Many couples in India are facing infertility issues due to many reasons. Among them, blocked or damaged fallopian tubes are one of the major causes that make pregnancy difficult or impossible for women. It serves as the passage to support the union of sperm and egg to form an embryo. If there is any block or damage in this passage, then the chance of meeting the egg for sperm will be reduced and pregnancy will not happen.
Let us see the comprehensive overview of how blocked fallopian tubes affect pregnancy in women and its symptoms.
What are the Fallopian Tubes?
An essential part of female anatomy that serves as the vital organ for reproduction is called the fallopian tube. These are a pair of hollow muscular ducts located between your ovary and uterus. Each fallopian tube serves as a passage, where an egg released from the ovary can meet sperm to form an embryo.
It is the crucial phase, in which fertilization happens. In addition to this, if you have any damage or block in this channel, then your fertility will be affected. A proper diagnosis and treatment is required to cure this condition.
How Do They Support Pregnancy?
They support fertilization by sweeping the released egg from the ovary to meet sperm to form an embryo.
The below table will provide some crucial details about the function, role, size, and composition of the fallopian tubes.
| S.No | Fallopian Tube | Specification |
|---|---|---|
|
1
|
Definition of Fallopian Tube
|
A pair of tubes connecting the ovaries to the uterus is essential for fertilization and embryo transport. |
|
2
|
Function
|
Assists in egg transport, fertilization, and embryo movement to the uterus. |
|
3
|
Role in Pregnancy
|
1. Hold the egg after ovulation.
2. Site of fertilization.
3. Moves the fertilized egg to the uterus.
|
|
4
|
Anatomy & Parts
|
1. Infundibulum – Funnels egg into the tube.
2. Ampulla – Main channel where fertilization occurs.
3. Isthmus – Connects the ampulla to the uterus.
4. Intramural Portion – Opens into the uterus. |
|
5
|
Size
|
4-5 inches long, 0.2-0.6 inches in diameter.
|
|
6
|
Composition
|
1. Mucous Membrane – Secretes fluid, and maintains ideal environment for fertilization.
2. Muscular Layers – Contracts to move egg, sperm, or embryo. |
Signs and Symptoms of Blocked Fallopian Tubes
You can identify your blocked fallopian tubes if you experience the below signs and symptoms. If you feel any one of the signs, try to consult your physician to resolve the issue as soon as possible.
Problems in Conceiving
Couples who have been trying for pregnancy for over a year without positive outcomes then blocked fallopian tubes could be one of the reasons.
Pelvic Pain
Blockage in the fallopian tube may also be identified if you feel severe pain in your lower belly, especially during your periods or sex.
Serious Menstrual cramps
Severe cramps in the menstrual cycle are linked to conditions like endometriosis or infections and have chances to block the tubes.
Discomfort During Sex
Sometimes, your intercourse will be painful (dyspareunia). It may be a sign of a blocked tube or another pelvic issue.
Weird Discharge
The foul-smelling or strange vaginal discharge might indicate an infection that could also cause blockages.
Common Causes of Blocked Fallopian Tubes
Several reasons for having blocked fallopian tubes are as follows:
1. Tubal or Ectopic Pregnancy: This is different from natural implantation, in which the embryo is wrongly implanted inside the fallopian tube instead of the uterine lining. In this serious condition, immediate surgery is required to save the life of the mother.
2. Endometriosis: Similar to the tissues of the uterine lining, a tissue that grows outside the uterus may cause blocks in tubes to disrupt the passage for sperm and egg to meet is called endometriosis.
3. Cancer in Fallopian Tubes: Some serious ovarian cancers may begin to grow in the fallopian tubes, where prognosis may not be helpful. Because they are identified only at the early stages.
4. Fibroids Growths in the tubes also have the potential to obstruct the fallopian tube and cause infertility.
5. Hydrosalpinx: In this condition, fluids can accumulate in the passage of tubes and cause blocks to meet sperm and egg.
6. Paratubal cysts: These are fluid-filled sacs that are typically benign and located close to the tubes and ovaries. They usually don’t need any treatment to cure. They can go on their own.
7. Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases: Some sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhoea and chlamydia may cause inflammation and infections in women’s reproductive tract, which results in infertility for women.
Diagnosis of Blockages in Fallopian Tube
The common tests and check-ups that help to identify the blockages or damages in your fallopian tube are as follows:
1. Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
It is an X-ray dye test which shows the blocks in fallopian tubes easily.
2. Hysteroscopy
A thin lighted instrument hysterscope is used to insert into the uterus to identify the blocks in fallopian tubes.
3. Saline-infusion sonography (Sonohysterogram)
This ultrasound procedure produces an image of the uterus, while it is filled with saline to show whether the fallopian tubes are blocked or not.
4. Hysterosalpingo contrast sonography (HyCoSy)
This process produces an image of your fallopian tubes while they are filled with a solution that contains air bubbles or foam to picture any blocks or damages in the fallopian tubes.
5. Laparoscopy
Through a small cut, your physician will insert a laparoscope with a small camera to see the issues in your abdomen or pelvis.
Treatment
Doctors may need to remove or repair your fallopian tubes if they are damaged or blocked.
1. Salpingectomy
Removes one or both tubes if they’re severely damaged.
2. Salpingo-oophorectomy
Removes both the tubes and ovaries when necessary.
3. Salpingostomy
Opens a blocked tube or removes an ectopic pregnancy.
4. Tubal Reconstructive Surgery
Repairs tubes or reverses a tubal ligation (if previously tied).
5. Tubal Ligation
A permanent birth control method where tubes are cut or blocked to prevent pregnancy.
Fertility After Treating Blocked Fallopian Tubes
Age, tube length, scarring, and other fertility concerns all affect a woman’s chances of becoming pregnant following treatment for blocked fallopian tubes. The range of success rates is 10% to 80%.
Rather than having extensive scarring, women who have blockages close to the uterus are more likely to become pregnant. Success rates are also better for patients whose fallopian tubes are at least 7.5 cm in length following surgery. Women over 35, however, may have reduced fertility and require IUI or IVF.
IVF for Blocked Fallopian Tubes
IVF transfers a fertilized embryo straight into the uterus, helping women whose tubes have been obstructed or removed. Even though you have blocked tubes, you have a chance of a positive pregnancy outcome.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you have any damage or blocks in your fallopian tube, then the risk of infertility may increase. It must be resolved by taking proper treatment or surgery to enhance your fertility chances. IVF can also be done for patients who have blocked fallopian tubes.
Discuss with your fertility experts to resolve the issue and begin your fertility journey.
