Dr. Aruna Ashok MBBS, MS OG, DNB OG
- Clinical Director
Aruna Ashok | 16 July 2023
Fallopian tubes play an essential role in the female reproductive system. They act as a connecting bridge between the ovaries and the uterus to help with menstruation and fertilization. During ovulation, the released egg from the ovaries is travelled through these fallopian tubes towards the uterus.
When it comes to fertilization, the tubes serve as the primary location for the egg to meet the sperm. Once fertilized, the embryo then travels down through the fallopian tubes to the uterus to get implanted.
If any one or both of the fallopian tubes are blocked, the chances of successful fertilization are highly minimized. This happens when the fallopian tubes are damaged or blocked, there would primarily be no other ways for the fertilized egg to get to the uterus. Similarly, there would also be no other way for the sperm to reach the eggs in the fallopian tubes. Hence, blocked fallopian tubes are the significant cause of interrupting with achieving successful fertilization and conception. In short, blocked fallopian tubes are indeed the crucial cause of female infertility.
Let’s scroll down to understand what causes blocked fallopian tubes, fallopian tube blockage symptoms, best treatment options and so on.
Blocked fallopian tubes are generally caused by a wide range of conditions, which may include endometriosis, pelvic adhesions and past abdominal surgeries. The fallopian tubes can also be blocked due to certain infections like gonorrhoea and chlamydia. These infections can primarily result in developing scarring and inflammation within the fallopian tubes. Furthermore, fibroids and past ectopic pregnancies can also contribute to the development of blockage in the fallopian tubes.
Pelvic inflammatory diseases are the kind of infection developed through intercourse. If the infection is left untreated, it may cause complications like hydrosalpinx and scarring in the reproductive organs of the woman, especially in the fallopian tubes. These complications may certainly disrupt the movement of sperm and eggs, which may interfere with the natural process of fertilization. Sometimes, it may also result in developing infertility or ectopic pregnancy.
Endometriosis is the uterine condition where the endometrial tissue is developed anywhere in the reproductive organs of the woman apart from the uterus. These tissues may also have the tendency to develop within the fallopian tubes. The condition may contribute to scar tissue formation, inflammation, and potentially hindering the tubes. This may result in pelvic pain, fertility issues, and other severe complications like ectopic pregnancy.
Fibroids are benign tumours formed in the uterus. These growths can potentially block the fallopian tubes, especially where they get attached to the uterus.
A past ectopic pregnancy can cause scarring and inflammation in the fallopian tubes, which can result in the hindrance of the tubes. This can potentially interfere with the natural conception process as the passage for the egg and sperm is blocked.
Like past ectopic pregnancy, past abdominal or pelvic surgeries, can also cause scarring and inflammation in the fallopian tubes. This can potentially result in causing adhesions as well as the hindrance of the tubal function.
Blocked fallopian tubes may usually not exhibit any symptoms. The only most common symptom is infertility. The condition may only be diagnosed as part of fertility treatment. However, the following are some of the rare, yet common symptoms of blocked fallopian tubes. They are:
Difficulty in conceiving is the primary symptom of blocked fallopian tubes. These tubes are the significant pathway for the fertilized eggs to travel to the uterus for implantation, and for the sperm to meet the egg in the tubes. The blockage in such a significant pathway may potentially prevent the natural conception from happening. Hence, the difficulty in conceiving can be a symptom of blocked fallopian tubes.
Pelvic or abdominal pain can be another symptom of blocked fallopian tubes. This is because of the inflammations, adhesions, or scar tissues that result from certain uterine conditions and other pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID). The pain may get stimulated, especially during intercourse or the menstrual period.
An irregular menstrual cycle can sometimes be a symptom of blocked fallopian tubes. This may happen because of the hindrance in the tubes, which prevents the eggs from reaching the uterus. This can potentially interrupt the regular menstrual cycle and ovulation process in women.
An ectopic pregnancy is a serious medical condition, which can be an effective symptom of blocked fallopian tubes. The condition may require immediate medical help to prevent serious complications. An ectopic pregnancy is nothing but the progressed gestation that takes place outside the uterus, most often within the fallopian tubes. This happens because there would be no significant pathway for the fertilized egg to reach the uterus for implantation. Hence, instead of being implanted within the uterus, the fertilized egg gets to implant within the fallopian tube.
Unusual vaginal discharge, especially if it is accompanied by a foul smell and abnormal in colour can be a symptom of blocked fallopian tubes. This happens because of the fluid buildup in the tubes that have resulted from infections or blockages.
According to a recent study, assisted reproductive techniques like IVF can be the best option for treating blocked fallopian tubes. However, if the condition is mild, surgeries like laparoscopy might be suggested by fertility experts.
Listed below are some of the treatment options explained in detail. They are:
Difficulty in conceiving is the primary symptom of blocked fallopian tubes. These tubes are the significant pathway for the fertilized eggs to travel to the uterus for implantation, and for the sperm to meet the egg in the tubes. The blockage in such a significant pathway may potentially prevent the natural conception from happening. Hence, the difficulty in conceiving can be a symptom of blocked fallopian tubes.
Even though medications do not have the ability to unblock the fallopian tubes, they do have the ability to treat underlying causes like infections. The fertility specialist may prescribe antibiotic medicines to reduce the swelling and clear the blockages caused by infections. Furthermore, fertility drugs may also be prescribed to induce the ovulation through open side of the fallopian tube. These possibilities may potentially aid in enhancing the chances of ovulation and successful fertilization even with a blockage.
An irregular menstrual cycle can sometimes be a symptom of blocked fallopian tubes. This may happen because of the hindrance in the tubes, which prevents the eggs from reaching the uterus. This can potentially interrupt the regular menstrual cycle and ovulation process in women.
Laparoscopic surgery is performed by the fertility expert to address issues like damaged or blocked fallopian tubes. Using the laparoscope, this minimally invasive procedure allows the fertility expert to directly visualize the reproductive organs. A laparoscope is an instrument developed in the form of a flexible, thin tube with a light at one of its ends. The laparoscope is inserted into the reproductive organs of the women by making small incisions in the abdomen. With the help of the instrument, fertility specialists may make necessary interventions like clearing blockages or re-joining healthy fallopian tube sections. The procedure may significantly help with increasing the chances of conception.
Tubal recanalization is the surgical procedure, which is carried out by the fertility expert to reverse the blockage in the fallopian tubes. The procedure is often recommended by the healthcare provider when blocked tubes are diagnosed as the cause of infertility. This may certainly enhance the chances of natural conception by clearing the pathway for eggs and sperm.
Salpingostomy is the procedure done to unblock the fallopian tubes, especially if the blockage is caused due to infections like hydrosalpinx. Hydrosalpinx is a medical condition where the fallopian tubes are blocked with clear fluids like water. In the fallopian tubes, particularly near the ovaries, the procedure is characterised to make a small opening. This small opening may potentially enhance to restore the sperm and egg from transporting.
While there is no scientific evidence to prove that certain natural remedies like vitamin C, turmeric, garlic, fertility massage, vaginal steaming and more can reduce inflammation, many claim to achieve successful conception through these remedies.
Even though blocked fallopian tubes are the common cause of female infertility, the condition can be effectively managed when it is diagnosed early. A4 Fertility Centre has the most experienced fertility specialists who can diagnose the cause of infertility most appropriately. You can visit the A4 Fertility Centre to explore the best treatment options for blocked fallopian tubes and start your journey towards achieving a healthy pregnancy.
1. Can I feel if my fallopian tubes are blocked?
The answer to the question is no. You typically won’t feel anything if your tubes are blocked. However, some claim to experience pain in the times of intercourse and menstruation.
2. How the blocked fallopian tubes are diagnosed?
Laparoscopy and hysterosalpingogram (HSG) are the common procedures suggested by healthcare providers to diagnose blocked fallopian tubes.
3. Are there any foods to treat blockage in the fallopian tubes?
There are no specific foods to treat blockage in the fallopian tubes. However, some claim that certain lifestyle modifications like reducing stress, moderate exercise, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and including vitamin-rich foods can help with unblocking the fallopian tubes.
4. Do I menstruate even with blocked fallopian tubes?
The answer to the question is yes. You can still menstruate even with blocked fallopian tubes as menstruation is certainly involved with shredding of the uterine lining. The key role of fallopian tubes is to carry the egg and sperm for fertilization. The blocked fallopian tubes do not have a direct negative impact on the menstrual cycle. However, they do contribute to developing irregular cycles.
5. What happens to the eggs if the fallopian tubes are blocked?
The eggs are released every month as a natural process of ovulation. These released eggs tend to pass through the fallopian tubes to the uterus for conception. If the passage is blocked, the eggs remain near the ovaries and are re-absorbed by the woman’s body eventually.
