Fallopian Tube Blockages, Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Descriptions

What are fallopian tube blockages?

Fallopian tube blockages are a common cause of female infertility. They occur when scar tissue or other obstructions prevent an egg from traveling from the ovary to the uterus, or prevent a fertilized egg from traveling from the fallopian tube to the uterus.

Causes of fallopian tube blockages:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): PID is an infection of the female reproductive organs. It can be caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, or by other bacteria. PID can cause scarring in the fallopian tubes, which can lead to blockages.
• Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus. This tissue can sometimes grow in the fallopian tubes and cause blockages.
• Ectopic pregnancy: An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy that occurs outside of the uterus. If an ectopic pregnancy occurs in a fallopian tube, it can rupture the tube and cause scarring.
• Tubal ligation: Tubal ligation is a surgical procedure to prevent pregnancy. It involves blocking or cutting the fallopian tubes.
• Fibroids: Fibroids are noncancerous growths that can develop in the uterus. If a fibroid grows in the fallopian tube, it can cause a blockage.
• Surgery: Surgery in the abdomen or pelvis can sometimes damage the fallopian tubes and cause blockages.

Symptoms of fallopian tube blockages:

Most women with blocked fallopian tubes do not have any symptoms. However, some women may experience:

• Pelvic pain.
• Painful periods.
• Pain during intercourse.
• Abnormal vaginal discharge.
• Infertility.

Diagnosis of fallopian tube blockages:

If you are having difficulty getting pregnant, your doctor may perform a number of tests to check for blocked fallopian tubes, including:

• Hysterosalpingogram (HSG): An HSG is a procedure in which dye is injected into the uterus and fallopian tubes and then x-rays are taken. This can help to identify blockages in the fallopian tubes.
• Laparoscopy: A laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgery in which a small camera is inserted into the abdomen to look for blockages in the fallopian tubes and other reproductive organs.