Understanding Blocked Fallopian Tubes: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Each month, during ovulation, an ovary releases an egg which is then caught by the fallopian tube. The egg travels down the tube where it may encounter sperm. If fertilisation occurs, the resulting embryo continues its journey through the tube to the uterus.

Essentially, the fallopian tubes serve as the meeting point for sperm and egg, enabling fertilization to take place.

Why are healthy fallopian tubes important?

Given their role in enabling sperm and egg to meet, it becomes clear how vital healthy fallopian tubes are for natural conception. Fertilisation generally happens within the fallopian tubes, so any blockage or damage may prevent pregnancy from occurring naturally.

This is also why tubal ligation procedures, which intentionally block the fallopian tubes, serve as a form of permanent birth control.

For natural conception to occur, the fallopian tubes must be open, structurally intact, and capable of movement. Any impairment can significantly affect fertility.

Common problems affecting the fallopian tubes

While blockages are commonly mentioned, there are numerous issues that can compromise fallopian tube function.

Tubes may be obstructed for a variety of reasons, including injury or swelling. Structural abnormalities can hinder the tube’s mobility and its ability to transport the egg or embryo.

A healthy fallopian tube must be free to move and unencumbered by scar tissue or other obstructions. The finger-like fimbriae at the end of the tubes play a vital role in egg collection during ovulation. Because there is no direct link between the ovaries and fallopian tubes, fimbriae guide the egg into the tube using peritoneal fluid.

Adhesions, or internal scar tissue, are a frequent culprit in restricting the movement of fallopian tubes. These adhesions can bind the tubes, reducing their ability to function properly.

In some cases, tubes may become blocked due to sterilisation procedures aimed at preventing pregnancy. Other times, debris, tissue, or even an embryo may cause a physical obstruction. A fertilised egg that fails to travel to the uterus and instead implants in the tube results in an ectopic pregnancy, a dangerous condition that may require surgical intervention.

Another condition, known as hydrosalpinx, involves a swollen or fluid-filled tube, typically caused by infection or inflammation from conditions like endometriosis, past surgeries, or pelvic infections. This distension of the tube impairs function and reduces fertility potential.

Many patients ask whether antibiotics can resolve tubal infections. While antibiotics may clear the infection, they do not reverse damage already inflicted on the fallopian tubes.

Inside the fallopian tubes are cilia, tiny hair-like structures that assist in moving the egg or embryo along the tube. If these cilia are harmed by infection or trauma, their loss can impair egg transport, leading to infertility or ectopic pregnancy. Damaged cilia do not regenerate and can cause internal scarring within the tube.

What causes fallopian tube damage?

Several factors can contribute to fallopian tube damage due to their delicate structure:

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia and gonorrhea are a leading cause. Many women may not exhibit symptoms, yet the infections can silently damage the tubes until treated.
• Endometriosis, where uterine tissue grows outside the uterus, can cause inflammation and scar tissue that affects the tubes.
• Infections from ruptured organs like the appendix, or from bowel issues and peritonitis, may also impact the tubes.
• Surgical interventions, including those to remove cysts or fibroids, can result in adhesions or scarring.

Treating blocked or damaged fallopian tubes

Fortunately, there are a number of highly effective treatments for blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, most notably fallopian tube surgery and In Vitro Fertilisation or IVF, a highly effective fertility treatment that was originally created especially for women with blocked or damaged fallopian tubes.

The first step toward addressing blocked or impaired fallopian tubes is seeking professional fertility guidance. At Cape Fertility, we offer comprehensive care and effective treatment options tailored to individual needs.

Your next step is simply to contact us by clicking here…

At Cape Fertility, we value each individual patient and we look forward to providing you with individualised and personalised care, affordable quality fertility treatment, and higher success rates at our purpose-built premises in the beautiful city of Cape Town.