Learn About the Causes of Blocked Fallopian Tubes

The fallopian tubes typically come in pairs, just like the best things in life. Some people might only have one because of a biological abnormality or because they had one removed for a specific condition, but we'll get to that later.

These J-shaped tubes protrude from the uterus and enter the abdominal cavity close to where the ovaries are located. Your fallopian tubes are the reproductive tract's equivalent of the subway's underground tunnels. They move the ovum, the mature form of female receptive cells, from the ovary to the uterus. Each tube has a roughly half an inch diameter and is between ten and thirteen centimeters long.

Four components make up the fallopian tubes. The fimbria, which resembles odd little fingers, pick up the ovum from the ovary's surface. The infundibulum, which resembles a funnel, is joined to them. From there, continue moving until you come to the ampulla, the longest and widest part of the tubes, and the location where fertilization usually takes place. 

The fallopian tube's smooth muscle layer feeds the ovum nutrients as it aids in moving it toward the uterus, with a little assistance from sex hormones like estrogen. The egg enters the uterus and either falls out during menstruation or, if it is fertilized, is implanted there to begin the process of becoming a child.

Secretions produced by the fallopian tube's slick mucous membrane lining aid in preserving the sperm and egg during their perilous passage through the reproductive tract. Other nutrients, such as lactic acid, glucose, and bicarbonates, aid in the development of the fertilized egg and provide a favorable environment for fertilization to begin with.

Every cycle, an egg is released, and regardless of whether it is fertilized or not, it travels through a fallopian tube for about three to four days before reaching the uterus. 

Causes of Blocked Fallopian Tubes

The tube may become blocked if growth or scar tissues develop inside the tube or between the tube's end and an ovary. Numerous fallopian tube blockage treatment, such as the following, maybe the root of these obstructions:

1. Inflammation of the pelvis (PID) – A bacterial infection called PID affects the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Infection can result in inflammation, the growth of scars, and obstructions in the fallopian tubes if left untreated.
2. Endometriosis – Uterine tissue can grow where it shouldn't, like the fallopian tubes, due to endometriosis. These growths may cause scarring or obstruct blood flow.
3. Past ectopic pregnancy– Ectopic pregnancy, which occurs when a pregnancy develops outside the uterus, can scar the fallopian tube and obstruct it.
4. Fibroids: Particularly where they connect to the uterus, these growths have the potential to obstruct the fallopian tube.
5. Abdominal or pelvic surgery – Any prior procedure in the lower abdomen or pelvic region, like a procedure to remove ovarian cysts or uterine fibroids, carries the risk of producing scar tissue, which can result in tube blockage. An appendix burst brought on by appendicitis may leave scarring.

Treatment for a blocked fallopian tube

A blocked fallopian tube may be treated with medication, surgery, or assisted reproductive technologies, depending on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition.

Laparoscopic Surgery:

A small incision is made in the abdomen during this minimally invasive surgery to insert a laparoscope, a thin, lighted tube, to view the reproductive organs. With this procedure, a blocked fallopian tube can be identified, treated, and additional information regarding the issue can be obtained.

In vitro fertilization (IVF):

This type of assisted reproduction technology involves the removal of eggs from the ovaries and the laboratory fertilization of those eggs with sperm. After that, the fallopian tubes are not used and the resulting embryos are implanted in the uterus. If a woman wants to get pregnant but has a blocked fallopian tube, she can do this.

Tubal Ligation Reversal:

The tubes are rejoined during this surgical procedure to restore fertility. Women who want to get pregnant but have a blocked fallopian tube undergo this procedure.

It is vital to seek medical attention if you are experiencing any of the blocked fallopian tube symptoms in order to determine the best course of blocked fallopian tube surgery. A blocked fallopian tube does not have to be a permanent barrier to pregnancy with the right diagnosis and treatment.

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