Fallopian Tube Blockages, Infection, and Infertility
Our fallopian tubes are critical to reproduction, fertility, the menstrual cycle, and our overall pelvic health. There are several different blockages, infections, and other issues that can affect how the fallopian tubes work and may cause complications down the line if you’re in a position where you’re ready to conceive.
Blocked Fallopian Tubes
A fallopian tube can become blocked for several different reasons. In many cases of a blocked tube, you won’t experience any symptoms. You may not even realize that you have a blockage until you’re attempting to get pregnant and are experiencing some difficulties.
So what causes a blocked tube, or increases the risk?
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) can lead to hydrosalpinx, which is a build-up fluid in the tube that causes a blockage
Scar tissue built up as a result of endometriosis, a past ectopic pregnancy, certain sexually transmitted infections
Infections of the fallopian tubes
Fibroids
Unfortunately, there aren’t many ways to prevent a blocked fallopian tube, aside from practicing safe sex to avoid contracting STIs.
Fallopian Tube Infections
Your fallopian tubes are also susceptible to inflammation or infections, specifically a condition known as salpingitis.
Salpingitis is an inflammation of the fallopian tube caused by bacterial infections, inclusive of staph infections, chlamydia, or gonorrhea. It’s also often seen along with PID.
Salpingitis exists in one of two forms: acute and chronic.
Acute salpingitis is accompanied by pain and discomfort due to swelling either during sex, menstruation, and unusual vaginal discharge (odor, color, etc)
Chronic salpingitis sticks around for a bit longer and often has much milder symptoms if you experience symptoms at all
It’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible if you notice symptoms, as the longer salpingitis goes untreated, the more likely it is that you will develop scars from the infection. Thankfully, as a bacterial infection, antibiotics are usually enough to treat salpingitis.
Tubal Factor Infertility
Blockages and inflammation can cause tubal factor infertility, which accounts for about 30% of all infertility cases.
Tubal factor infertility can be treated with surgery in cases where damage is not very extensive, but with severe damage, in vitro fertilization (IVF) bypasses the fallopian tubes and is fast becoming the leading treatment.
There are pros and cons to both surgery and IVF, your doctor can help you weigh the benefits and risks of both options to determine what is the best path for you on your journey.