Causes Of Blocked Fallopian Tubes

A blocked fallopian tube can be caused by a number of factors, the more common of which are Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases (PID), hydrosalpinges and endometriosis. Uterine fibroids, surgery scarring, ectopic pregnancy, abortion and congenital abnormalities can also result to blocked tubes but in a lesser probability as compared to the first three causes.

Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases (PID)

Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases involve the inflammation of a woman's pelvic organs including the fallopian tubes, due to infection often from sexually transmitted diseases like Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. PID can be caused by bacteria (e.g. Chlamydia trachomatis -Chlamydia or Neisseria gonorrhoeae -Gonorrhea) which reach the inner portion of the reproductive tract through the vaginal opening. It can also be caused by fungal or yeast infections.

The body is generally able to fight back against the infection and, often wins. However, the site infected usually ends up damaged and scarred even though the infection has been eliminated. This is what happens within infected fallopian tubes and the adhesions from the scars can thicken to an extent that they block the tubes partially or worst, completely. This scarring is often noted in the end of the tube near the ovaries.

Some symptoms of PID are pain in the pelvic area, fever, unusual and foul vaginal discharges, and menstrual pain.

Hydrosalpinx

A hydrosalpinx is a blocked and distended fallopian tube filled with clear watery fluid which is swollen into the shape of a sausage. It can be caused by an infection similar to PID or it can also result from injury to the fallopian tubes from invasive surgery or pregnancy-related problems such as abortion or ectopic pregnancy. It can also result from congenital conditions. A hydrosalpinx is usually found only in one tube with the other tube being either normal or, damaged (when caused by infection).

A hydrosalpinx occurs when the end of the tube (usually near the ovaries) seal up from the scar adhesions which result from infection or injurious procedures (e.g. surgery or abortion). The blocked tube fills up with fluid secreted by glands within it and such fluid is retained within the tube causing the distention.

The symptoms of a hydrosalpinx are generally mild but cases have been noted where chronic pelvic pain and fever were present. This condition can have adverse effects to in vitro fertilization because the fluid can spill out into the uterine cavity and kill or dislodge the planted embryo.

Endometriosis

In endometriosis, the uterine lining tissue that is shed with the menses when fertilization does not occur grows in a different location such as within the fallopian tubes. This abnormal growth is not shed with the uterine lining but is retained in the form of lumps of blood and tissue thereby resulting in scars and adhesions which causes the cramping pain associated with the condition.

When endometriosis affects the fallopian tubes, the scars and adhesions that form tend to block, partially or fully, the path through the tubes. The thickness of the scars will determine the degree of blockage and as the condition progresses, the thicker the scars get. Hence, the earlier the detection of this condition, the better chances at conception.

The symptoms of endometriosis can include severe pain and cramps in the pelvic area with pain when urinating and/or defecating as well as pain during intercourse and heavy menses. The symptoms are quite similar to normal menstrual pain and this often leads to late diagnosis or misdiagnosis of the condition.

The effect of fallopian blockages on fertility has made it a very serious condition for those who want to get pregnant. Without your fallopian tubes, you won't be able to conceive naturally. It is therefore very important that immediate intervention is done to prevent further damage.

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