Blocked fallopian tubes can cause infertility and ectopic pregnancies. Causes include scarring, endometriosis, and infections. Diagnosis involves tests such as ultrasounds and X-rays. Treatment options include surgery and in vitro fertilization.
Blocked fallopian tubes occur when there is a blockage in a woman’s reproductive system. A female has two fallopian tubes on either side of the uterus. These act as conduits to carry her eggs to the uterus from her ovaries. A patient may experience a blockage in one or both of their fallopian tubes.
This condition is a major cause of infertility. Specifically, it is called tubal factor infertility. If the egg is unable to travel through the fallopian tube due to a blockage, it cannot be fertilized and the woman will not be able to get pregnant. It may be possible to get pregnant if only one of the fallopian tubes is blocked, however, in these cases pregnancy is less likely to occur.
Sometimes, the blockage only partially blocks the pipes. Partial blockage can cause the egg to be fertilized outside the uterus and can instead implant or attach itself to the fallopian tube. This is called an ectopic pregnancy, and if it’s not caught early, the growing fetus can burst through other organs. These potentially life-threatening pregnancies are typically treated with surgery and do not result in the birth of a live baby.
Blocked fallopian tubes can also be clogged with fluid. This condition is called hydrosalpinx. In it, the tubes dilate, fill with fluid and block both the egg and the sperm, which prevents fertilization.
There are many potential causes of blocked fallopian tubes. It can be caused by pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) scarring. Or it could be due to endometriosis, in which the lining of the uterus extends its growth to the fallopian tubes and other places. Other causes and risk factors include surgery on the area, a ruptured appendix, and use of an intrauterine device, which can lead to infection. The condition can also be caused by uterine fibroids, STDs, and birth defects.
If a woman is having fertility issues or is experiencing vaginal discharge and abdominal pain, a doctor may run some tests to check for blocked fallopian tubes. These may include a pelvic exam, ultrasound and some blood tests. Often, a patient will undergo a minor procedure that involves injecting dye into the area. X-rays can then be taken to look for possible blockages.
After a diagnosis of blocked fallopian tubes, the patient should carefully consider treatment options with her physician. The specific course of treatment will depend on the cause and severity of the condition. Sometimes, surgery can help open blocked tubes and remove abnormal tissue. In other cases, the doctor may recommend that the patient consider in vitro fertilization (IVF). In this procedure, the egg is fertilized in a laboratory and the embryo is then placed in the woman’s uterus.
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