Blocked fallopian tubes are amongst one of the most common sources of female infertility. Thousands of women are eager to be mothers, and blocked fallopian tubes can hinder natural conception. However, there are alternatives to ability of women with blocked fallopian tubes to become pregnant. Reproductive medical science has developed to the length that IVF for women with blocked fallopian tubes is a viable and effective assisted fertility option.
In Vitro Fertilization eliminates the need for open fallopian tubes and allows fertilization to occur in a selective laboratory and then transfer the embryo to the uterus. This method has a multitude of success stories for couples who face tubal infertility.
What Are Blocked Fallopian Tubes?
Fallopian tubes are the two tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus. Furthermore, fallopian tubes also function to facilitate the transport of the ovulated egg to the uterus and are typically the site for fertilization.
If either one of the fallopian tubes becomes blocked, then the sperm is also unable to reach the egg, or the fertilized egg will not be able to safely reach the uterus.
Consequently, conceiving naturally becomes much harder.
Blocked tubes can be:
– Partially blocked
– Completely blocked
– Blocked closest to the uterus
– Blocked closest to the ovaries
– Hydrosalpinx (tubes filled with fluid)
Even if only one tube is blocked, infertility may still be an issue depending on the status of the other tube.
Common Causes of Blocked Fallopian Tubes
Existing conditions may alter the structure of fallopian tubes and block or damage them.
The most common causes are:
– Etiologies of (PID)
– Endometriosis
– Previous Abdominal or Pelvic surgeries
– (STI)
– (TB) of the reproductive system
– Scar tissue of infections
– Ectopic pregnancy
– Abnormal congenital structures
Until women begin to attempt to conceive, most of them remain asymptomatic.
Symptoms of Blocked Fallopian Tubes
Many times, there are no symptoms of blocked Fallopian tubes.
However, a few women may have:
– Difficulty to conceive
– Chronic pelvic pain
– Pain on menses
– Pain on intercourse
– Discomfort on lower abdomen
– Abnormal vaginal discharge
– Pain of hydrosalpinx
If the state of infertility has been longer than one year or if the woman is older than 35, the state of infertility has persisted for six months, a fertility evaluation is warranted.
How Are Blocked Fallopian Tubes Diagnosed?
Blocked Fallopian tubes may be evaluated by several methods of diagnosis employed by a fertility specialist.
Common exams may be:
Hysterosalpingography (HSG)
An X-ray with contrast of blocked tubes.
Sonohysterography (Saline Ultrasound)
A special ultrasound of the uterus and tubal patency.
Laparoscopy vs. Hysteroscopy
Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical option that allows direct visualisation of the reproductive organs. Hysteroscopy is most often used to view the uterine cavity, but can also be part of a fertility evaluation.
An accurate diagnosis is required to determine if an individual will undergo IVF or another surgical treatment.
Can You Get Pregnant Naturally with Blocked Fallopian Tubes?
This is a complicated question and is not always easy to answer.
The possibility of a natural pregnancy increases if:
– Only one tube is blocked
– The blocked tube is the not the healthy tube
– Ovulation occurs on the functional tube
– There is not a significant amount of pelvic scar tissue
If both fallopian tubes are blocked, naturally getting pregnant would not be possible, as there would be no way for the sperm to reach the egg. In this case, the most effective treatment option is IVF.
Why IVF Is Recommended for Women with Blocked Fallopian Tubes
One of the benefits of IVF for women with blocked fallopian tubes is that the tubes are completely bypassed.
When a pregnancy occurs naturally, the egg is fertilized in the fallopian tube. With IVF, the egg is retrieved, fertilized in the lab, and then the embryo is placed into the uterus. Since the fallopian tubes are not needed for IVF, a blockage of the fallopian tubes does not contraindicate a pregnancy with IVF.
Because of this, IVF is considered the gold standard treatment for women with bilateral tubal blockage.
Risks of IVF
Like all other medical treatments, a certain amount of risk is carried by IVF. Some of the risks are:
– Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
– Multiple pregnancies (when multiple embryos are transferred)
– Mild discomfort after the egg retrieval
– Bleeding
– Infection (rare)
– Emotional stress
– Financial burden
These risks can be minimized by working with a good fertility team.
IVF Success
Certain lifestyle changes can improve IVF outcomes.
Try the following:
– Lose weight if overweight
– Balanced and nutrient rich diet
– Moderate exercise
– Quit smoking
– No excess alcohol
– Less caffeine
– 7-8 hours of sleep
– Meditation, yoga, or counselling to help stress
– Take prenatal vitamins that are prescribed and contain folic acid
– Follow all directions from the fertility specialist and team
Practising these habits may enhance the outcomes of treatment as they promote reproductive health.
Is Surgery Better Than IVF?
In some situations, tubal surgery could help achieve pregnancy if the blockage is minor.
Surgery, however, may not be the best option when:
– Both tubes are significantly damaged.
– Hydrosalpinx is present.
– There is significant pelvic adhesion.
– The woman is older than 35 years.
– There are other infertility causes.
In the case of severe tubal pathology, IVF is often the best option, as it provides better outcomes in a timely manner than surgery.
A fertility specialist will assess and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Emotional Support During IVF
The process of undergoing infertility treatment can be very taxing, both mentally and emotionally. Hope, anxiety, excitement, disappointment, and many other feelings are experienced during the treatment.
Some of the best options available to support and manage emotional health are:
– Infertility support groups.
– Fertility counselling.
– Open communication with your partner.
– Mindfulness.
– Education regarding medical treatment.
During IVF, emotional support is essential.
When Should You See a Fertility Specialist?
You should see a fertility specialist if:
– You have been trying to conceive for 1 year without success.
– You have been trying to conceive for 6 months and are over 35.
– You have had pelvic inflammatory disease.
– You have had pelvic surgery.
– You have endometriosis.
– You have had an HSG and it showed blocked fallopian tubes.
– You have had an ectopic pregnancy.
Identifying the right treatment strategy early on can minimize the time it takes to achieve pregnancy.
Conclusion
Currently, there are no longer ways to build your family due to blocked fallopian tubes. For women with blocked fallopian tubes, Advanced reproductive technology has made IVF one of the most successful and accessible fertility options available. IVF provides women the opportunity to conceive when they are unable to do so naturally as it bypasses the damaged fallopian tubes.
Blocked fallopian tubes can make conception nearly impossible. Expert fertility care can help make your dreams of parenthood a reality.
