Causes of Infertility- Part one

Fallopian Tubes Blockage: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Blocked Fallopian Tubes

The fallopian tubes are two thin tubes which carry mature egg from ovaries to uterus. They are of utmost importance in fertilization process. Fertilization happens as eggs travels via fallopian tubes to  the uterus. So when Fallopian Tubes are blocked, eggs/ova cannot find their way to the uterus while sperm cells no matter how motile or capacitated, are also blocked from reaching them so fertilization of the eggs fails fertilization and eventually pregnancy becomes far from reality. Blocking of fallopian tubes is one of the major causes of infertility among women and accounts for 40% cases of infertility.

Causes of Blocked Fallopian Tubes

1.Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
2.Endometriosis
3. Appendicitis
4. Prior abdominal surgery
5. Prior Ectopic Pregnancy6.Peritonitis7. Any prior surgery or  physical assault to Fallopian Tubes8. History of Abortion/miscarriage or uterine infection9. History of Sexually Transmitted Infections

Symptoms of Tubal Blockage

Below are some notable symptoms of fallopian tube blockage:

1.        Dysmenorhea-Painful Periods

2.        Lower Abdominal Pain

3.       Dyspareunia and dysuria-coital pain and painful urination respectively

4.       Pathologic Vaginal Discharge

Treatments for Blocked Tubes

To effectively deal with any form of infertility, the cause must be revealed and the underlying condition must first be removed.

1) Curative antibiotic treatment of any existing PID and sexually transmitted infections

2) Single Tubal Blockage –due to relatively uncomplicated nature, Single Tubal Blockage is not really difficult to solve because it involve less complex mechanism.  Drugs can be still be useful to induce ovulation at the second tube which is not blocked.

3) Both Tubes Blockage – Fertility drugs are not adequate when both tubes are blocked. In this case, Laparoscopic technique is the most direct option . This surgery involves either clearing the blockage or cutting out tissue causing obstruction.The chance of success of laparoscopy is higher in younger women.

4) In Vitro Fertilization – IVF is the most efficacious treatment for Blocked Fallopian Tubes and often the last resort for patients who wants to overcome infertility of any origin and get pregnant. More information on IVF and IVF centers?