Fallopian tubes make up a crucial part of the female reproductive system. From connecting the ovaries and the uterus to the conception, a lot of the female reproductive functions happen in the fallopian tube.
Following successful ovulation, the released egg travels down the fallopian tube, where it might later fertilize with sperm and is then implanted into the uterus.
When the fallopian tube is blocked, the normal progression of these steps is hampered, leading to fertility complications in the patient. Several factors can contribute to blocked fallopian tubes. This article will explore more on that subject and how one can conceive despite the blockage.
In this Article
What are the Symptoms of a Blocked Fallopian Tube?
Most women with blocked fallopian tubes don’t experience distinguishing symptoms, at least not in the earlier stages. Also, the fallopian tube blockage symptoms are very subjective.
However, since blocked fallopian tubes might prevent the standard procedure of fertilizing the egg and sperm for pregnancy, most women don’t get a diagnosis until they try to get pregnant.
In a severe case, when fallopian tubes are blocked with fluid and pus inside, the same can exert symptoms like a dull and throbbing pain on the side of the abdomen. This condition is called Hydrosalpinx. Lack of treatment can lead to infections in the site of the blockage, leading to further complications down the road.
Additionally, patients with a blocked fallopian tube due to chronic conditions like endometriosis experience the subjective symptoms related to the condition. This can include severe cramping during periods, heavy flow, discomfort, etc.
What Causes Blocked Fallopian Tubes?
Two trigger factors contribute to the risk of blocked fallopian tubes – scar tissue and pelvic adhesions.
These two factors are often a consequence of other underlying conditions. Some of the prevalent blocked fallopian tubes causes include:
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Endometriosis
- Sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia and gonorrhea
- History of ectopic pregnancy
- Fibroids in the fallopian tubes
- History of abdominal surgery
Underlying chronic diseases and complications that contribute to the blockage might be hard or impossible to prevent. However, manageable triggers like STIs can be prevented by practicing safe sex.
Do Blocked Fallopian Tubes Cause Infertility?
The blockage of fallopian tubes is a leading cause of infertility in women. Since the fertilization of the sperm and egg happens in the fallopian tube, a potent blockage in the area can prevent that from happening successfully.
This is one of the reasons why most women don’t realize they have blocked fallopian tubes until they are actively trying to conceive a baby.
In some cases, partial blockage in the tubes can result in a successful pregnancy. However, women with both the tubes are blocked might need to undergo assistive treatment for a successful conception.
Several women with blockages in the fallopian tubes are at higher risk of ectopic pregnancy. It is a condition where the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. This eventually leads to a miscarriage.
Doctors often suggest alternative methods like Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or In-vitro fertilization (IVF) as a treatment for the condition.
How to Conceive with Blocked Fallopian Tubes?
It is true that active blockages in the fallopian tubes can drastically impact a woman’s fertility. However, does that mean the woman can’t get pregnant altogether?
The answer is no. It is a common misconception that women with blocked fallopian tubes can’t conceive a biological child.
Medicine has progressed and improved over the years. Even if there are complications with a natural conception, several assistive techniques can enable individuals with blocked fallopian tubes to get pregnant successfully.
Here’s what the experts suggest:
Pay attention to the symptoms
Fallopian tubes function integrally for a successful conception. So, any blockages in one or both tubes can lead to complications related to the conception.
Although most women don’t experience any visible symptoms, some patients might. Look out for symptoms like abdominal cramping, discomfort, or even pain around the side of the pelvis.
If you are experiencing symptoms related to the irregular menstrual cycle, don’t take them for granted. Instead, consult a specialist to get a comprehensive understanding of what’s wrong.
Get checked by a doctor
If you suspect complications related to the fallopian tube blockage, discuss the same with your doctor. They will prescribe the related tests to find out the issue. A comprehensive imaging test allows the doctor to assess the degree of the blockage.
Proper testing also gives a better rundown of whether the blockage is partial (affecting one tube) or is persistent in both the tubes.
Discuss treatment plants
Patients with partially blocked fallopian tubes are often encouraged to try conceiving naturally if pregnancy is the end goal. However, your doctor will also assess the causes of the blockage. Depending on the cause, a suitable treatment plan is suggested to prevent further progression and manage any prevalent symptoms.
If the blockages are caused by a lot of scar tissue deposition or pelvic adhesion, your doctor might suggest removing those adhesions surgically.
Also, if the blockage is confined to a part of the fallopian tube, your doctor might excise that affected part and ligate the healthy parts to ensure the normal functioning of the tubes.
Discuss alternative treatments
For patients with completely blocked fallopian tubes, conceiving naturally is not an option. In such cases, your doctor will refer you to a fertility specialist to discuss further plans.
This can include assistive reproductive treatments like ICSI and IVF to bypass the complications. Discussing all the viable options is necessary for a healthy and successful pregnancy.
FAQs
How do fallopian tubes get unblocked?
Surgical interventions are the most effective in entirely curing a blockage in the fallopian tubes. In this, the surgeon will excise the affected or blocked part and then rejoin the healthy parts of the tubes.
Can you ovulate with blocked fallopian tubes?
Blockage in the fallopian tubes doesn’t have any direct correlation with ovulation. So, there shouldn’t be an issue with ovulating unless the patient is suffering from additional reproductive complications like PCOS, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, etc.
Can I conceive if my fallopian tubes are blocked?
Women can get pregnant with partial fallopian tube blockage. This is when one of the tubes is blocked. Complete blockage requires assistive treatment or other medical interventions.
Conclusion
Blocked fallopian tubes are a leading contributor to infertility in women. However, we highly recommend that you see a doctor to assess the progression of the condition, the degree of the blockage, and what can be done to bypass the complication for a safe and healthy pregnancy.
