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Top 6 Treatment Options for Tubal Blockages – Banker IVF

Having a child of their own is every parent’s dream. With the stress and load in one’s lifestyle, it has become quite difficult to conceive these days. For a few years now, women have been experiencing issues with conceiving quite efficiently. One of the causes for not being able to conceive is a blockage in the fallopian tubes. However, thanks to the world of technology, the treatments for curing infertility have fulfilled the dreams of couples who are willing to start a family of their own. Banker IVF centre in Ahmedabad provides high-end fertility treatments to couples suffering from infertility.

There are quite a few treatments available for a fallopian tube blockage. Nowadays, many women are still conceiving despite blockage in their fallopian tubes. Dr Manish Banker and his team of IVF Specialists based out in Ahmedabad, Gujarat will let us understand what is a blocked fallopian tube, how can it be diagnosed, what are the treatments for fallopian tube blockage and how can one get pregnant after diagnosis and its treatment through this blog.

What is fallopian tube blockage?

A tubal blockage is an obstruction in one or both of the fallopian tubes and can happen due to various reasons such as pelvic injuries, ectopic pregnancies, infections, STDs, etc. It accounts for 25-30% of infertility. Tubal blockage can disrupt the process of fertilization, as it can stop the egg and the sperm from travelling through the fallopian tubes. When this happens, sperm cannot reach a viable egg waiting to be fertilized. Therefore, fertilization will not take place and the woman will be unable to conceive. In this case, medical treatments are vital as blocked tubes can pose many threats to a woman’s overall health as well.

How is tubal factor infertility diagnosed?

Following procedures helps to find out whether one or both fallopian tubes are blocked or not:

Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)

This test is usually done by a radiologist or gynaecologist who places dye through the cervix into the uterus and out through the tubes. An x-ray is used to see whether the dye was able to travel out through the tubes showing that they are open. If both fallopian tubes are damaged or blocked dye won’t come. It’s important to realize that if the test finds the fallopian tubes open, it does not mean that tubal function is normal.

Laparoscopy

In this minimally-invasive procedure a surgical instrument called a laparoscope is inserted through a very small incision below the belly button. The surgeon can look through the laparoscope to see if one or both tubes are open. The laparoscope can also be used to look for other problems that may affect fertility, such as scar tissue (adhesions) or endometriosis & at the same time can correct problems.

What are the different Tubal Blockage Treatments?

Tubal blockage treatments can eradicate the blockage but these options differ according to different body types. Firstly, doctors like to understand and be aware of important details such as the patient’s age, medical history, the severity of the issue, the symptoms etc. Then, they will conduct examinations as a part of their diagnosis to see how affected the fallopian tubes are. Then they will guide their patients on the various tubal blockage treatments. Fallopian tube blockage treatments can be surgical or non-surgical. Some of the treatment options include:

  • Treatment option if only one fallopian tube is blocked:one can get pregnant naturally or by Intrauterine Insemination [IUI]
  • If the cause of blockage is STD or tuberculosis:All STDs will need to be treated with antibiotics. Tuberculosis needs anti-tubercular treatment. One can consult their doctor for the same.
  • Hysteroscopy:A minor surgical procedure in which a narrow viewing tube is placed into the uterus for a direct look inside – in which a small tube or wire is used to open the connection to the tube with this proximal tubal block.
  • Laparoscopy:If tubes are not badly damaged and the rugal folds are still maintained, surgery can be performed to remove any scar tissue outside of the Fallopian tube. Thus reducing the obstruction, might help to get pregnant naturally. Depending upon the severity of the tubal damage or the size of the hydrosalpinx (fluid-filled tube), the tube can be opened or removed.
  • Salpingostomy and Salpingectomy:Using minimally invasive surgery known as salpingostomy, surgeons can remove the damaged and enlarged areas of the fallopian tube by cutting them off and taking them out. They can also reopen the sealed end of the fallopian tube. Removing the tube entirely is also an option, which is called a salpingectomy. IVF is required for pregnancy after salpingectomy. Severely damaged tubes have a low chance of functioning even after opening them and will decrease the chance of subsequent IVF success, so it is best to have them removed before the patient considers an IVF treatment. Surgeons may also clip or burn the affected ends of the tubes and leave the tube in place before IVF.
  • Tubal ligation reversal surgery (tubes tied):Tubal ligation reversal also called tubal reanastomosis is possible by laparoscopy or microsurgery. The biggest risk after tubal surgery is the possible development of an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy is a serious health problem that is more likely to occur after tubal surgery or tubal disease.

As with any surgery, these procedures carry risks including reaction to anaesthesia, blood loss, scarring, tissue damage and pain. Women should discuss all surgical options versus in vitro fertilization (IVF) risks and benefits with their physician.

How Does an IVF Bypass Blocked Fallopian Tubes?

IVF is the most effective treatment to increase the chances of pregnancy as surgery doesn’t necessarily prevent tubes from blocking again or the egg from travelling freely to the uterus. Immediate consideration for IVF treatment for patients diagnosed with a tubal block with severe endometriosis, severe pelvic adhesive disease, severe male factor, and/or diminished ovarian reserve.

In IVF, the ovaries are stimulated to produce several eggs by giving injections, which are then retrieved using a short procedure called ovum pickup under general anaesthesia. The eggs are then fertilized with sperm in the laboratory, and fertilized embryos are placed into the uterus through the cervix where they can implant and grow, so the fallopian tubes are bypassed altogether. If more embryos are formed, we can freeze them and can use them later for subsequent pregnancy.

The best way to find out which treatment is ideal for you, you need to schedule a consultation with us, and we can discuss the personalized treatment which is best for you. In light of COVID-19, at Banker IVF, the best IVF centre in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, your safety is given the highest priority. We ensure that all the necessary precautions are being taken in the hospital to keep you protected from the virus.

Healthy Habits for Maintaining Reproductive Health & Fallopian Tubes

Actively keeping your lifestyle in check helps you maintain healthy fallopian tubes and reproductive health in general. Here are some easy habits you can develop to maintain a nutrient-rich diet:

  1. Get adequate sleep (Minimum of 8 hours
  2. Regular exercise and yoga
  3. Keep your mental health in check
  4. Avoid smoking and alcohol
  5. Do not over-exercise or do vigorous exercise without guidance
  6. Have general health check-ups once a year
  7. Do not ignore any abnormalities

Conclusion

Getting pregnant with blocked fallopian tubes might seem scary but thanks to safe procedures like IVF and Doctors like Manish Banker and his team, one can still deliver a healthy and completely normal baby. As there are several factors to consider such as age, medical history, and cause, treatment options may vary. Doctors may suggest fallopian tube blockage treatment without surgery or may suggest surgical procedures as well. To ensure that your fallopian tubes are healthy, you can include some habits into your daily life such as a healthy diet, adequate sleep and exercise, regular visits to the doctor etc. If you notice any abnormalities, it is advised that you visit a specialist at the Banker IVF centre in Ahmedabad.

If you felt this blog was beneficial to you, visit our blog page by Dr Manish Banker, Gujarat for more such informative blogs on all things IVF and fertility. We take all necessary precautions for COVID-19. If you are in Gujarat and you would like to book an appointment, then you can also visit this page.

FAQs

1. What is the natural treatment for blocked fallopian tubes?

Although there are ways to maintain that your fallopian tubes remain healthy, there is no guaranteed natural procedure. It is extremely important to visit a doctor if you are experiencing any kind of abnormalities as blocked fallopian tubes can lead to many dangerous issues like ectopic pregnancies as well.

2. Can fallopian tubes unblock themselves?

While you can ensure that they remain healthy, there is no scientific evidence that fallopian tubes can be unblocked without any medical intervention. While natural treatments certainly boost fertility, there is no guarantee that damage to the tubes can be reversed.

3. What are the symptoms of blocked fallopian tubes?

Symptoms of blocked fallopian tubes include:

  • Pain in the pelvic area
  • Painful intercourse
  • Abdominal pain
  • Heavy period or spotting
  • Fatigue
  • Pain during urination

You must pay attention to all kinds of symptoms, even the smallest ones.

4. Can IVF be done with blocked fallopian tubes?

IVF is a safe and trusted solution to getting pregnant for patients with blocked fallopian tubes. As blocked fallopian tubes do not let the egg and the sperm meet, IVF can help in conception. Without coming in contact with the fallopian tubes, doctors directly plant the embryo in the uterus, therefore there is an increased chance of pregnancy without it depending on the fallopian tube.

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