How Does Fallopian Tube Blockage Affect Female Fertility?
Experiencing parenthood is a dream of every couple. However, there are a lot of hindrances that stop them from embracing their little bundle of joy. Those known and unknown factors are represented as infertility by infertility and the best IVF specialist in India.
Several organs inside the human body play an important role in the reproductive system and process. One such is fallopian tubes which are a primary contributor to the process of pregnancy. These tubes are muscular, hollow ducts located between the uterus and ovaries.
During ovulation, fallopian tubes are responsible for carrying the ovum from the ovaries to the uterus. If fertilization happens in the fallopian tube, the egg will be implanted into the uterus.
However, if there are problems with the fallopian tube, it may have an adverse effect on the female’s fertility. One common condition is fallopian tube blockage, which happens for multiple reasons. So, let us explore how blocked fallopian tubes impact fertility, but before that, let us explore some common causes and symptoms of the same.
Fallopian Tube Blockage: Causes
Pelvic adhesions or scar tissue generally block the fallopian tubes. Of all the factors affecting it, some of them are mentioned below.
- The buildup of endometrial tissue in the fallopian tubes can lead to blockages. It can also result in adhesions outside several organs, ultimately blocking the fallopian tubes.
- Past ectopic pregnancy can leave a scar on the fallopian tubes.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease can lead to hydrosalpinx or scarring.
- STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) such as gonorrhea and chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease or scarring.
- Past abdominal surgery, especially on the fallopian tubes, can cause pelvic adhesions that can lead to fallopian tube blockage.
- A fibroid is an abnormal growth that compresses the fallopian tubes, ultimately blocking them.
Fallopian Tube Blockage: Symptoms
This condition generally does not accompany symptoms, and most of the time, women suffering from the same don’t feel anything unless they try to conceive or face some trouble.
In some situations, it can cause regular or mild pain on either side of the abdomen, often due to hydrosalpinx - a type of blockage wherein the fluid fills and expands the fallopian tubes.
One thing to note is that symptoms and their severity depend on the cause of the fallopian tube blockage.
How Does Fallopian Tube Blockage Affect Fertility?
There are several causes of infertility, and blocked fallopian tubes are one of the most common reasons. Since fertilization tends to occur in the fallopian tube, a blockage can prevent it.
If both tubes are completely blocked, it is almost impossible to conceive without treatment.
On the contrary, if the tubes are blocked partially, the chances of conceiving persist. But there is a high risk of ectopic pregnancy.
It is because the blockage makes it difficult for the fertilized egg to reach the uterus. In such cases, infertility specialist in India recommend appropriate fertility treatments like IVF and IUI.
Lastly, one blockage is not likely to affect female fertility since the egg will be able to travel through the opening. In such cases, professionals might recommend fertility medications to improve ovulation chances on the unblocked side.
Wrapping Up
Given their size, fallopian tubes are likely to be blocked or damaged, and several reasons or factors are contributing to the same. All of this has an adverse effect on female fertility, but they can be careful to prevent such infections, ultimately keeping the fallopian tubes healthy.
Comments