What is fallopian tube obstruction?
Fallopian tube obstruction is a condition in which the fallopian tubes are blocked, preventing the egg and sperm from meeting. The blockage can happen anywhere along the length of the fallopian tube, or it can be caused by scarring or adhesions.
Fallopian tube obstruction can be caused by pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), endometriosis, previous surgeries, ectopic pregnancy, or tubal ligation.
How can fallopian tube obstruction cause infertility
Fallopian tube obstruction is a common cause of infertility in women. It occurs when either the fallopian tube becomes blocked due to an infection, a cyst, an anatomical abnormality, or a buildup of adhesions.
The blockage often prevents the egg from travelling down the tube and being fertilised by the sperm, thus leading to infertility.
In some cases, the blockage can be reversed with the help of medications, surgery, or a minimally invasive procedure such as tubal cannulation.
In other cases, it may not be possible to restore fertility, and the couple may have to think about other options, such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
It is important to discuss with your health practitioner if you are unable to get pregnant and rule out fallopian tube obstruction
Common causes of fallopian tube obstruction
The most common causes of fallopian tube obstruction are scar tissue, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and previous pelvic surgery.
In some cases, the blockage is caused by a birth defect in the fallopian tubes or a foreign body, like an intrauterine device. In some rare cases, an ovarian tumour or a tumour near the fallopian tube may cause an obstruction as well.
Symptoms of fallopian tube obstruction
Blocked fallopian tubes can cause mild pain on one side of the abdomen and make it hard to get pregnant.
Other symptoms may include pelvic pain and heavy periods, which are often indicative of endometriosis, a condition that can lead to tubal blockage. In some cases, a doctor may be able to diagnose a blockage through a physical exam, but the diagnosis of the underlying condition may require further testing.
Diagnosis
Fallopian tube obstruction is typically diagnosed using imaging techniques, such as an ultrasound or an X-ray.
A doctor may also recommend a hysterosalpingogram (HSG), which is a special X-ray exam that uses a special dye to better visualise the interior of the fallopian tubes.
In some cases, a laparoscopy may be necessary to diagnose an obstruction, as this will allow the doctor to get a direct look inside the fallopian tubes.
Treatment
Blockages in the fallopian tubes are a common cause of infertility. Depending on the cause, there are different ways to treat it.
It may be possible to have surgery to fix tubes that have been damaged by an ectopic pregnancy or an infection, but it may not always be necessary.
Blockages in the fallopian tubes are often treated with in vitro fertilisation (IVF), and surrogate carriers are also available.
If the tubes are found to be blocked, scarred, or damaged, in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or surgery may be recommended.
Fallopian tube obstruction and pregnancy
It is possible to get pregnant after treatment for fallopian tube obstruction. However, there is no guarantee that a successful treatment will lead to a successful pregnancy.
It is important to consult a doctor before deciding to undergo a procedure to treat a fallopian tube obstruction. Depending on the severity of the obstruction, different treatments may be recommended.
For instance, if the obstruction is caused by an infection, antibiotics might be prescribed. If the obstruction is caused by scar tissue, a laparoscopy might be necessary to remove the obstruction. In some cases, a complete blockage of the tubes or even a hysterectomy may be recommended if the blockage is very bad.
It is important to understand that even after successful treatment, there is still a chance of complications that could prevent a successful pregnancy, such as an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage. Your doctor will be able to discuss all the risks associated with any treatment.
If you are finding it difficult to get pregnant, then request an appointment at Apollo Fertility/Cradle in Kolkata and call 1860-500-1066 to book an appointment.
Fallopian tube obstruction is a condition in which the fallopian tubes become blocked, preventing a woman’s egg from travelling from the ovaries to the uterus. This can occur due to infection, injury, or structural issues in the fallopian tubes.
The symptoms of a fallopian tube obstruction can vary depending on the severity of the obstruction and the underlying cause. Common symptoms may include abdominal pain, irregular menstrual cycles, pain during sexual intercourse, and pelvic inflammatory disease.
An infection (like chlamydia or gonorrhoea), pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, previous surgeries, or ectopic pregnancies can block the fallopian tubes.
Usually, a doctor will perform a physical exam and ask about the patient’s medical history. The doctor may also order imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or a laparoscopy, to determine the severity of the obstruction.
Treatment for fallopian tube obstruction usually depends on the severity and underlying cause. If the cause of the obstruction is an infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. If the cause is a structural problem, like scar tissue, the blockage may need to be removed through surgery. In some cases, assisted reproductive technology, such as in-vitro fertilisation, can be used to bypass the obstruction.
