Blocked Tubes: How IVF can help?
Fallopian tubes are two very fine tubes on either side of the uterus through which mature egg & sperms travel.
Fallopian Tube Blockage: Any obstruction in tubes which prevent egg from travelling down the uterus & also prevents sperm from reaching the egg thus fertilization can’t take place. It can affect one or both tubes & is responsible for 40% cases of Female Infertility.
Symptoms:
• In most of the cases Blocked Fallopian Tube doesn’t produce any symptoms & is first diagnosed when patient finds difficulty in conceiving & undergoes investigation.
• Blocked Fallopian Tube due to infection known as Hydrosalpinx in which tube is swelled up by infected fluid can cause lower abdominal pain & abnormal vaginal discharge.
Causes of Fallopian Tube Blockage:
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs).
• Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases.
• Tuberculosis.
• History of surgery on Fallopian Tube.
• History of Ectopic pregnancy.
• Endometriosis & Adhesions.
How to diagnose Blocked Fallopian Tube?
HSG (Hysterosalpinography): It is specialized X- ray in which dye is injected pushed the cervix & X-rays of pelvic area are taken. If there is no blockage, dye will go through uterus, Fallopian Tube, ovaries & spill out into abdominal cavity. If Fallopian Tube are blocked there will be no spillage of dye.
Is HSG painful?
Mild to moderate cramping is explained is experienced by most of the patients. But if tubes are blocked dye can cause pressure which can lead to discomfort & pain.
Treatment of blocked Fallopian Tube:
• If tubes are blocked by small scarring, laparoscopy is recommended to check & open the tubes.
• If tubes are severely damaged/Hydrosalpinx:
• It is better to clip/ delink the tube.
• As the fluid in Hydrosalpinx is toxic to embryos & prevents pregnancy from occurring.
For patients with blocked Fallopian Tube, IVF is a boon with highest pregnancy rate as it is bypasses the tube. Hence, chances of getting pregnant are very high provided other factors like sperm, egg, and uterus are normal.
Thin Endometrium & its importance in Infertility
Blocked Tubes: How IVF can help?
Myths & Facts about IVF
Do’s & Don'ts after Embryo transfer
Recurrent miscarriage & IVF as treatment
Why it’s better to transfer Frozen Embryos (FET)?
