What Are Blocked Tubes?
When talking about fertility, blocked tubes refers to a condition where the fallopian tubes are blocked.
Blocked fallopian tubes are a common cause of infertility. Some women may experience tubal blockage on one or both fallopian tubes, while others may experience partial blockage. There are many causes of blocked fallopian tubes which includes surgery, including c-section, injury, previous miscarriage or abortion, pelvic inflammatory disease, hydrosalpinx, and some sexually transmitted infections.
For a pregnancy to happen, the semen must travel to the ovaries to fertilize an egg. The fertilized egg is then transported from the ovaries to the uterus where it is implanted. Blocked fallopian tubes, therefore, will prevent any part of this process from happening, dramatically decreasing the success rate of pregnancy to happen as it increases the risks for developing ectopic pregnancy.
Who Should Undergo Treatment For Blocked Tubes?
Women who experience any symptom of blocked fallopian tubes, including irregularities in menstrual cycles, should have themselves screened for blocked tubes. Women who have tried to conceive but consistently failed over the years should definitely get themselves checked for blocked fallopian tubes and seek treatment if found to be necessary. Women who have received tubal occlusion but who changed their minds or decide to conceive again should seek treatment for blocked fallopian tubes too.
What To Expect When Treating Blocked Tubes:
Treating with fertility drugs alone will not significantly improve your chances of conceiving when your fallopian tubes remain blocked.
Below are just some of the things that you can expect when you decide to treat blocked fallopian tubes:
Your physician will have you undergo a series of tests to help confirm the presence of any blockage. Reproductive organs other than the uterus and fallopian tubes may also be inspected.
Depending on your test results, your physician will prescribe a course of treatment and, in some cases, surgery.
When the probability of pregnancy remains low after treatment or surgery, in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be recommended.
