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Blocked Fallopian Tube: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

The Symptoms of Blocked Fallopian Tubes:

Blocked fallopian tubes often do not present with noticeable symptoms. However, in some cases, women may experience the following:
  • Infertility: 
Blocked fallopian tubes are a common cause of female infertility. If both fallopian tubes are blocked or partially blocked, it can prevent the sperm from reaching the egg or the fertilized egg from traveling to the uterus for implantation.
  • Pelvic Pain: 
Some women may experience intermittent or chronic pelvic pain, particularly during menstruation or intercourse. This pain can vary in intensity and may be localized to one side of the abdomen. However, pelvic pain is not always present and may be caused by other conditions as well.
It’s important to note that these symptoms are not specific to blocked fallopian tubes and can be caused by various gynecological conditions. Additionally, many women with blocked fallopian tubes may not experience any symptoms at all and may only discover the issue when seeking evaluation for infertility.

The Causes of Blocked Fallopian Tubes:

Blocked fallopian tubes can be caused by various factors, including:
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): 
Infections, typically sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, can cause inflammation and scarring of the fallopian tubes, leading to blockages.
  • Endometriosis: 
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, often on or near the fallopian tubes.
  • Previous Abdominal or Pelvic Surgeries: 
Surgeries such as cesarean sections, appendectomies, or surgeries to treat ectopic pregnancies may result in scar tissue formation that can block or distort the fallopian tubes.
  • Pelvic Adhesions: 
Scar tissue formation due to previous surgeries, infections, or endometriosis can cause adhesions that block or distort the fallopian tubes.
  • Ectopic Pregnancy:
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, often in a fallopian tube.
  • Tubal Ligation:
Tubal ligation, commonly known as having one’s “tubes tied,” is a surgical procedure for permanent contraception.
  • Congenital Anomalies: 
Rarely, some women may be born with structural abnormalities or malformations of the fallopian tubes that can cause blockages.

Treatment for Blocked Fallopian Tubes:

Treatment for blocked fallopian tubes depends on the severity of the blockage, the underlying cause, and the individual’s fertility goals. Here are some common treatment options:
  • Fertility Medications: 
If the blockage is mild and due to inflammation or swelling, medications such as antibiotics or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help reduce inflammation and restore tubal function.
  • Laparoscopic Surgery: 
In cases where the blockage is caused by adhesions, endometriosis, or other structural issues, minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery may be performed to remove scar tissue, adhesions, or blockages and restore tubal patency.
  • Hysteroscopic Surgery:
If the blockage is located near the opening of the fallopian tubes in the uterus, hysteroscopic surgery may be used to remove obstructions or perform tubal cannulation (opening blocked tubes with a catheter inserted through the cervix).
  • In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): 
IVF is often recommended for women with severely blocked fallopian tubes. IVF bypasses the fallopian tubes by retrieving eggs directly from the ovaries, fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory setting, and transferring the resulting embryos into the uterus.
  • Salpingectomy: 
In cases where the fallopian tubes are severely damaged or irreversibly blocked, surgical removal of the affected fallopian tube (salpingectomy) may be recommended.
If you have any of the symptoms of fallopian tubes, speak to a healthcare professional who can assist you.
In Eva IVF and women’s centre ,we have advanced treatment options for blocked fallopian tube.