Blocked Fallopian Tubes
Reports suggested that 1 in every 4 women experiencing infertility has blocked fallopian tubes or “tubal blockage”.
This disorder makes pregnancy difficult since healthy fallopian tubes are required to deliver the fertilized egg to the uterus and for fertilisation to occur.
Different variations of blocked fallopian tubes can cause a variety of issues, including infertility, recurrent miscarriage, and an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy.
What are Blocked Fallopian Tubes?
Blocked fallopian tubes, or tubal occlusion, occur when one or both tubes are blocked. This blockage prevents the sperm from reaching the egg and the fertilised egg from reaching the uterus, thereby causing infertility.
Symptoms of Blocked Fallopian Tubes
While some women may experience symptoms of blocked fallopian tubes, others may have no symptoms at all. Common symptoms include:
- Pelvic Pain: Chronic or severe pelvic pain, especially during menstruation.
- Painful Periods: Extremely painful periods, also known as Dysmenorrhea can be a common sign.
- Unusual Vaginal Discharge: Unusual or foul-smelling vaginal discharge may indicate an infection-causing blockage.
- Infertility: Difficulty in conceiving
Causes of blocked fallopian tubes
Blocked fallopian tubes can occur for various reasons, and the location of the blockage often hints at the underlying cause.
This blockage can result from tubal spasms, scarring due to inflammatory conditions, or obstructions caused by debris or tubal polyps.
Blockages in this area are often linked to previous tubal ligation, pelvic adhesions, past ectopic pregnancies, or endometriosis.
Such blockages are typically caused by past pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or severe endometriosis.
How Are Blocked Fallopian Tubes Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of blocked fallopian tubes typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examinations, and diagnostic tests such as:
- Hysterosalpingography (HSG): An X-ray test where a medical-grade dye is injected into the uterus and fallopian tubes to check for blockages. It takes 5-10 minutes with no downtime.
- Selective Salpingogram: A highly specialized type of HSG that is injected into each tube individually. The treatment also allows for fallopian tube recanalisation, which unblocks the tube.
- Saline : This is an ultrasonography treatment in which a fluid is injected into the uterine cavity and down the tubes.
- Laparoscopy: A surgical technique where a camera is inserted through a small umbilical incision to view the fallopian tubes and other reproductive organs.
How to Open Blocked Fallopian Tubes?
There are several methods to open blocked fallopian tubes, depending on the severity and root cause of the blockage:
- Tubal Cannulation: A procedure where a thin tube is inserted through the cervix and uterus to open the blockage.
- Laparoscopic Surgery: Minimally invasive surgery to remove blockages or scar tissue.
- Tubal reanastomosis: Surgical reconnection of the fallopian tubes after sterilisation.
Blocked Fallopian Tubes Treatment Options
Many women are advised that the only way to get pregnant while dealing with blocked fallopian tubes is to use in vitro fertilisation (IVF). However, several specialised techniques exist to unblock the fallopian tubes.
Since not every fertility clinic offers these treatments, most women often don’t consider this options for alternatives.
- Fallopian Tube Recanalization
- Tubo-Tubal Anastomosis (Tubal Ligation Reversal)
- Neosalpingostomy/Fimbrioplasty
One of the most commonly prescribed treatments for tubal blockage is IVF.
Nonetheless, Dr Salem El Shawarby offers a thorough diagnosis and personalised treatment plans.
If you experience symptoms of blocked fallopian tubes or have difficulty conceiving, it’s crucial to seek medical advice.
Blocked fallopian tubes are a major cause of infertility, but with the right diagnosis and treatment, many women can achieve successful pregnancies.
Dr Salem’s expertise in reproductive medicine ensures comprehensive care and advanced treatment options for women facing this condition.
