Fallopian tubal blockage in infertility

Fallopian tube blockage

its also known as tubal factor infertility, is a condition in which the fallopian tubes are blocked or partially blocked, preventing the egg and sperm from meeting. The fallopian tubes are the narrow, muscular tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus. They play a crucial role in the fertilization process by transporting the egg from the ovary to the uterus, where it can be fertilized by sperm.

There are several causes of fallopian tube blockage, including:

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): An infection of the reproductive organs that can cause scarring and blockage of the fallopian tubes.

• Endometriosis: A condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of it, which can lead to blockage of the fallopian tubes.

• Ectopic pregnancy: A pregnancy that occurs outside of the uterus, such as in the fallopian tube, which can cause damage and blockage of the tube.

• Previous surgery: Any surgery in the pelvic area such as tubal ligation, (sterilization) can cause damage or blockage of the fallopian tubes.

• Congenital anomalies: Some women may be born with malformed or blocked fallopian tubes.

Symptoms of fallopian tube blockage include:

• Pain in the pelvic area

• Irregular periods

• Infertility

Diagnosis of fallopian tube blockage can be done by:

• Hysterosalpingography (HSG): A test that uses x-ray and a special dye to view the fallopian tubes and uterus

• Laparoscopy: A surgical procedure in which a small camera is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen to view the fallopian tubes and other reproductive organs

• Saline-infusion sonography (SIS): A test that uses ultrasound and saline to view the fallopian tubes

Treatment options for fallopian tube blockage include:

• Surgery: Surgery can be done to remove the blockage, but it is not always possible or successful.

• In vitro fertilization (IVF): If the fallopian tubes are blocked, IVF is a procedure which fertilizes an egg outside the body and then transfers the fertilized egg to the uterus.

• Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): This procedure is used in combination with IVF, where a single sperm is injected directly into the egg.

It's important to note that even with treatment, the chances of conception may be low in case of complete tubal blockage, and it may not be possible to restore fertility completely.