Understanding Tubal Factor Infertility
Medical advancements and general awareness have helped women understand their reproduction concerns. In fact, women recurrently schedule gynaecology visits to ascertain their fertility status. However, the issue of Blocked Fallopian Tubes in childbearing women is unceasingly swindling and currently counts for 41% of infertility cases.
41% of Female Infertility
Attributed to partial or total tubal blockage
Because fertilization naturally occurs inside the Fallopian tube, even minor blockages prevent sperm and egg interaction, making specialized diagnosis essential.
Clinical Video Guide on Blocked Fallopian Tubes
Fallopian Tube Anatomy: Site of Biological Fertilization
How Do we Describe Fallopian tubes?
Unfortunately, a self-examination can't help a woman ascertain the possibility of Fallopian tubes, unless in advanced stages. Naturally, a woman is made up of two thin tubes, each running from the ovary and is connected to each side of the uterus. These are referred to as Fallopian Tubes. Each tube guides mature eggs from the ovary to the uterus and scientifically, fertilization takes place at one end of the Fallopian tube.
So, What Are Damaged Fallopian Tubes?
Blocked or damaged Fallopian tubes are those that cease to function as they ought to. Depending on the cause of the blockage, a single tube may cease to function or both. Women with obstructions or defects in or within the tubes are commonly diagnosed with tubal factor infertility.
What's the Purpose of the Fallopian Tubes during Conception?
Healthy Fallopian tubes are vital for fertilization to occur which result in conception. Generally, an egg is released each month during the time of ovulation. Once the egg is released, it will travel from one ovary to the Fallopian tube where it meets the sperms. Once the egg and the sperms get into contact, fertilization will occur, after which the fertilized egg will slope down to the uterus for implantation.
In case one or both the Fallopian tubes are damaged, the egg is prevented from meeting the sperm and this will surely cause infertility. A woman may suffer from partial or complete tubal damage.
Do I Have Blocked Fallopian Tubes? – Possible Symptoms
Blocked Fallopian Tubes aren't basically associated with symptoms; however, a tubal defect known as hydrosalpinx may trigger unusual vaginal discharge or lower abdominal pain. Other symptoms may include;
- Painful Menstrual Periods
- Painful Intercourse
- Fever
NOTE: These symptoms may also get triggered by a different condition.
What causes a blockage in a Woman's Fallopian Tubes? Here are the Reasons
There are various conditions that can cause a blockage or damage to the Fallopian tubes and they include;
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
A PID is the commonest cause of tubal blockages. A PID can result from sexually transmitted diseases and a previous pelvic infection or a history of a PID itself. Sexually transmitted diseases include chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Other possible causes include:
Clinical Pathways Leading to Tubal Obstruction & Hydrosalpinx
How Are Tubal Damages Diagnosed?
Hysterosalpingography (HSG)
Blocked Fallopian tubes are normally diagnosed in a number of ways that include; Hysterosalpingogram, or HSG.
This is a unique X-ray where a dye is placed through the cervix with the help of a tiny tube. In case the dye goes through the uterus, then through the Fallopian tubes, then to the ovaries and lastly to the pelvic cavity, this means that the Fallopian tube (s) is normal. However, in case the dye fails to come out, it means that you have blocked Fallopian tubes.
Diagnostic Laparoscopy
Another procedure called laparoscopy is performed using methylene blue where it is mixed with sterile water and poured into your uterus and fallopian tubes to find the problem. The benefit of this procedure is that it can act as a diagnosing procedure or a treatment procedure.
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG): Contrast Dye Outlining Tubal Patency
Adhering to blocked Fallopian Tubes treatment
Infertility in women increases every now and then and one of its causes are blocked fallopian tubes. There are many procedures that may be done before the doctor examines your fallopian tubes. It is not all well with the woman who has been struggling to have a baby for almost five years but you know you have to try this out also.
It should be noted that a woman can never get pregnant when her fallopian tubes are blocked since the egg is hindered from meeting the sperms for fertilization or the fertilized egg cannot move to the uterus where the pregnancy is carried to terms.
Tubal Reanastomosis
Repairing the parts of your fallopian tubes that are damaged and joining the fine ends.
Laparoscopy
Minimally invasive operation where equipment is inserted through your abdominal lining.
Salpingectomy
Damaged or fluid-filled fallopian tubes (hydrosalpinx) are safely removed prior to IVF.
Fimbrioplasty
Done in cases where the fimbrial ends of the fallopian tubes are damaged or scarred.
59% Pregnancy Success Rate
Following surgical recanalization and IVF treatment protocols
After these surgeries, 59% of the women are able to conceive with just these procedures and also after going through IVF treatment. The chances of pregnancy also depend on the type of surgical procedure performed, the age and the cause of infertility but the chances are generally high since there is a total movement of the sperms and the eggs which increases fertilization chances.
The treatment at our IVF centre is administered by the surgeon for blocked fallopian tubes treatment in India who is experienced enough in this field. The surgical procedures are performed after the administering of anesthesia so that you feel no pain. We offer a lifetime opportunity for parenthood!