What are fallopian tubes, and what role do they play in conception or pregnancy?
The fallopian tubes are two long slender tubes that connect ovaries to the uterus. The fallopian tubes are also a passage where the egg and sperm meet, and fertilization happens.
When one or both tubes are blocked, it can stop the egg from fertilizing and cause problems with pregnancy. Early diagnosis can help treat this condition with medicines or surgery like tubal litigation or more.
How to know whether my fallopian tubes are blocked?
Typically, blocked fallopian tubes don’t show any signs. Women may only find out they have blocked tubes when trying to get pregnant. Sometimes, there may be pain on one side of the belly and blocked fallopian tubes.
Causes of its fallopian tube blockage
The most common causes of blocked fallopian tubes in females are
- Endometriosis– It is a condition when the uterus wall swells abnormally.
- Fibroids– Fibroids are mass growths in the uterus lining. They may be present in ovaries and fallopian tubes as well, causing blocked fallopian tubes.
- Pelvic infections– Pelvic infections may cause inflammation in the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries, also causing fallopian tube blockage.
- Ectopic pregnancies– is also called a tubal pregnancy. When the embryo gets stuck in the fallopian tube and doesn’t come down to the uterus, the condition is called ectopic pregnancy
Why should you get fallopian tube treatment at the earliest?
It’s important to get fallopian tube treatment as soon as possible for the following reasons:
- To increase the chances of pregnancy: If you have blocked fallopian tubes, it can prevent the egg from meeting the sperm, making it difficult to conceive. By getting treatment, you can increase your chances of getting pregnant.
- To prevent further damage: If left untreated, blocked fallopian tubes can lead to more damage, making it even harder to get pregnant. It’s important to seek treatment early on to prevent any further complications.
- To avoid invasive treatments: If the fallopian tube blockage is severe, it may require surgery to unblock it. By seeking treatment early, you may be able to avoid more invasive treatments.
- To reduce emotional stress: Struggling with infertility can be emotionally draining. By getting fallopian tube treatment early, you can reduce the stress and anxiety that comes with trying to conceive.
- To address any underlying health issues: In some cases, blocked fallopian tubes may indicate an underlying health condition, such as endometriosis. By seeking treatment early, you can address any health issues and improve your overall health.
Diagnosis for blocked fallopian tubes
Diagnosis of blocked fallopian tubes typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. Here are some common methods used to diagnose blocked fallopian tubes:
- Blood tests: These tests can help diagnose underlying conditions that may be causing blockages in the fallopian tubes, such as infections or autoimmune disorders.
- Transvaginal ultrasound: This is a non-invasive procedure that involves inserting a wand device into the uterus via the vagina. The device uses sound waves to create images of the reproductive organs and detect abnormalities in the fallopian tubes.
- Hysterosalpingography (HSG): This is a special type of X-ray that involves injecting dye into the uterus and fallopian tubes. The dye flows through the tubes and allows the doctor to see if there are any blockages.
- Laparoscopy: It is a surgery that involves inserting a thin, lighted instrument in the navel through a small incision near. Laparoscopy aims at diagnosing blockage in a fallopian tube.
Treatment for blocked fallopian tubes
At Endoworld, our doctors provide various treatments for blocked fallopian tubes to help you conceive. Initially, our fertility experts may provide medications to relieve the symptoms, but if they dont work, they may suggest treating blocked fallopian tubes with surgery. The surgery options include:
Fallopian tube recanalization
It treats proximal tubal obstruction- a part of the tube near the uterus. It is a 20-minute procedure done without anesthesia. It has given 95% success in reopening blocked tube(s) and a 60-75% pregnancy rate.
Tubal ligation reversal
It is also called Tubo-tubal anastomosis. It treats mid-segment tubal blockage. It is also done without anesthesia and helps in pregnancy in 70-75%.
Neosalpingostomy/fimbrioplasty
This procedure treats hydrosalpinx, distal tubular blockage, and tubal adhesions/scar tissue. The repair is done based on tubular blockage and gives 70-75% success in pregnancy.
How IVF can help in blocked fallopian tube treatment?
When fallopian tubes are blocked, it can prevent an egg from being fertilized naturally by sperm. However, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) can help overcome this problem by bypassing the fallopian tubes altogether.
IVF is an assisted reproductive technology that helps couples fall pregnant when there are fewer chances of natural pregnancy. In IVF, the eggs and sperm are fertilized outside the body in a lab in a controlled atmosphere to give positive results.
Endoworld has a team of highly qualified doctors and fertility experts dedicated to providing you with the best fertility treatments that give you the most awaited happiness of your life, “your baby”- with care.
In case you are facing conception issues or want a consultation before family planning, book a consultation with our experts.
