The most common cause of female infertility is tubal occlusion or blocked fallopian tubes. Fallopian tubes are crucial for the movement of ova from the ovaries to the womb. They are also the sites where fertilization occurs. When these tubes are dammed up, such sperm will not be able to reach the egg, resulting in unable to get pregnant. In this blog, we will get down to the details about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of the problem of blocked fallopian tubes, which affects reproduction as well.
Blocked fallopian tubes are often devoid of any clear symptoms. As a result, this makes it hard for women to understand the symptoms until it becomes problematic for them to conceive. In most cases, women are found to have a blockage in their fallopian tubes after one year of trying to get pregnant with no success. Yet, some signs include:
While these symptoms can suggest a malfunctioning of the fallopian tubes, it needs to be mentioned that many women suffering from blocked fallopian tubes remain asymptomatic and discover the condition only when asking for infertility treatment.
A medical condition or complication may be the reason why fallopian tubes are blocked. This may result in scarring or injury to other structures. A few of the common causes include:
All these conditions involve affecting the female reproductive system, including the fallopian tubes. This results in infertility or ectopic pregnancy in most cases.
In assisted reproductive technology, the fallopian tubes are of critical importance during natural conception. Their primary purpose is to carry the ovum from the ovary to the uterus and to assist in fertilization. If one or both of the fallopian tubes are blocked, it becomes nearly impossible for the ovum and sperm to get together.
It can be difficult to have a blocked fallopian tube diagnosed. Because tubes can open and close at different times, however, several diagnostic tests can help to diagnose a blockage in the fallopian tubes:
The management of obstructed fallopian tubes differs based on the severity of the blockage as well as its etiology. In such cases, surgical procedures may be done to clear the duct, particularly if the blockage is minor or due to fibrous tissues. Some of the widely used surgical methods include:
For the women access to whom conservation of the tubes is difficult, most of the time in vitro fertilization (IVF) is suggested.
In cases where surgery is unsuccessful or impossible, IVF offers another option for conceiving. This is because artificial reproductive technique completely bypasses the fallopian tubes. It is therefore an effective solution for women suffering from blockage or damage. During artificial reproductive technique, Eggs are retrieved from the ovaries. It is then fertilized with sperm in the laboratory. and placed directly into the uterus. However, the success of IVF depends on many factors. including the woman’s age, the quality of your partner’s sperm, and the overall health of the reproductive system.
Complications of Surgery
Though surgery to unblock fallopian tubes restores the ability to conceive, there are also risks involved, including:
Women should discuss with their physician and consider all the advantages and disadvantages involved before opting for the surgical intervention.
Conclusion
Infertility in women is commonly associated with blocked fallopian tubes. However, in most cases, this problem is not identified until it is very difficult to conceive. Typical symptoms are not, however, always prominent. It is worth noting that pelvic infection, surgery, endometriosis, etc., can serve as risk factors for possible blockage of the fallopian tubes. Diagnostic examinations such as the HSG and endoscopy can reveal those symptoms. Treatment can be surgical or non-surgical, like in vitro fertilization.
Those looking for treatment for problems related to infertility caused by blocked fallopian tubes have various options. And indeed, after an appropriate treatment regimen, many individuals can get pregnant. Discuss with your fertility specialist the best approach based on your health records and reproductive aspirations.
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