An Important Part Of Fertility
Fallopian tubes play an important role in pregnancy. During ovulation, the ovary will release one egg for fertilization. The egg will move down one of 2 muscular tubes called thefallopian tube. During this journey, a sperm will swim up the tube and fertilize the egg. The now fertilized egg will continue the journey to the uterus to continue the process. If the fallopian tubes are blocked, pregnancy becomes near impossible.
Could this be the cause of infertility?
About11.9% of womensuffer from infertility. This is the inability to get pregnant naturally, after 12 or more months of trying. Blocked fallopian tubes are a common reason for infertility. Between 19%-29% of infertile women have blocked tubes. As there are 2 tubes connected to the 2 ovaries, true infertility happens when both tubes are blocked. In other words, a woman may be able to get pregnant with 1 blocked tube.
Are there any symptoms of blocked tubes?
Most women with blocked fallopian tubes are unaware there is an issue, as there are no real symptoms. The true symptom of blocked fallopian tubes is infertility. In some cases, an infection of the tubes called hydrosalpinx causes abdominal pain and vaginal discharge. This is usually due to an infection. The tubes will have a buildup of a clear liquid that causes a vaginal discharge. Hydrosalpinx is a rare form of tubal blockage. In all other cases, symptoms are nonexistent. Other conditions could cause a blocked fallopian tube. Issues fibroids,endometriosis, or pelvic inflammatory disease can block the tubes and each has clear symptoms.
Checking for bumps in the road
There are a few ways a doctor can diagnose blocked fallopian tubes and infertility. A standard ultrasound can give an OB/GYN a view of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and any possible blockage. A laparoscopy can also help doctors determine infertility. This minimally invasive procedure uses a high-powered camera to locate blocks or damage to the fallopian tubes.
A little dye, a lot of information
Of all procedures,a hysterosalpingogramis the best way to check for tubal blockage without surgery. The doctor will use an X-ray to see the status of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. Then, the doctor will inject an iodine-based dye through the vagina. The liquid passes through the uterus and fallopian tubes, filling all the spaces. If the dye does not flow through the tubes, there may be an obstruction of some sort.
Get the right help today
Blocked fallopian tubes could be the source of infertility. Once the doctor confirms the condition, the doctor will do further tests to find the root cause. From there, the doctor can recommend treatment like surgery to remove blocks or create a new opening. If treatment is unsuccessful, there are other effective options. IVF, for instance, can bypass the need for fallopian tubes by performing fertilization outside of the body. Struggling to get pregnant? Then make sure to check with a doctor today.
