Blocked fallopian tubes are a relatively common condition. As many as 1 in 10 women of reproductive age have at least one fallopian tube that is blocked. This condition is more common in certain ethnic and racial populations, including Latinas, African-Americans and Asian-Americans.
Furthermore, women who have undergone surgery (such as an ectopic pregnancy, surgical tubal sterilization or abdominal surgery) are also more likely to have a blocked fallopian tube. In some cases, a blocked tube may not cause any signs or symptoms, so a woman may not be aware that her fallopian tubes are blocked until she attempts to become pregnant and experiences fertility issues.
Is fallopian tube blockage common?
Fallopian tube blockage is a common cause of infertility in women. It is estimated to be the cause of infertility in approximately 35% of cases. While the condition is quite common, it is not always the underlying cause of infertility, as many other factors can contribute.
These other causes may include ovulatory disorders, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Treatment for a blocked fallopian tube can vary, but can include things such as laparoscopic surgery, hysteroscopic surgery, or in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Because the cause of infertility in women can be multi-factorial, it is important to consult a doctor and undergo appropriate testing to diagnose and determine the best possible treatment option.
What is the most common cause of tube blockage?
The most common cause of tube blockage is the build-up of buildup of fat, calcium, and other substances that can harden and accumulate in the walls of the tubes, leading to blockage. This is commonly referred to as calculus or “furring” of the tubes.
The accumulation of these substances is usually caused by chronic inflammation and infection, which can result in thickening of the walls and decreased drainage. Additionally, diets high in fatty foods, trans fats, and cholesterol can contribute to blocked tubes as these substances can accumulate in the walls of the tubes, blocking drainage.
In some cases, the presence of tumors, strictures, and foreign bodies can also cause obstruction of the tubes.
What causes a woman fallopian tube to be blocked?
A woman’s fallopian tube can become blocked due to a variety of factors, such as infection, inflammation, endometriosis, or scar tissue. Infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or even fungi can cause the fallopian tubes to become blocked, and inflammation can cause the tube to become swollen, thus blocking the path of the egg.
Endometriosis is an overgrowth of uterine tissue outside the uterus that can cause a blockage in the fallopian tubes. Scar tissue formation can also block the fallopian tube, and any interruption from its usual muscle contractions can create a blockage.
In rare instances, tumors or a malformation of the fallopian tubes can cause a blockage. When a woman experiences any of the symptoms of fallopian tube blockage, such as pain in the abdomen or pelvis, irregular menstrual periods, or difficulty becoming pregnant, it is important to see a doctor for a diagnosis.
What are the signs of blocked fallopian tube?
The signs of blocked fallopian tubes depend largely on the cause and severity of the blockage. Generally, blocked fallopian tubes may cause pain in the lower abdomen or around the time of the menstrual cycle.
Other signs and symptoms may include difficulty becoming pregnant, unusual menstrual bleeding, such as prolonged or heavy periods, pelvic pain, or pain during intercourse. In addition, some women who have blocked fallopian tubes may have an ectopic pregnancy, which can cause pain in the lower abdomen.
In some cases, there may not be any signs or symptoms of blocked fallopian tubes, so diagnosis of a blockage usually involves a physical exam and imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or hysterosalpingography.
Treatment for blocked fallopian tubes typically involves surgery to open up the blockage.
Can you still have a period with blocked fallopian tubes?
Yes, it is possible to have a period with blocked fallopian tubes. Blocked fallopian tubes can occur as a result of pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, a history of abdominal surgery, or ectopic pregnancy.
However, if the fallopian tubes are completely blocked, the eggs will not be able to travel down the tubes and reach the uterus, which in turn means that ovulation won’t occur. This can lead to irregularities in your menstrual cycle or even an absence of periods.
The absence of a period is known as amenorrhea and is not considered a cause for concern as it is not a health concern. Nevertheless, blocked fallopian tubes can be addressed with medications or a surgery to unblock them.
This will enable a woman to once again experience regular menstrual cycles and ovulation, and therefore a period.
Where does egg go if fallopian tube is blocked?
If a fallopian tube is blocked, an egg is unable to travel through it and into the uterus. This is known as an ectopic pregnancy, and it can have serious consequences. If an egg does become stuck in a blocked fallopian tube, it will not be able to survive for long and can cause the affected tube to burst.
This can put the woman at risk for life threatening complications, including heavy blood loss and organ failure. Medical assistance should be sought immediately if a woman experiences any pain, bleeding, or other signs of a possible ectopic pregnancy.
Treatment typically involves medications or surgery to remove the egg, blockage, or damaged parts of the fallopian tube.
Can HSG unblock tubes?
Yes, HSG (hysterosalpingogram) can unblock tubes, depending on the reason for the blockage. During the HSG procedure, a contrast solution is inserted through the cervix and into the uterus, which will then flow through the fallopian tubes.
The radiologist can then evaluate the flow of the contrast solution, helping to determine whether the tubes are blocked or not. If a blockage is discovered, further procedures may be recommended to address and unblock the tubes.
These procedures can include laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, and chromopertubation. Laparoscopy and hysteroscopy are out-patient surgeries that require local or general anesthesia and involve placing a small camera through the abdomen to access the fallopian tubes.
Chromopertubation is another procedure which involves the introduction of a dye into the tubes to determine the degree of blockage. Ultimately, the type of procedure necessary to unblock the tubes will be determined by the individual and their physician based on the severity and cause of the blockage.
How many types of tubal blockage are there?
There are two main types of tubal blockage: proximal and distal.
Proximal tubal blockage occurs at the fallopian tube opening near the uterus. This type of tubal blockage is usually caused by infections, pelvic adhesions, endometriosis, prior surgeries, or prior sterilization procedures.
Common symptoms associated with proximal tubal blockage include infertility, pelvic pain, and abnormal bleeding.
Distal tubal blockage occurs further down the fallopian tube, usually from scarring caused by prior infections such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Symptoms associated with distal tubal blockage include infertility, pain, and a history of PID.
In rare cases, a tubal blockage is caused by a combination of both proximal and distal blockage. This is known as combined tubal occlusion and is caused by the narrowing or hardening of both the proximal and distal parts of the fallopian tube.
Symptoms associated with this type of tubal blockage include infertility, recurrent miscarriage, and pelvic pain.
How common is tubal occlusion?
Tubal occlusion is generally a fairly rare occurrence. It is estimated that tubal occlusion affects roughly 1-2% of all couples trying to conceive. However, this percentage is higher (about 4-6%) for individuals who are trying to conceive naturally and do not have access to fertility treatments.
Tubal occlusion can be caused by several things, including post-surgical adhesion, endometriosis, and pelvic inflammatory disease. The condition can make it difficult or impossible for an egg to reach the uterus and make pregnancy impossible.
The diagnosis and treatment for tubal occlusion involve a combination of medical histories and imaging tests, such as an HSG (hysterosalpingogram) or a laparoscopy. Treatment options for tubal occlusion range from drugs and minimally invasive surgeries to more complex fertility treatments such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
Can blocked tubes be unblocked naturally?
Yes, blocked tubes can be unblocked naturally. This is typically done by supplementing the body with specific natural remedies, nutrition, herbs and vitamins. Track your cycle so you have an understanding of patterns, reach or maintain a healthy weight, exercise moderately to increase blood flow, reduce stress with relaxation techniques, avoid extreme diets, get adequate sleep and try to reduce environmental toxins.
Additionally, supplements such as corn silk, green tea, omega-3 fatty acids, coenzyme Q10, zinc and N-acetyl cysteine can all help with unblocking tubes naturally.
What are the chances of getting pregnant if one fallopian tube is blocked?
The chances of getting pregnant if one fallopian tube is blocked vary depending on the degree of occlusion. If only a small portion is blocked, the chances of conception are about 70-80%. If the tube is blocked in both places or completely blocked, it may be impossible to conceive without assisted reproductive techniques such as IVF.
When a blockage occurs, the egg may not be able to get through the tube and is most likely to pass through the other tube. The egg may still have a chance to meet the sperm, but this is less likely than if the tubes were unobstructed.
Additionally, the sperm may have difficulty reaching the egg and getting past the blockage. If the egg and sperm are able to meet, the blocked tube increases the chance of an ectopic pregnancy.
In addition to an ectopic pregnancy, blocked tubes can affect fertility by preventing the egg and sperm from meeting, reducing the chance of fertilization. If fertilization does occur, the fertilized egg may have difficulty making its way to the uterus and implanting.
Overall, if one fallopian tube is blocked, there is still a chance of pregnancy, but the chances can be significantly lower than if the tubes were unobstructed. It is important for those with blocked tubes to speak with a doctor about their specific condition and receive proper testing and care.
How can I unblock my fallopian tube to get pregnant?
Unblocking a fallopian tube is possible, however the method of doing so depends on what is causing the blockage. Unblocking might involve a nonsurgical procedure such as flushing out a blockage, having a minor laparoscopic procedure to remove adhesions, or a more major surgical procedure such as a laparotomy.
In order to properly unblock a fallopian tube, it is important to diagnose the cause of the blockage. This should be done in consultation with a trained medical professional, who may suggest a combination of imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, or a laparoscopy inspection, or discuss other options.
When the cause of the blockage is determined, the medical professional will be able to discuss specific treatment options with you. Depending on the severity of the blockage and other factors, these may include a treatment such as lifestyle changes, medications to dissolve cysts, or the aforementioned flushing or surgery.
When the blockage is cleared and it is safe to do so, attempting to get pregnant becomes much more likely to work. Regular monitoring and follow up with a medical professional may be recommended to make sure the blockage does not occur again.
It is important to remember that, even if the fallopian tube blockage is successfully cleared, other factors may also play a role in determining a woman’s ability to become pregnant. A fertility specialist can provide personalized advice on the best approach to take in trying to conceive.