Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes can stop pregnancy

Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes can be a hindrance in conception. To understand tubal problems, you should have a clear idea about the  basic process of fertilization. During ovulation, egg is released  from the ovary. This egg reaches the fallopian tube by the vacuum force created by tubal contractions and with the aid of waves created by structures called cilia in the tubes. During sexual intercourse, sperms are deposited in the vagina. The sperms swim up, passing through the cervix to reach the tubes where the egg is located.The actual fertilisation happens inside the tubes, when many sperms attaches to the egg, but one sperm  penetrates  the thick cover of the egg and enter inside. The embryo which is formed as a result of fertilisation, starts dividing into multiple cells and  is moved towards the uterus. This movement is again facilitated by tubal contractions. Hence, it is very important for the tubes to have normal anatomy and  normal function, which can be altered even with the  presence of small fibrosis or adhesion.

If the fallopian tubes are blocked, sperm will not reach the  egg. So fertilisation and pregnancy will not happen. Another possibility is that the defective tube may stop embryo from moving to the uterus and it will remain in the tube leading to tubal pregnancy (ectopic pregnancy). This can cause complications like rupture of tube, which sometimes even results in maternal death.

The  causes for tubal blocks are pelvic infections, endometriosis, adhesions involving tubes, previously performed surgeries in abdomen or pelvis, fibroids near tubes and in some cases pelvic tuberculosis.  

Laparoscopic Surgery can be done to try and correct the tubes, but has poor success, as the fibrosis formed can cause problems to reoccur. The type of procedure depends on the location and extent of damage. Tubal reanastamosis can be  used to correct the problem in case of sterilisation, but again has only 60% success  and there is  increased risk of ectopic pregnancy. The chances for conception differ, depending on the location and severity of the blockage and the scar tissue after surgery. Medical treatments for endometriosis have very little role in case of tubal pathology, which often just prolongs the treatment and decrease the chance of success .

IVF is the best choice of treatment for any tubal problem, as the tubes are not involved in the procedure of IVF because the fertilisation happens in the lab.

To know more visit the following links

http://bangaloreivf.blogspot.ae/2014/09/reduce-stress-to-improve-fertility.html

http://bangaloreivf.blogspot.ae/2014/08/early-diagnosis-of-endometriosis-for.html

http://bangaloreivf.blogspot.ae/2014/08/dr.html   pcos

http://bangaloreivf.blogspot.ae/2013/11/yoga-and-fertility-most-powerful-effect_25.html

http://bangaloreivf.blogspot.ae/2014/08/lifestyle-causes-female-infertility.html

http://bangaloreivf.blogspot.ae/2014/07/yoga-for-male-infertility.html

http://bangaloreivf.blogspot.ae/2015/01/scientific-benefits-of-regular-sexual.html

http://bangaloreivf.blogspot.ae/2014/10/too-much-gym-reduces-chances-of-having.html

Dr. Anita Mani
Infertility Specialist at Gift IVF Centre

anitadane@gmail.com

www.giftivf.com

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Dr. Anita Mani is a renowned infertility specialist in south India with 15 years experience in ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology). Dr. Anita has successfully set up ART hospitals in Cochin and Bangalore,  along with her spouse  Dr. S Mani. She completed MRCOG, from Royal College of Obstetrician and Gynaecologist  London, DFFP from  ART Warwick university and  worked in UK for 5 years. Dr. Anitha believes in scientific and ethical practice and is currently the director of Gift Gyno IVF centre Cochin and  Bangalore.  Apart from advanced laparoscopic surgeries, she is also an expert in various ART techniques including IVF, IUI, ICSI , donor egg / sperm. Her proficiency is in genetic abnormalities and high risk pregnancies.