Fallopian Tube Blockage Treatment

Diseases, infections and surgical complications can lead to fallopian tube blockage. In the majority of cases there are no symptoms that accompany the blockage, as a result, many times, people with blocked fallopian tubes may not even know it.

The discovery of blockage is usually made as patients are undergoing treatment for something else entirely. So let us delve into what causes fallopian tube blockage, its impact on a person, how it is detected as well as how it is treated.

Understanding Fallopian Tube Blockage

Fallopian tubes connect ovaries to the uterus, and they function as a passageway. When eggs are released  during ovulation, they get to the uterus via the fallopian tubes. Sla sperm cell typically fertilizes the egg in the fallopian tubes, and the newly formed embryo then travels through the fallopian tubes to implant itself in the uterine wall. Without fallopian tubes, natural conception is virtually impossible.

Fallopian tubes can become blocked in part or completely, as well, blockage can occur in either one or both tubes. This typically results in the disruption of reproductive function.

What Causes Blocked Fallopian Tubes?

Blocked fallopian tubes can be as a result of inflammation caused by disease, scar tissue that formed after a surgical procedure, bacterial infections, as well as sexually transmitted infections (STIs). At times, fallopian tubes may become blocked because of an ectopic pregnancy. This is life-threatening, and emergency care must be sought immediately. 

Infections

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), chlamydia and gonorrhea are three infections that are notorious for causing fallopian tube blockage if they are not treated. This is because they cause scar tissue to form which then block the tubes.

When an STI such as gonorrhea or chlamydia remains untreated, it results in Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). The STI initially affects the vagina, but when untreated it spreads into the upper reproductive system, affecting the uterus, ovaries or fallopian tubes.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which the type of tissue that lines the uterus - and is shed by the body during menstruation - grows in other parts of the body, such as the area within and around the pelvis. 

It is usually found around the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. As well, it can be found in the space between the uterus and bladder or rectum. In rare cases, it can also develop around the stomach, intestines, vagina, or the cervix. 

However, when endometrial tissue grows on, or near the fallopian tubes, over time, it causes scar tissue to form and this in turn causes the tubes to become blocked.

Ectopic Pregnancy

As we had mentioned earlier, in the usual course of conception, fertilization tends to happen in the fallopian tubes, then the embryo travels into the uterus and implants itself in the lining of the uterus wall. 

When an ectopic pregnancy occurs, the embryo has implanted in the fallopian tube causing  the tube to rupture. If it is not addressed in time, it could potentially kill the pregnant person. 

This is typically remedied through a surgical procedure. This procedure could cause scarring on the inside of the fallopian tube, which could in turn, block the tube and potentially lead to infertility.

Surgery

Surgeries tend to leave behind scar tissue, and those done to remove cysts and ectopic pregnancies, or those done to treat endometriosis tend to result in the blocking of fallopian tubes.

Symptoms of Blocked Fallopian Tubes

There are no symptoms that are typically associated with blocked fallopian tubes. Usually, they are discovered when a person is trying to become pregnant and is struggling with infertility. 

In cases where another condition or disease such as PID or endometriosis is the cause of the blockage, a patient presents with the symptoms of that sickness. The blockage is typically discovered in the course of treatment.

Another type of fallopian tube blockage is called hydrosalpinx. It occurs when a tube that had previously been blocked fills with fluid and swells, causing mild, but recurring pain on one side of the abdomen. Hydrosalpinx tends to occur when the initial blockage is located near an ovary.

Fallopian Tube Blockage and Infertility

A blocked fallopian tube prevents the sperm from reaching and fertilizing the egg as well as preventing the egg or embryo from reaching the uterus. 

When infertility is caused by blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, the condition is called tubal factor infertility. It occurs in about 20 percent of infertility cases in women.

Treatment of Fallopian Tube Blockage

Not all is grim however, as there are treatments available to remedy blocked fallopian tubes. There are various surgical procedures - depending on the type of blockage - or a re-opening of the fallopian tubes in a process called recanalization.

Surgery

• Laparoscopic surgery is done by gaining access to the fallopian tube through a small incision made on the patient’s abdomen. 
• Hysteroscopic surgery is done by gaining access to the fallopian tube through the cervix. 
• Salpingectomy is a removal of an entire fallopian tube, and is sometimes preferable because it mitigates the risk of future complications. Further, the remaining fallopian tube gives the patient a chance to conceive in the future.
• Bilateral salpingectomy is the removal both tubes, but a person can  have their eggs retrieved directly from their ovaries and conceive using assisted reproductive treatments like in vitro fertilization. 

Recanalization

This is not a surgical procedure. Two catheters are used to perform the procedure. One is inserted through the uterus, to the blocked tube and the second one is inserted through the first one all the way into the blocked area of the fallopian tube. When withdrawn, it releases the blockage.

Fallopian tube recanalization was found to be 90 percent successful in restoring the fallopian tube to normal functionality, according to Stanford Medicine.

The procedure is done using an x-ray camera with a monitor for viewing the procedure, and liquid dye that is injected into the uterus to provide the necessary contrast. 

Be Vigilant

Blocked fallopian tubes affect fertility  but they are treatable as well as reversible with no future impact on one’s fertility. In addition, assisted reproductive technology has been successful in helping people to build families, even in cases where both tubes have been removed.

To know more about fallopian tube blockages, or other matters affecting fertility, Ivy Fertility is a countrywide dependable partner, offering you a variety of reproductive health services tailored to your specific needs.