How Does Blockage Of The Fallopian Tubes Cause Female Infertility?
Tubal factor is found to cause infertility in about 10% of the female patients
Tubal factor infertility is a condition in which a woman’s fallopian tube becomes blocked, preventing the egg and sperm from fertilising. The blocked fallopian tube prevents sperm and, in many cases, embryos from reaching the uterus in time for pregnancy. On both sides of the uterus, the uterus is connected to the fallopian tube. The blockage can sometimes be minor, allowing sperm but not embryos to reach the uterus. However, there are many patients in whom the tube is patent, as determined by tubal patency tests, but the tubes are not functional. Non-functional patent tubes are difficult to diagnose. This can be seen during a laparoscopy. Tuberculosis, pelvic infections, previous pelvic and abdominal surgeries are risk factors.
One of the main causes for tubal factor infertility is infections, which can occur through sexually transmitted diseases. Other factors such as endometriosis where there is tissue growth outside the uterus or any previous surgery that a woman undergoes can also lead to tubal factor infertility. Pelvic inflammatory diseases where the female reproductive organs are infected also tend to damage the fallopian tubes. Ironically in endometriosis, the tubes are patent in almost all cases but they are not functional due to altered tubo-ovarian relationships. History of termination of unwanted pregnancies and untrained dais are also evolving as a big factors.
Treatment For Tubal Block In Infertility
Tubal factor infertility can be treated in two ways: surgically or through in vitro fertilisation (IVF). If the fallopian tubes are not severely damaged, surgery can be performed. The condition can be overcome post-surgery, which can aid in later conception. However, if the tubes are severely damaged, doctors will recommend IVF to help women conceive naturally.
“Most women who are diagnosed for tubal factor infertility come to us after they reach a critical stage. This necessitates IVF treatment. However, each case is unique, and recommendations for surgery or IVF are based on the patient’s age, the number of years of infertility, the severity of the damage, and the location of the block. However, IVF is a boon for tubal factor infertility because there is some treatment that can bypass the tubes and allow for conception.” The doctor went on to say.
Tubal infertility can be avoided by treating pelvic infections properly, avoiding mid-trimester induced abortions, not terminating pregnancies under the guidance of quacks, and performing laparoscopic and timely abdominal and pelvic surgeries such as appendectomies. A healthy diet boosts immunity, lowering the risk of tuberculosis. Keeping a regular check on one’s reproductive health is essential for avoiding larger complications caused by tubal factor infertility. Seeking medical attention as soon as possible will help to keep fertility issues at bay.
