Female infertility can be caused by several reasons such as ovarian cysts, pelvic infections, endometriosis, chronic medical illnesses, etc. One of the most common reasons behind female infertility is a blockage in her fallopian tubes. The fallopian tube is the passageway for the egg to enter the uterus. During ovulation, the egg is released from the ovary and picked up by the fimbriae, which look like fingers at the end of the fallopian tube. The egg then starts its 3-day journey to the uterus. It stays at the end of the tube for the first day, where it can be fertilized if it meets sperm that travelled up through the cervix, through the uterus, and out into the fallopian tube. The fertilized embryo begins dividing and travels in the fallopian tube to enter the uterus, where it will stay for another 3 days or so before implanting.
What causes Tubal Factor Infertility?
Infections, abdominal surgery, and diseases such as endometriosis can cause scarring between the end of the fallopian tube and ovary. Infections may be, but are not necessarily, sexually transmitted. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are two common sexually transmitted infections that can cause tubal infertility. Surgery can also damage your fallopian tubes.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) can also travel from the cervix through the uterus to the tubes, which can ultimately cause the delicate inner lining of the tubes to become permanently scarred. The opening of the tube next to the ovary may become partially or completely blocked; scar tissue will often form on the outside of the tubes and uterus.
.If the furthest end of the tube is blocked, then the tube cannot pick up an ovulated egg. This may also cause the tube to collect fluid and dilate, creating what is known as a hydrosalpinx. It is important to know if your blocked tubes created a hydrosalpinx because the fluid that collects inside can decrease your chance of successful pregnancy with IVF by about 50%.
SYMPTOMS OF FALLOPIAN BLOCKAGE:
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Abdominal pain
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Pelvic infections
- Painful sexual intercourse
Tests:
To detect the blockage, a test called hysterosalpingogram is performed. Hysterosalpingogram is commonly called as tubal test. The tubal test is performed with the aid of an X-Ray machine. This test is usually done by a radiologist or gynaecologist, and places dye through the cervix, into the uterus, and the dye passes out through the tubes. An x-ray is used to see whether the dye was able to travel out through the tubes, showing that they are open. If both fallopian tubes are damaged or blocked, the egg and sperm cannot find each other. This is called tubal factor infertility and is a mechanical barrier that prevents fertilization.
How is Tubal Factor Infertility Treated?
If your tubes are found to be blocked, scarred, or damaged, your treatment options include in vitro fertilization (IVF) or surgery.
In vitro fertilization (IVF): Blocked fallopian tubes prevent natural conception, but in vitro fertilization (IVF) can bypass the tubes. During IVF, the ovaries are stimulated to produce several eggs, which are then retrieved using a short procedure under anaesthesia. The eggs are then fertilized in the laboratory, and fertilized embryos are placed into the uterus through the cervix where they can implant and grow, so the fallopian tubes are bypassed altogether.
Surgery: If your tubes are not badly damaged, surgery might help you get pregnant naturally. Your chance of conceiving after surgery is better if you are young, having a minimal amount of scar tissue blocking the tubes, and if your male partner has healthy sperm. The biggest risk after tubal surgery is the possible development of an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is a serious health problem that is more likely to occur after tubal surgery or tubal disease. If you have had tubal surgery or tubal disease, you should tell your doctor as soon as you think you are pregnant or have missed your period.
If you are planning to get the procedure done, you should get it done by an experienced doctor, as the doctor’s expertise also determines the success of the procedure. To schedule, an appointment with a specialist at Aaradhya Fertility Centre call us on 8886592229 or visit https://bit.ly/3nHO7Ou
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