Fallopian Tube Blockage Treatment

Blocked fallopian tubes can make it challenging for a person to become pregnant. However, one can have blocked tubes and not be aware. Usually they are discovered when a person is undergoing treatment for something else. The reasons that fallopian tubes become blocked re infections and diseases, or surgical complications. The good news is that fallopian tube blockage can be treated, so let us look in more detail at what causes fallopian tube blockage, how medical practitioners diagnose blocked fallopian tubes and the treatment options available. can become blocked due to a variety of reasons such as infections, surgical complications and diseases. 

Understanding Fallopian Tube Blockage

The main reason why fallopian tube blockage matters is because they are central to natural reproduction. It is in the fallopian tubes where fertilization occurs, and the passageway through which mature eggs from the ovaries and embryos travel into the uterus. When one or both tubes are blocked, eggs cannot travel toward the uterus, and fertilization cannot occur.

What Causes Blocked Fallopian Tubes?

The typical reasons that fallopian tubes could get blocked are as a result of as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), a bacterial infection, inflammation that was caused by a previous disease, scar issue forming after a surgical procedure, or an ectopic pregnancy. 

Infections

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), gonorrhea, or chlamydia are the usual causes for fallopian tube blockage, particularly if they are not treated in good time. Such infections, when untreated, result in the formation of scar tissue. As well, when STIs which initially affect the vaginal area untreated, the infection then spreads to the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries, causing blockage in the fallopian tubes. 

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a unique condition whereby tissue similar to the uterine lining grows in parts of the body outside the uterus, creating complications since it cannot be shed in the same way that it is shed through menstruation. When a person has endometriosis, this tissue is found on the outer wall of the uterus, around ovaries and around the fallopian tubes. Occasionally, this tissue has been found between the uterus and rectum or bladder. Though rare, the bladder, cervix, vagina, stomach and intestines can be affected. Endometriosis around the fallopian tube could cause fallopian tube blockage.

Ectopic Pregnancy

Ectopic pregnancies can be life-threatening if they are not given immediate medical attention. When an embryo implants itself within the fallopian tube, it can rupture the fallopian tube. The treatment for ectopic pregnancies is usually surgical intervention. Surgery leads to the formation of scar tissue which can develop on the inside of the fallopian tube, resulting in a blockage, and at times, leading to infertility. 

Surgery

After a surgical procedure, scar tissue is bound to form as the body heals itself. This is true regardless of the type of surgery. However, if the surgical procedure was done on or around a fallopian tube, the likely result is that the fallopian tube will become blocked.

Symptoms of Blocked Fallopian Tubes

As we had mentioned earlier, usually, blocked fallopian tubes are discovered during the course of treating something else altogether such as infertility or illness such as endometriosis, PID or hydrosalpinx. This is because a blocked fallopian tube in and of itself does not present any accompanying symptoms.

Fallopian Tube Blockage and Infertility

When a fallopian tube is blocked, it prevents natural conception from occuring. This type of infertility caused by damage or blockage of the fallopian tube accounts for about 20 percent of all cases of infertility in females. This condition is referred to as tubal factor infertility. 

Treatment of Fallopian Tube Blockage

Now, we get to the good part! The treatment for fallopian tube blockage. In most cases, a surgical procedure will be the treatment, while occasionally, re-opening a blocked tube is the treatment. Let us look at the various procedures below:

Surgery

There are a variety of surgical procedures used in the treatment of blocked fallopian tubes:

Laparoscopic

This type of surgery is classified as non-invasive. A surgeon makes small incisions on the abdomen of the patient and uses these to insert the surgical tool and a monitor is used to view the surgical process. The entire surgery is conducted in this way. 

Hysteroscopic Surgery

This is another non-invasive surgical procedure whereby access to the blocked tube is gained through the patient’s cervix.

A Salpingectomy

If there is a risk of future complications, this type of surgery is selected, as it removes the whole blocked or damaged fallopian tube. The patient would still have the other fallopian tube for future family building.  

A Bilateral Salpingectomy 

If both tubes are blocked or damaged, both tubes will be removed in their entirety in this surgery. However, a patient can still build their family by having their eggs retrieved directly from their ovaries using assisted reproductive treatments.

Recanalization

Recanalization is a process of unblocking a blocked fallopian tube. A study showed that fallopian tube recanalization has been 90 percent successful in restoring normal function in previously blocked fallopian tubes. The procedure is done with the help of an x-ray camera for visibility, liquid dye for contrast, and catheters to conduct the unblocking. 

Err on the Side of Caution

While blocked tubes can prevent natural conception from occurring, there are treatments available to manage the blockage and assist people to build their families. Each individual is different and treatment will vary from one person to another. Contact IVF Fertility Center today and let us walk with you in your family building journey.