Blocked fallopian tubes are the cause for nearly one quarter of all infertility cases. This is something that infertility specialists deal with a lot. Surgical removal of blockages is a common treatment option. In Vitro Fertilization, IVF, is another option for bypassing the problem.
tubal blockage can include one or both fallopian tubes. Tubal scarring is one thing that can cause tubes to become blocked. Endometriosis can cause endometrial implants to grow inside the fallopian tubes and inhibit an egg from passing through. Sometimes infection, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, is the cause of tubal blockages.
When infertility causes are being diagnosed, your infertility specialist may order a test called a hysterosalpingogram. For this procedure, a dye will be injected vaginally into the uterine cavity through the cervix. The dye makes the uterus and fallopian tubes visible on an x-ray. If there is no blockage in the fallopian tubes, then the dye should travel up through the uterus, into the fallopian tubes and out into the abdominal cavity. If there is a blockage, then the dye will stop at the blocked site. This will tell your infertility specialist if there is a blockage near the entrance to the tube from your uterus, or if it is further down the tube. This can be very helpful when suggesting treatment options.
A hysterosalpingogram is also useful for helping your doctor spot other problems. Uterine abnormalities, polyps, defects in the fallopian tubes, tumors, scar tissue and fibroids can all be more clearly seen on a hysterosalpingogram.
One common cause of tubal blockage infertility is actually due to a tubal ligation. Many women change their minds after they have had this procedure and decide that they want to become pregnant again. Tubal reversal surgery can be attempted and sometimes accomplished by laparotomy. This is a major surgery requiring a large incision and considerable recovery time, so weigh all of your options before you commit.
One option for any woman experiencing tubal blockage, either caused by infection, scarring or tubal ligation, is In Vitro Fertilization. IVF is not an invasive surgery and has high success rated for women with tubal blockage problems. Results are usually known in under two weeks rather than waiting up to a year after surgery to see if the tubal blockage surgery worked.