Blocked Tubes

Fallopian tubes are two thin muscular tubes of the female reproductive organ which connects the ovaries to the uterus. The fallopian tubes help the sperm to fertilize the egg and lead the fertilize egg back into the uterus for the implantation process.

Blocked Fallopian tubes can be a reason of infertility in about 20-30% of the infertile couples.

If a fallopian tube is blocked, the passage for sperm to get to the eggs, as well as the path back to the uterus for the fertilized egg, is blocked. If both the tubes are block then it is impossible to get pregnant naturally, but if the tubes are partially blocked then you can potentially get pregnant.

Causes of Tubal block:

1. Pelvic inflammatory disease can be previous infections which could be silent like Tuberculosis or Chlamydia.
2. Endometriosis: Endometrial tissue is built up in the tubes causing blockage
3. Past ectopic pregnancy: it may lead to scarring of tubes
4. Fibroids: They may block the tubes particularly where they attached to the uterus.
5. Past Abdominal surgery: Surgery especially on tubes may lead to adhesions and blockage. This is especially found after appendix surgery.

Hydrosalpinx

This is a condition where tubes are blocked are filled with toxic fluid. Not only does this environment in the tube not allow conception medically or chemically, this also interferes with IVF conception. The toxic fluid often trickles back to the endometrium not allowing embryos to divide and implant. These hydro salpinges must then be clipped or removed before IVF.

Diagnosis:

Female Tests – Tubal Tests

Treatment:

1. Laparoscopic surgery can be done to remove small scar tissue or adhesions
2. Medical treatment like Antitubercular Treatment and Pelvic inflammatory treatment may help.
3. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is the best option for women with blocked tubes if surgical or medical treatment is not possible.