Dealing with Blocked Fallopian Tubes

Remember drawing fallopian tubes in biology classes? We all know that they are an integral part of the reproductive anatomy. These tubes connect the ovaries to the uterus. The egg is carried from the ovary to the uterus via the fallopian tubes. These tubes are the site of conception since the egg is fertilized in the fallopian tube. But if fallopian tubes happen to get blocked, fertilization cannot happen.

Fallopian tubes can get blocked for quite a few reasons. Here we discuss some of them.

Endometriosis:

Endometriosis has affected a lot of women worldwide. The condition can cause infertility in women. The endometrium tissue layer grows in the uterus. In preparation for pregnancy, this layer usually sheds during the menstruation. But, in the case of endometriosis, the tissue grows in other places like fallopian tubes or the ovaries. Since the body cannot get rid of the condition, this causes a lot of pain and inflammation. It can also cause pelvic pain, fatigue, heavy bleeding, scarring and blockage in the fallopian tubes.

STDs:

Sexually transmitted diseases like Chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause issues with the fallopian tubes.

History of abdominal surgery:

Having a history of abdominal surgery can also lead to blocked fallopian tubes. Sometimes, a burst appendix can also lead to blocked fallopian tubes.

Fibroids:

Fibroids are noncancerous growths that can lead to blockage of fallopian tubes.

Pelvic inflammatory disease:

Often caused by STDs, pelvic inflammatory disease is an infection of the reproductive part. It causes abdominal pain, fever, bleeding, scarring and blockage in the fallopian tubes.

Symptoms:

But the question arises is how do you know the fallopian tubes are blocked? Generally, you might not know as this condition does not present any symptoms. If the woman is not able to conceive for a year leading to infertility, the doctor will detect with certain tests.

Few women might experience pain due to hydrosalpinx, a condition wherein a blocked fallopian tube dilates due to blockage and gets filled with fluid. These women might have uncommon vaginal discharge.

Treatment:

The opportunity to get pregnant is still there; if one of the fallopian tubes is open. One can have fertility drugs to increase the possibility of pregnancy with the open tube.

There is a possibility of laparoscopic surgery to open the blocked tube or deal with the scar tissue. But this depends on the degree of blockage, the location o the blockage and how advanced it is. A surgical option is viable if the woman is younger, that too, it won't work for everyone.

Infertility:

Many women around the globe deal with infertility; fallopian tubes being a major cause. Every woman is excited about the pregnancy, but conditions like these are hard to live with. However, one can nurture a new life by considering IVF or in vitro fertilization. The procedure involves taking the eggs directly from the ovaries and put together with the sperm in a lab setting. If these eggs fertilize, they placed in the uterus. Also, the procedure is quite affordable in countries like India.

The Last Word:

Blocked Fallopian Tubes is a very serious condition if a woman is suffering from hydrosalpinx, wherein, the condition is quite painful. Or it can be a symptom of something more serious like endometriosis. The best thing is to consult a gynecologist if you face any of the above conditions.