What is Fallopian Tube Blockage?
Fallopian tube blockage is a tubal disorder which affects female fertility and is one of the causes of female infertility condition. This condition, when fallopian tube is blocked, is known as tubal blockage or tubal obstruction which restricts the union of male sperm and female egg, known as fertilization. If your fallopian tube is blocked, consult the best gynecologist in Delhi NCR (Gurgaon) for effective treatment.
How does fertilization occur?
Fertilization takes place in the widest part of the tube, ampulla. The egg moves from the ovaries to the fallopian tube during ovulation and the sperm travels from the vagina, through the cervix, into the uterus, towards the fallopian tube to meet and fertilize the egg.
In the female reproductive system, there are two fallopian tubes, measuring about 4-5 inches (10-12 cm), and two ovaries. The fallopian tubes extend from the upper corners of the uterus, one on the left side and one on the right side, tapering toward the ovaries. Fimbriae are finger-like projections, positioned at the end of each fallopian tube to guide the egg from the ovary into the tube after ovulation.
Once the egg reaches the ampulla region of the Fallopian tube, where it meets the sperm, fertilization occurs. However, if there are obstructions in either or both fallopian tubes, fertilization cannot occur, and this condition is referred to as female infertility due to fallopian tube blockage.
So, we can say that fallopian tube blockage means blocking the egg from reaching the ampulla or/and blocking sperm from reaching the ampulla region of the fallopian tube.
Both types of blockages can prevent successful fertilization and lead to infertility.
Is conception possible with one fallopian tubal blockage?
In the female reproductive system, there are two ovaries, and only one egg is released during ovulation, which can be from either the left or right ovary. The egg released passes through the respective fallopian tube for fertilization, but this process fails if there is an obstruction. If the tubal obstruction is in the left fallopian tube and the egg is produced in the left ovary, the egg will typically pass through the left fallopian tube. However, if the left tube is blocked, there is still a small chance that the egg might be captured by the right fallopian tube for fertilization, although it may be more difficult. If the egg is unable to reach an open tube, conception will not occur.
Challenges of One Tubal Blockage for Conception:
- Reduced fertility: Only one open tube is available for egg and sperm to meet, decreasing the chances of conception.
- Egg release timing: If the egg is released from the ovary on the side of the blocked tube, fertilization is difficult because the chance of the egg moving through the blocked tube is reduced.
- Increased risk of ectopic pregnancy: A blocked tube increases the risk of the egg being trapped in the tube if it is released from the opposite ovary, leading to an ectopic pregnancy.
- Longer time to conceive: With only one functioning tube, it may take more time for sperm to reach the egg, potentially leading to longer periods of trying to conceive.
If you have a blocked fallopian tube, consult the best gynecologist in Delhi NCR (Gurgaon) for early treatment to reduce the risk of infertility.
Diagnosis for Fallopian Tubal Blockage
Fallopian tube blockage can be confirmed by performing any of these diagnostic procedures:
- Hysterosalpingography: a common imaging diagnostic test used to check for fallopian tube blockage.
- Sonohysterography: an ultrasound procedure that uses saline to help identify blockages in the fallopian tubes.
- Laparoscopy: a surgical procedure that allows direct visualization of the fallopian tubes and can confirm blockages.
Symptoms of Fallopian Tube Blockage
It is difficult to identify the symptoms of fallopian tube blockage without diagnostic tests, as some women may experience symptoms, while others may have no noticeable symptoms. But here are some potential symptoms of fallopian tube blockage:
- Pelvic Pain
- Irregular Menstrual Cycles
- Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhea)
- Abnormal Vaginal Discharge
Laparoscopic Treatment for Blocked Fallopian Tube
The best treatment for clearing blocked fallopian tubes is through laparoscopic surgery.
It is a minimally invasive fallopian tube blockage operation, involving small cuts (incisions) in the abdomen with the help of a tiny, assisted camera (called a laparoscope).
Procedure:
- Preparation: anesthesia is administered, so they are asleep and pain-free during the procedure.
- Small Incisions: The laparoscopic surgeon makes small incisions, usually about 1-2 centimeters, near the belly button to insert the laparoscope and surgical tools.
- Visualizing the Fallopian Tubes: The laparoscope, which is a thin tube with a camera, allows the surgeon to inspect the abdomen and check the tubal blockages.
- Clearing the Blockage: If a blockage is found, the surgeon may remove or clear it using small tools. If there are scar tissues or adhesions, they can be gently removed as well. In some cases, a special procedure called tubal cannulation may be used to push through the blockage.
- Recovery: After the surgery, the incisions are closed, and the patient typically recovers quickly, with most people going home the same day or the next day.
Laparoscopic surgery is the best surgery for fallopian tube blockage for treating infertility in women and is preferred because it is less invasive than traditional surgery, meaning less pain, smaller scars, and a quicker recovery. It also increases the chances of natural pregnancy for women who have been struggling with tubal infertility.
Consult the best gynecologist in Delhi NCR (Gurgaon) for effective treatment for fallopian tube blockage for fertility.
