Blocked fallopian tubes, a cause of infertility, how can it be treated?

Blocked fallopian tubes (Block Fallopian Tube), which is a common cause of infertility and leads to several potential complications. Many people may not truly understand what a blocked fallopian tube is, where the blockage occurs, what causes blocked fallopian tubes, whether there are symptoms indicating this condition, what the side effects are, whether the ovaries need to be removed if this condition occurs, and what treatment options are available.

Blocked fallopian tubes (Block Fallopian Tube) is a condition where there is an abnormality in the fallopian tubes, such as the formation of adhesions or a condition called hydrosalpinx, which blocks the fallopian tube and prevents the egg from passing through to meet the sperm. This is one of the causes of infertility. Even if sperm meets the egg, the embryo cannot pass through the fallopian tube to implant in the uterine cavity, which may lead to an ectopic pregnancy.

1. Sexually transmitted infections
Infections such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhea can cause adhesions around the fallopian tubes and lead to pelvic inflammatory disease.

1. Pelvic inflammatory disease
   Infections in the pelvis can cause scarring and adhesions around the fallopian tubes or result in Hydrosalpinx, which is the swelling of the fallopian tubes.

2. Lower abdominal surgeries
   Previous abdominal surgeries, especially those involving the fallopian tubes (such as sterilization, which directly causes blockages), appendectomy, uterine tumor removal, or other surgeries, can lead to adhesions in the pelvic area.

3. Endometriosis
   Endometriosis, where the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside it, can develop on the fallopian tubes or cause adhesions around the fallopian tubes due to inflammation in the pelvic area."

Typically, blocked fallopian tubes do not show any symptoms until infertility issues arise, prompting suspicion of this condition. Occasionally, there may be mild abdominal pain on the side where the fallopian tube is affected, which is commonly seen in people with hydrosalpinx (swollen fallopian tubes). This happens because the secretion produced by the fallopian tubes cannot drain properly, leading to fluid buildup inside the tubes, causing them to swell and potentially result in pain.

Infertility
Blocked fallopian tubes are one of the causes of infertility. When blocked, they can prevent the egg and sperm from meeting or hinder the embryo's journey to implant in the uterus.

If the blockage is complete (100%), the chances of success are almost impossible. However, if it's not a complete blockage, there may still be a chance of pregnancy, but there is an increased risk of an ectopic pregnancy.

Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy occurs when, if the fallopian tube is not fully blocked, the egg and sperm may meet and fertilize, but the fertilized egg cannot travel to implant in the uterus, resulting in an ectopic pregnancy instead.

An ectopic pregnancy is considered a medical emergency. Even surgery to treat blocked fallopian tubes may increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.

The diagnosis of blocked fallopian tubes is typically done using a procedure called hysterosalpingography (HSG). HSG involves injecting dye and taking an X-ray to check if the dye passes through the fallopian tubes or the uterus. Normally, HSG should be done after the menstrual period ends in that cycle or before ovulation in the following cycle. The procedure is non-invasive and similar to a routine pelvic exam.

If HSG does not provide conclusive results, the doctor may opt to perform laparoscopy, a minimally invasive procedure, to clearly observe the pathology and potentially treat any abnormalities found during the procedure.

Treatment for Blocked Fallopian Tubes

In cases where the fallopian tubes are only slightly blocked, the doctor may treat the condition using a laparoscopic procedure to remove adhesions or open the fallopian tubes. This may be combined with ovulation stimulation in some cases, or intrauterine insemination (IUI) may also be used.

In cases where the fallopian tubes are severely blocked, surgery may be necessary. However, in some situations, treating the fallopian tubes may not be very beneficial, such as when there is endometriosis, problems with the eggs, or other fertility issues. In such cases, the doctor may recommend in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). With IVF or ICSI, the embryo does not need to travel through the fallopian tubes to implant in the uterus. Instead, the embryo is placed directly into the uterus, allowing it to implant without any need for travel.

Blocked fallopian tubes are a condition where the fallopian tubes are obstructed, preventing the egg from meeting the sperm or, even if fertilization occurs, the embryo cannot travel to implant in the uterus. The causes of blocked fallopian tubes include sexually transmitted infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, previous abdominal surgeries, and endometriosis.

Blocked fallopian tubes are also one of the leading causes of infertility, as the blockage prevents the egg and sperm from meeting or stops the embryo from reaching the uterus. This increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy.

Treatment methods include surgery to unblock the fallopian tubes or in vitro fertilization (IVF). Women should pay attention to unusual symptoms, such as persistent abdominal pain or severe pain, and consult a doctor for examination if these symptoms occur. For any further questions, you can contact us via Line: @beyondivf.