 25 who have new or many sex partners should be tested annually. If you are at risk for gonorrhoea or chlamydia, you should be checked early in pregnancy. Your doctor can assess your unique risk and recommend when you should be tested.
FAQs on How Blocked Fallopian Tubes Affect Fertility?
- What happens if hydrosalpinx remains untreated?Untreated hydrosalpinx reduces your chances of getting pregnant while increasing your risk of miscarriage and problems such as ectopic pregnancy. Receiving treatment significantly increases your chances of a healthy pregnancy.
- What is the primary cause of a blocked fallopian tube?The most prevalent cause of fallopian tube blockage or damage is scarring on the tubes' walls caused by infection. Aside from infection, which can occur for a variety of reasons, tubes may become blocked by disease or damaged during surgery.