Fallopian tubes are the reproductive organs in women that are thin tubes present on either side of the uterus. The fallopian tube carries the egg produced during ovulation to the uterus. If the fertilization of the egg occurs with the sperm, the fertilized egg also travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus for implantation. If the fallopian tube gets blocked, the path for sperm to travel towards the egg gets blocked. It is called tubal factor infertility and it affects pregnancy.
What Are the Signs of Blocked Fallopian Tubes?
In most cases, blocked fallopian tubes do not show any symptoms. Women do not know that their fallopian tubes are blocked unless they try for conceive and fail. However, the signs are based on their cause.
The following are some of the common signs of blocked fallopian tubes:
- Pain on one side of the stomach
- Severe pelvic pain in case of severe cases
- The foul smell of the vaginal discharge
- Pain during sex
- High fever
If you have a high fever and severe pain, you should consider visiting a doctor immediately as it can be life-threatening.
What Causes Blockage of Fallopian Tubes?
Fallopian tubes get blocked due to the scar tissue and pelvic adhesions caused by the following conditions:
- A pelvic inflammatory disease that causes scarring
- Endometriosis causes blockage in the fallopian tube due to the build-up of endometrial tissue in the fallopian tube
- Sexually transmitted infections such as Chlamydia and gonorrhea. This causes scarring
- The growth of fibroids can cause blockage of the fallopian tubes
- Previous surgery on the fallopian tubes causes pelvic adhesions
Do Blocked Fallopian Tubes Cause Miscarriages?
The uterus and ovaries are linked to each other through fallopian tubes and conception take place in the fallopian tube. Blocked fallopian tubes are the most common cause of infertility in women. If the tube gets blocked due to any reason, the sperm and egg cannot meet at the fallopian tube, causing infertility.
If both the fallopian tubes are blocked, treatment is required to become pregnant. But if the fallopian tube is partially blocked, you can still become pregnant but can lead to ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy makes the fertilized egg to develop inside the fallopian tube only. The reason for ectopic pregnancy is that the fertilized egg cannot travel to the uterus due to the blocked fallopian tube.
If only one fallopian tube is blocked, the egg can travel to the uterus through the unaffected fallopian tube and fertility can take place. The use of fertilization medications can also help increase the chances of ovulation.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Blocked Fallopian Tubes
An x-ray called Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is performed to view the fallopian tube for any blockages. The HSG requires inserting dye into the uterus and fallopian tube to know about the location and extent of the blockage. The HSG is performed in the first half of the menstrual cycle.
Laparoscopy may also be used if the HSG does not help. If possible, the doctor will remove the blockage if any. Through laparoscopy, small blockages can be removed. But if the blockages are large, they cannot be removed.
If the blockage of the fallopian tube is caused by the damage to a part of the fallopian tube, the doctor removes the damaged part through surgery. Then the healthy parts will be connected. If the blockages cannot be treated, the doctor might suggest assisted reproductive methods such as IVF (in vitro fertilization) that do not require fallopian tubes.
Looking for Blocked Fallopian Tubes Treatment? Visit Angels Fertility Today
Angels Fertility is one of the Best Fertility Center in Hyderabad. We have a team of experienced fertility specialists and gynaecologists who can handle any kind of fertility problem. We can treat fertility problems in both men and women. We have helped several women with blocked fallopian tubes, and we gained vast knowledge in it. To discuss your condition, call us and schedule your appointment today.