Blocked Fallopian Tubes Symptoms

Fallopian tubes are a part of the female reproductive system which join the ovaries to the uterus. They are 10-12 centimeters in length, and are present on the either sides of the uterus. Their main function is to transport the egg from the ovary to the uterus. Sometimes, due to specific reasons the fallopian tubes get obstructed which prevents the egg from traveling into the uterus.

Reasons for a Blocked Fallopian Tube
Salpingitis is the most prominent cause of blocked tubes. It is the infection or the inflammation of the fallopian tubes which causes them to swell. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or other types of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) can also cause fallopian tubes to get obstructed. The following are the other reasons:

• Adhesion due to previous surgery of fallopian tubes
• Surgery in pelvis
• Previous ectopic pregnancy
• History of uterine infection
• Appendicitis
• Endometriosis
• Peritonitis
• Tubal ligation procedures

Apart from these, Hydrosalpinx is one of the distinct type of disorder. Hydrosalpinx is caused when watery fluid or pus gets filled up in the fallopian tubes resulting in blockage. Sometimes, blockage may also occur if thw tubes get filled with blood.

Signs and Symptoms of Blocked Fallopian Tubes
Unfortunately, the symptoms are not very prominent and hence, are not easily identified. Some women do not experience any symptoms at all. Also, whatever vague symptoms are observed depend on the cause and vary according to it. If the blockage is caused due to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), the woman may experience pain during menstruation. Similarly, pain during sexual intercourse can be experienced if fallopian tubes are blocked due to infections. On the other hand, abdominal pain is a symptom of hydrosalpinx.

Blocked Tubes and Pregnancy
Among the different complications caused due to this condition, infertility is the most obvious one. As there is a blockage in the fallopian tubes, the egg cannot reach the uterus and hence, cannot be fertilized. Therefore, pregnancy in not possible in case of women if both the fallopian tubes are blocked. On the other hand, if only one of the tubes is blocked, there are still chances for the egg to reach the uterus through other fallopian tube. There are higher chances of ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage in case of partial blockage of the fallopian tubes. It can also cause irregular menstruation and pain during menstruation.

Treatment
X-ray and Hysterosalpingography are the procedures that help in diagnosing the blockage in fallopian tubes. Laparoscopic pregnancy is the most effective treatment used to remove the obstruction in the fallopian tubes and open them. On the other hand, if blockage is due to Hydrosalpinx, in vitro fertilization (IVF) can be adopted. Salpingectomy is yet another procedure which is used to remove a part or whole of the blocked tube, IVF can be done after salpingectomy. After completion of the surgery, antibiotics are prescribed by the doctor to avoid infections. Sometimes, more than one procedures or surgery may also be required for removal of the blockage completely.

In most of the cases, surgery helps in treating this condition. A woman should also remember that once the treatment is successful, she can have a normal and safe pregnancy for more than one time.