Infertility and Blocked Fallopian Tubes
Written by Blueheronclinic.com
Blocked Fallopian Tubes
The Fallopian tubes can be described as two narrow tube like structures with one on each side of the Uterus. These structures help to guide the mature egg from the ovaries to the Uterus during ovulation.
If there is an obstruction preventing the mature egg from moving freely along the fallopian tube this may be classified as a blockage of blocked fallopian tube which may occur on one or both sides of the body. Another term for this problem is tubal factor infertility which is the cause of infertility in up to 40% of women.
How Blocked Fallopian Tubes Cause Infertility
Each month, when ovulation occurs, an egg is released from one of the ovaries. The egg travels from the ovary, through the tubes, and into the uterus. The sperm also need to swim their way from the cervix, through the uterus, and through the fallopian tubes to get the egg. Fertilization usually takes place while the egg is traveling through the tube.
When ovulation occurs each month, a mature egg is released from the woman's ovary. This egg will attempt to migrate to the Uterus via the fallopian tubes where implantation in the wall of the Uterus will occur. Fertilization usually occurs during the egg's journey through the fallopian tube.
Problem's occur if one or both fallopian tubes are blocked preventing the sperm from fertilizing the egg and/or obstructing the eggs journey to the Uterus preventing conception and pregnancy.
It's also possible for the tube not to be blocked totally, but only partially. This can increase the risk of a tubal pregnancy, or ectopic pregnancy
Note: It may also be possible for a partial blockage to occur which may increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy, or tubal pregnancy.
Blocked Tube: What is a Hydrosalpinx?
This is a specific type of blocked fallopian tube, a hydrosalpinx is when a tubal blockage causes the tube to increase in diameter (dilate) and fill with fluids. This increase in fluid may obstruct movement of the egg and sperm, preventing fertilization and conception.
Successful Pregnancy with Blocked Fallopian Tubes
It may still be possible to become pregnant If only one fallopian tube is blocked, while the other remains clear,. This depends on the efficiency of ovarian function, and the medical issues responsible for the initial blocked fallopian tube.
Symptoms of Blocked Fallopian Tubes
Unlike anovulation (irregular menstruation) where symptoms such as late periods may point to a problem, blocked fallopian tubes by themselves rarely cause noticable symptoms with the exception of a specific kind of blocked fallopian tube, referred to as a hydrosalpinx - this may result in lower abcominal paiin or vaginal discharge in some but not all women.
Treatment for Blocked Fallopian Tubes
For women who have one open fallopian tube, and are otherwise healthy, pregnancy may be possible without excessive medical intervention. Your doctor fertility specialist may perscribe fertility drugs to increase the chances of ovulation with the unblocked fallopian tube.
Note: This fertility treatment is not an possible if both tubes are blocked.
In many cases, laparoscopic surgery can clear blocked tubes or remove scar tissue which may be causing the blockage. Unfortunately, this treatment may not be successful for everyone. The chance of success may depend on the age of the patient, the severity of the blockage and the location of the blockage.
If there are relatively few adhesions between the ovaries and fallopian tubes the chances of conception after surgery are much higher than if there are multiple, thick adhesions and scarring present between the fallopian tubes and ovaries.
Note: If there are any male infertility issues such as with sperm volume or morphology IVF treatment is may be a better option.
Alway consult your doctor or fertility specialist on the best fertility treatment option for your condition and make sure your partner is tested for sperm health if you have been trying to get pregnant unsuccessfully for more than 9 months as male infertiltiy issues contributes to at least 40% of infertility issues for couples.
The Blue Heron Clinic provides safe and effective fertiltiy treatment support using Traditional Chinese Medicine
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Acupuncture treatment may be helpful in fallopian tube blockage when Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis is applied to find and treat the root cause of the problem. In Chinese Medicine a fallopian tube blockage can be caused by several factors:
- Liver Chi Stagnation - When the body's Chi or Vital Energy is not flowing smoothly this can cause localised issues as seen in the case of fallopian tube blockage.
- Kidney Deficiency - According to TCM the Kidneys govern reproductive function and store the Essence (sperm, folicles, eggs). When there are issues with Kidney Chi this can often lead to difficulty in getting pregnant.
- Damp Heat - Damp Heat is an excessive accumilation of Dampness combined with Heat affecting the Lower Jiao (Lower Torso) of the body. In cases of fallopian tube blockage due to Damp Heat there may be accompanying symptoms such as pain and yellow vaginal discharge or burning urination.
- Blood Stasis - A severe form of Chi Stagnation, Blood Stasis is almost always results in pain in the affected area and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as abdominal masses.
Your Acupuncturist (after a thorough diagnosis) would choose an appropriate acupuncture point perscription to treat the blocked fallopian tubes. Treatment frequency and durationn may vary depending on the underlying cause and the overall health and constitution of the patient.