What Is a Fallopian Tube?

Fallopian tubes are a part of female reproductive system. They connect the ovaries and the uterus. Fertilisation takes place in fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes have an important role of transporting the egg from the ovary into the uterus
If a fallopian tube is blocked, the egg (ovum) released from the ovary is not able to pass the tube and reach the uterus, the sperm and the ova are unable to get in contact with each other resulting in no fertilisation and thus leading to infertility

 

Symptoms of Blocked Fallopian Tubes 

Majority of the females with Blocked fallopian tubes don’t experience any symptoms. Many women are unaware of blocked tubes till the time they try to get pregnant and have difficulty in conceiving
Few Common Symptoms :-
1. Pain in lower abdomen either on one side or both sides: due to formation oh hydrosalpinx
2. Fever, chills- in case the hydrosalpinx gets infected leading to formation of pyosalpix, pus filled tube
3. Irregular Periods
4. Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Complications

• Ectopic Pregnancy- Due to the damaged status of the tube, If an embryo forms, there is a very high chance that it might get implanted in tubes leading to Ectopic Pregnancy
• Infertility 

When to Consult Your Gynaecologist ?

If you have been diagnosed with blocked fallopian tubes or are suffering from any of the above mentioned complicxations or symptoms, consult your Gynaecologist, Book an Appointment

Causes of Blocked Fallopian Tubes
Common Cause

• Chronic Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. This Disease Can Cause Scarring of the Healthy Tubal Tissue and Leads to Formation of Hydrosalpinx
• Endometriosis- Functional Motility of The Tubes is Affected.The Tubes May Be Patent But are Non Functional
• Certain Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Can Cause Scarring of The Fallopian Tubes 
• Past ectopic pregnancy. This can Scar the Fallopian Tubes
• Past abdominal surgery. Past Fallopian Tube Surgery or Burst Appendix can Lead to Pelvic Adhesions That Can Block The Tubes

Diagnosing a Blocked Fallopian Tube

Hysterosalpingography (HSG) - This is a Type of X RAY to Look for Tubal Patency
Laparoscopy and Chromopertubation :- GOLD STANDARD

Treating Blocked Fallopian Tubes

Laparoscopy- It is used to diagnose as well as correct any tubal blockage that is present. It helps restoring the tubo ovarian relations
Hysteroscopy - Hysteroscopic tubal cannulation is used for proximal cornual tubal blockage 
IVF- There are times when the tubal damage is to such an extent that is not amenable to surgical correction. In such cases ivf offers a great advantage