Why is my fallopian tube blocked

Micro-surgical repair is often less expensive than IVF, costing as much as half per delivery. Success rates are generally excellent for micro-surgical tubal reversal. The majority of blocked fallopian tubes are caused by pelvic infections. Most—but not all—of these infections are caused by a sexually transmitted infection. If the STI or pelvic infection is caught early enough, treating it may help prevent the development of scar tissue. However, most infections are not acute, and often do not result in any signs or symptoms.

The longer the infection is present, the higher the risk of scar tissue forming and creating inflamed or blocked tubes. Once an infection has been detected, quick antibiotic treatment is important. The antibiotics can only kill the bacteria. Any damage or scar tissue that has formed will not be helped by antibiotic treatment.

That said, treating the disease can help prevent further damage, and may make fertility treatment or later surgical repair more likely to succeed. Using condoms and getting regular STI testing especially if you engage in high-risk sexual behavior is recommended to prevent fallopian tube damage from STI.

When just one fallopian tube is blocked, getting pregnant on your own or with low-tech treatments may be a possibility. However, when both tubes are blocked, surgery or IVF treatment may be necessary. Talk to your doctor about all your options. If IVF or surgery isn't possible for you, you may consider adoption, foster care, or choosing to live a child-free life. Make sure you have emotional support as you navigate this situation.

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J Gynecol Endosc Surg. Occasionally, some women may complain of regular or constant pain in their pelvis or lower belly, which may get worse during and after their period. A vaginal discharge can also be associated with this condition. There are three ways to check if one or both of your tubes are blocked and if you have hydrosalpinx; one or more may be performed:. Hysterosalpingogram HSG x-ray The doctor will inject a special liquid that shows up on an x-ray into your uterus through your cervix neck of the womb and then take an x-ray called a hysterosalpingogram or HSG to see where the liquid goes.

If your fallopian tubes are open, the liquid will flow out of the ends of the tube into the pelvic cavity. If the tubes are blocked, the liquid will be trapped and your doctor will be able to tell that you have a hydrosalpinx. However, this test can sometimes falsely suggest that the tubes are blocked and sometimes results can be difficult to interpret.

Ultrasound Your doctor may be able to detect the presence of a hydrosalpinx on ultrasound. If your tube appears enlarged on ultrasound, this usually indicates a more severe hydrosalpinx.

Surgery laparoscopy Your doctor will make a small opening in your belly and insert a special telescope or laparoscope to look at your uterus and fallopian tubes. During this surgery, the doctor can look at your fallopian tubes to see if they are blocked.

When planning a pregnancy, it can be a good idea for a person to think about their medical history. This can include risk factors for blocked fallopian tubes, such as whether a woman has had surgery in this area of her body or a relevant infection. These considerations may help to diagnose a possible cause of infertility. The outlook for fertility is considered to be reasonably good if only one tube is affected or scarring is minimal.

If surgery to treat blocked fallopian tubes is not successful, IVF might be an option. A woman's eggs can be frozen for use in future pregnancies through IVF or for donation. This can be done for various reasons, including the need to…. PCOS is a disorder where small fluid-filled cysts form in the ovaries, leading to an imbalance in female sex hormones.

Symptoms can include…. Hydrosalpinx is the name for a condition where a woman's fallopian tube becomes blocked with fluid.

Learn about how it affects fertility. Infertility or a couple being unable to conceive a child can cause significant stress and unhappiness.

There are numerous reasons for both male and…. Medical or personal reasons may prompt women to consider fertility preservation. Find out what the options are and what research may bring in the…. Signs and symptoms of blocked fallopian tubes. Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M. Share on Pinterest Fallopian tubes connect the ovaries to the uterus and play an important role in fertility.

Effects on fertility. Share on Pinterest A blocked fallopian tube may make getting pregnant difficult. Treatment and surgery. Blocked fallopian tubes and pregnancy. Possible complications.