What are the Symptoms and Causes of Blocked Fallopian Tubes?

Blocked fallopian tubes are a significant concern in women’s reproductive health, often linked with female infertility. This condition can hinder the natural process of conception, leading to frustration and disappointment for those hoping to conceive. Addressing this issue is crucial for individuals seeking to expand their families and fulfil their dreams of becoming a mother.

In this blog, we discuss the complexities surrounding blocked fallopian tubes, shedding light on potential remedies and empowering individuals on their path to parenthood.

What are Blocked Fallopian Tubes?

The fallopian tubes are slender tubes connecting the ovaries to the uterus in females. These vital structures facilitate the passage of eggs from the ovaries to the uterus, where fertilization typically occurs. When these tubes become blocked, often due to inflammation, scarring, or other factors, it can hinder the egg’s journey, leading to infertility. Blocked fallopian tubes can significantly impede conception and may require medical intervention for fertility restoration.

Signs of Fallopian Tube Blockage

The following are some common symptoms of fallopian tube blockage:

1. Menstrual Irregularities: Changes in menstrual cycle regularity, such as heavier or lighter periods, irregular cycles, or spotting between periods could be a sign of fallopian tube blockage. 
2. Pelvic Pain: Persistent or intermittent pelvic pain, often localized to one side, is common due to pressure build-up behind the blocked tube. The blockage impedes the smooth passage of fluid and eggs through the fallopian tubes, causing pressure to build up in the affected area. This pressure can lead to discomfort ranging from dull aches to sharp, stabbing pains, particularly during certain movements or positions.
   
3. Pain during Intercourse: Discomfort during sexual intercourse may result from pressure on the blocked tube or surrounding tissues. The pressure exerted during intercourse can exacerbate the discomfort caused by the blockage, leading to pain or discomfort, especially with deep penetration. This symptom of fallopian tube blockage can significantly impact sexual intimacy and quality of life.
   
4. Difficulty getting Pregnant: Female infertility or trouble conceiving arises because the egg cannot travel through the blocked tube to reach the uterus for fertilization.
   
5. Unexplained Fever: Infections due to blockage may lead to fever, chills, and general malaise as the body fights off the infection. Blockages in the fallopian tubes can create stagnant pools of fluid, providing a breeding ground for bacteria. In some cases, these bacteria can cause infections such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), resulting in symptoms such as fever, chills, and fatigue as the body mounts an immune response to the infection.
   
6. Unilateral Swelling: Swelling or tenderness on one side of the abdomen or pelvis is indicative of a blockage in the corresponding fallopian tube. The presence of a blockage can cause fluid accumulation and inflammation in the affected fallopian tube, leading to localized swelling and tenderness. This swelling may be noticeable upon palpation or visual examination and is often unilateral, affecting only one side of the abdomen or pelvis.

What Causes Fallopian Tube Blockage

The following are some common causes of blocked fallopian tubes:

1. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): PID is often caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as Chlamydia or Gonorrhoea. These infections can lead to inflammation and scarring of the Fallopian tubes, resulting in blockages.
2. Endometriosis: Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, including on or near the fallopian tubes. This can cause adhesions and blockages, hindering the movement of eggs through the tubes.
   
3. Previous Pelvic Surgery: Surgeries such as cesarean sections, abdominal surgeries, or surgeries to treat conditions like Endometriosis or Fibroids can cause scar tissue to form, potentially leading to blockages in the Fallopian tubes.
   
4. Uterine Fibroids: Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that can develop in the uterus. Depending on their size and location, Fibroids can press against or block the fallopian tubes, interfering with the passage of eggs.
   
5. Ectopic Pregnancy: In some cases, an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy that implants outside the uterus, often in a fallopian tube) can cause scarring or damage to the tube, leading to blockages.
   
6. Adhesions: Adhesions are bands of scar tissue that can form between pelvic organs, including the Fallopian tubes, as a result of previous infections, surgeries, or conditions like Endometriosis. These adhesions can obstruct the Fallopian tubes, preventing the passage of eggs.
   
7. Congenital Anomalies: Rarely, Fallopian tube blockages can be present from birth due to structural abnormalities in the tubes.
   
8. Tubal Ligation: Tubal ligation, also known as “having your tubes tied,” is a surgical procedure used for permanent birth control. While effective at preventing pregnancy, it can also be one of the causes of blocked Fallopian tubes.

Types of Fallopian Tube Blockage

There are different types of Fallopian tube blockages, each with its specific characteristics and causes. Here are the main types:

1. Distal Tubal Occlusion: This type of blockage occurs at the far end of the Fallopian tube, at the fimbriae,which are finger-like projections at the end of the fallopian tube near the ovary.These blockages can be caused by conditions such as endometriosis or adhesions from previous surgeries.
2. Proximal Tubal Occlusion: Proximal tubal occlusion refers to blockages closer to the uterus and is often caused by infections, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which can lead to scarring and closure of the tube’s opening
   
3. Hydrosalpinx: Hydrosalpinx occurs when a Fallopian tube becomes blocked and filled with fluid, leading to swelling and distention of the tube. It can result from infections, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or previous surgeries. Hydrosalpinx can negatively impact fertility and increase the risk of complications during fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).
   
4. Cornual Blockage: Cornual blockage occurs when the Fallopian tube is blocked at its junction with the uterus, known as the cornua. This type of blockage can be caused by scarring or adhesions from previous surgeries, infections, or conditions like endometriosis.
   
5. Unilateral vs. Bilateral Blockage: Blockages can affect one Fallopian tube (unilateral) or both tubes (bilateral). Unilateral blockage may still allow for conception through the unaffected tube, while bilateral blockage can significantly impair fertility and may require assisted reproductive techniques for conception.

Blocked Fallopian Tube Treatment

Understanding the type of Fallopian tube blockage is crucial for determining appropriate treatment options and optimizing fertility outcomes. Diagnostic tests such as hysterosalpingography (HSG), Laparoscopy, or Hysteroscopy may be used to evaluate the extent and location of the blockage before proceeding with treatment for blocked fallopian tubes.

IVF- A Solution for Blocked Fallopian Tubes

IVF treatment  provides a viable option for individuals with blocked fallopian tubes to achieve pregnancy by circumventing the natural fertilization process. In IVF, the fertilization process occurs outside the body in a laboratory setting. Eggs are retrieved directly from the ovaries using a minimally invasive procedure called follicular aspiration. Sperms are then combined with the eggs in a culture dish, allowing fertilization to occur without the need for the fallopian tubes. These embryos are subsequently directly implanted into the uterus.

Plan B Fertility offers state-of-the-art IVF treatments in Hyderabad. If you have blocked Fallopian tubes and want to have a baby, we can help.