Infertility related to blocked fallopian tubes
- On 04/11/2025
Definition: what are the fallopian tubes?
The woman has two fallopian tubes, located on either side of the uterus. They allow the egg released by the ovary to travel to the uterus, once it has been fertilized by a sperm. The fertilized egg will move toward the uterine cavity and nest a week after fertilization. The fallopian tubes therefore have the main role of passing the egg into the uterus. If fertilization generally occurs in the fallopian tubes, they can be affected by more or less serious infections and become blocked.
Cliquez sur ce lien pour votre tisane contre les trompes bouchées
What are the causes of a blocked fallopian tube?
We distinguish three main causes of tubal obstruction:
► Genital infections: in the majority of cases, a tube is blocked following a genital infection that has led to salpingitis (infection of the tube). "Most of the time, these infections are related to a sexually transmitted disease like chlamydia or gonorrhea." The infection can also be related to the IUD present in the uterine cavity, which becomes infected and infects the tubes.
► Endometriosis: pieces of uterine lining can block the fallopian tubes, preventing sperm from reaching the egg and thus making fertilization impossible.
► Adhesions: the fallopian tubes may have been infected following surgery in the abdomen, for example, appendicitis that was complicated by peritonitis.
► Previous ectopic pregnancy A pregnancy that has occurred in a fallopian tube can weaken or block it after treatment.
►Pelvic surgical interventions: Some abdominal or pelvic surgeries can lead to scarring or adhesions around the fallopian tubes.
What are the symptoms?
Most of the time, tubal obstruction does not cause any symptoms. It is often discovered incidentally during a fertility evaluation or during a consultation for an ectopic pregnancy. Nevertheless, pelvic pain can manifest at the time of acute infection. "When the gynecologist looks for a chlamydia infection, they always check if the infection hasn't traveled up to the tubes, since salpingitis is the main cause of tubal infertility," explains the gynecologist.
Often, blocked fallopian tubes do not cause any specific symptoms. Many women discover this problem after difficulties conceiving.
However, some signs can sometimes be observed:
- Chronic pelvic pain.
- Irregular or painful periods.
- Abnormal vaginal discharge.
- History of pelvic infections.
https://afriquebio.com/produit/tisane-718-solution-naturelle-contre-les-trompes-bouchees/
Diagnostic
The diagnosis is based on specialized medical examinations:
Hysterosalpingography (HSG)
- X-ray of the fallopian tubes after injection of a contrast agent into the uterus.
- Allows visualization of the passage or non-passage of the liquid thru the tubes.
Laparoscopy
- Minor surgical procedure allowing direct examination of the fallopian tubes and treatment of certain obstructions.
Pelvic ultrasound or hysteroscopy
- Complementary for evaluating the general condition of the reproductive system.
Complications of blocked fallopian tubes
When they are not diagnosed or treated in time, blocked fallopian tubes can lead to several complications, both reproductive and medical:
Female infertility
It is the most frequent complication. When both tubes are blocked, natural fertilization becomes impossible because the egg and the sperm cannot meet. Even a partial obstruction can reduce the chances of pregnancy.
Ectopic pregnancy (EP)
If the fallopian tube is partially blocked, the fertilized egg can get stuck in the tube instead of descending into the uterus.
This leads to an ectopic pregnancy, a medical emergency that can cause:
- intense pelvic pain, internal bleeding,
- a risk of tubal rupture,
- even a life-threatening danger for the woman if not treated in time.
Chronic pelvic infections
Obstructions due to poorly treated infections can sustain chronic inflammation.
This can cause persistent pain, recurrent fevers, and adhesions between the pelvic organs.
It is an accumulation of fluid in a blocked tube.
Hydrosalpinx can hinder the implantation of the embryo, even in the case of in vitro fertilization, and often needs to be treated before IVF.
Psychological impact
- Difficulties in conceiving can lead to stress, anxiety, sadness, or depression in some women.
Psychological support or couple counselling is sometimes necessary.
Treatment of blocked fallopian tubes
The treatment depends on the cause, the degree of obstruction (partial or total), and the desire for pregnancy.
The goal is to restore the patency of the fallopian tubes or to bypass the problem to allow for pregnancy.
Medical treatments
These treatments primarily aim to eliminate infections or reduce inflammation causing the blockage:
- Antibiotics: in case of bacterial infection (chlamydia, gonorrhea, mycoplasma, etc.).
- Anti-inflammatories: to reduce irritation and prevent adhesions.
- Hormonal treatments: sometimes used if the blockage is related to endometriosis.
Surgical treatments (tubal surgery)
When the tubes are partially blocked or stuck together, surgery may be considered:
Coelioscopy (or laparoscopy):
It's the most common method.
The surgeon inserts a small camera thru the abdomen to observe and repair the fallopian tubes.
He can:
- release the adhesions,
- unblock the tube,
- or remove the damaged part.
Salpingostomy:It involves opening the tube at its end to allow the egg to pass thru again.
Salpingectomy:
If the fallopian tube is severely damaged (for example, in the case of hydrosalpinx), it can be removed to improve the chances of success of in vitro fertilization (IVF).