Fallopian Tube Blockage – Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
If you are having trouble getting pregnant, a fallopian tube blockage could be the cause. Alongside analyzing sperm quality and determining the egg reserve, assessing the patency of the fallopian tubes is one of the most important examinations when investigating infertility. Here, we address the most common questions.
What is a fallopian tube blockage?
The fallopian tube is a very delicate structure attached to the uterus. It serves as a transport channel for the eggs after ovulation and for sperm. If the tube is blocked, natural pregnancy cannot occur because the egg cannot pass through to be fertilized. Although the fallopian tubes are not initially visible via ultrasound, they can be made visible through specific procedures.
What are the causes of a fallopian tube blockage?
Many women experience an unnoticed fallopian tube infection at some point in their lives. The most common diagnosis is a chlamydia infection. However, other bacteria, often transmitted during sex, can also trigger an inflammation/infection of the fallopian tubes, causing them to become blocked and preventing sperm or eggs from passing through.
How is a fallopian tube blockage diagnosed?
Before examining the fallopian tubes for a one-sided or bilateral blockage, sperm quality must be assessed. Therefore, a semen analysis (spermiogram) should always be performed before testing for fallopian tube patency to check if the sperm quality is suitable for natural conception or insemination.
When using donor sperm, the sperm quality is ensured and does not affect the therapy success.
Several methods are used to diagnose a fallopian tube blockage:
- Ultrasound Examination
A small catheter is first inserted into the uterine cavity. Using contrast media and ultrasound imaging, it is checked whether one or both fallopian tubes are blocked.
This gentle examination method is the "gold standard" at Ceres Fertility Center. - Laparoscopy (Abdominal Endoscopy)
In rare cases, laparoscopy may be necessary to remove cysts, treat endometriosis, or release adhesions. During this procedure, the fallopian tube patency can be tested by injecting a blue dye (chromopertubation/"blue test").
Can you get pregnant with a fallopian tube blockage?
You cannot get pregnant naturally with blocked fallopian tubes. If both fallopian tubes are blocked, artificial insemination methods such as IVF or ICSI can be considered. This means that pregnancy is still possible despite a fallopian tube blockage.
Do you have an unfulfilled desire for a child and suspect a fallopian tube blockage?
Then get in touch with us!
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