The fallopian tubes are the female reproductive organs that bind the ovaries of the uterus. Each month during ovulation, which occurs approximately in the middle of a menstrual cycle, the uterine tubes transport an egg from one ovary to the uterus.
Sometimes conception occurs in the fallopian tubes. If an egg is fertilized by sperm, it moves through the tube to the uterus for implantation.
If a fallopian tube is blocked the passage of sperm to reach the egg, as well as the way back to the uterus for the fertilized egg, is blocked. Common reasons for blocked fallopian tubes include scar tissue, infection and pelvic adhesions.
Symptoms of blocked fallopian tubes
Fallopian tubes often do not cause symptoms. Many women do not know they have their tubes blocked until they try to get pregnant and their approach is unsuccessful.
In some cases, blocked uterine tubes can induce mild pain in one side of the abdomen. This usually happens in a type of blockage, when the serous fluid fills and enlarges the blocked tube.
Diseases that can cause a fallopian tube have their own symptoms. For example, endometriosis often causes atrial pelvic pain. It may also increase the risk for blocked fallopian tubes.
Impact on fertility
Blocked uterine tubes are a common cause of infertility. Sperm and egg meet in the uterine tube for fertilization. A blocked horn may prevent them from meeting.
If both fallopian tubes are completely blocked, without treatment a pregnancy will be impossible.
If the fallopian tubes are partially blocked, you may become pregnant. However, the risk of an ectopic pregnancy (extrauterine) increases. This is because it is harder for a fertilized egg to pass through a blockage to the uterus.
If only one tube is blocked, the blockage will most likely not affect fertility, because an egg can travel through the unaffected tube. Fertility medicines can help stimulate ovulation.
Causes leading to block the fallopian tubes
The uterine tubes are usually blocked by scar tissue or pelvic adhesions. These can be caused by several factors, including:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease. This disease can cause scarring or hydrosalpinx (blocking the fallopian tube with serous fluid).
- Endometriosis. Endometrial tissue can accumulate in the uterus and cause blockage. Endometrial tissue from the outside of other organs can also cause adhesions that block the fallopian tubes.
- Certain infections with sexual transmission. Chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause scarring and lead to pelvic inflammatory disease.
- Ectopic pregnancy (extrauterine). This can heal the fallopian tubes.
- Fibroma. These tissue growths can block the fallopian tube, especially where the uterus is trapped.
- Surgery in the abdominal area.
- Previous operations, especially on the fallopian tubes, can produce pelvic adhesions that block them.
Most of the causes that lead to the blocking of the uterine tubes cannot be prevented. However, you can reduce the risk of sexually transmitted diseases by using a condom during intercourse.
Diagnosis of blocked fallopian tubes
The evaluation of the uterine tubes is done by means of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional ultrasound investigation called ultrasound imaging. It is a type of x-ray used to examine the inside of the uterus for diagnosing blockages.
In this procedure, the uterine tubes are rinsed using ultrasound with a natural gel solution and are made visible in the ultrasound image. Through this ultrasound investigation, the uterine tubes can be evaluated along their entire length in the small pelvis. If the doctor finds a blockage during the procedure, it is possible to remove it. This greatly improves the chance of becoming pregnant.
Ultrasound imaging is a delicate, non-surgical procedure that can usually be performed in your doctor's office under light anesthesia in about 5 minutes. It should take place in the first half of the menstrual cycle. Side effects are rare, but false positive results are possible.
Treatment of blocked fallopian tubes
If the fallopian tubes are blocked by small amounts of scar tissue or adhesions, your doctor may use laparoscopic surgery to remove the blockage and open the fallopian tubes.
If the uterine tubes are blocked by large amounts of scar tissue or adherence, it may not be possible to treat blockages.
Surgery to repair the tubes damaged by pregnancy or infection may be an option. If a blockage is caused because one part of the fallopian tube is damaged, a surgeon can remove the compromised part and connect the two healthy parts.
The possibility of becoming pregnant
You may become pregnant following treatment for blocked uterine tubes. Your chances will depend on the treatment method and the severity of the blockage.
The chance of getting pregnant after surgery for fallopian tubes due to an infection or an ectopic pregnancy is small. It depends on how much of the tube needs to be removed and which part is removed.
Talk to your doctor before treatment to understand what are the chances for a successful pregnancy.
Complications on the case of fallopian tubes uterus
The most common complication of blocked fallopian tubes and treatment for blocked fallopian tubes is ectopic pregnancy - extrauterine pregnancy. If a tube is partially blocked, an egg can be fertilized, but it can be blocked in the tube. This leads to an ectopic pregnancy, which is a medical emergency that endangers the mother's life.
Surgery that removes part of the uterine tube also increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy. Because of these risks, doctors often recommend in vitro fertilization instead of surgery for women with blocked uterine tubes, who are otherwise healthy.
Instead of coclusion
Blocked (clogged) fallopian tubes can cause infertility, but it is still possible to get a pregnancy. In many cases, laparoscopic surgery can remove the blockage and improve fertility. If the operation is not possible, in vitro fertilization can help you conceive if you have no other health problems.