( 06 SEP 2020 )

Tubal infertility is a situation when the fallopian tube of a woman is damaged or blocked; thus, preventing sperms from reaching in and fertilizing eggs in the uterus. Because of this issue, one or both the tubes can get damaged. However, if there is a partial blockage, the risk of ectopic pregnancy increases even more. Apparently, fallopian tube damage is one of the primary causes of infertility in women.

Types of Tubal Infertility:

• Distal Tubal Blockage:

When the obstruction is away from the uterus; or the tube is completely blocked, it is known as a distal tubal blockage. In this situation, salpingectomy could be the appropriate option. You may also choose to go with the IVF.

• Proximal Tubal Blockage:

This one is regarded as the blockage that is near the uterus is generally the easiest to treat, with the best possibilities of the patient conceiving naturally. Proximal occlusion can easily be treated without any surgery on the tubal cannulation wherein the physician would be using hysteroscopy or fluoroscopy to get a catheter in the fallopian tube.

• Blockage in the Middle:

Previous tubal ligation or scarring can lead to blockage in the middle of the tubes. In such a situation, tubal reanastomosis could help to repair the blocked section or to remove the damaged part altogether.

Tubal Infertility Causes:

Several of the conditions that lead to the damaged fallopian tube can also be the reason behind scarred tissues; hence, leading to blockages in the tubes. Generally, the primary causes of tubal infertility are as follow:

• Endometriosis
• Ruptured appendix
• Pelvic infection, like gonorrhoea or chlamydia
• Scar tissues from prior surgeries
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Specific types of trauma

How is Tubal Infertility Diagnosed?

To diagnose this issue, there are two major tests that are done, such as:

• Laparoscopy:

This one is a minimally invasive process wherein a laparoscope (a thin tube along with a small camera and light attached at the end) is inserted via a small incision done below the belly button. The doctor gets to look through the laparoscope to figure out of one, or both tubes are damaged.

• Hysterosalpingogram (HSG):

This one is an x-ray process wherein a harmless dye is inserted in the uterus via the cervix and is passed through the fallopian tube. If the dye isn't seen flowing in the fallopian tube, there could be a possible blockage.

Treatment of Tubal Infertility:

If the fallopian tubes are damaged or blocked, you will be diagnosed with tubal factor infertility. You can then discuss the treatment options with your doctor along with the pros and cons that you would have to deal with. Some of the significant treatment options are:

• Surgery to open blocked fallopian tube(s)
• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) that combines sperm and egg in the lab to allow fertilization outside the body with a consecutive transfer of the embryo in the uterus.

Final Words:
In a way, it could be impossible to avert all the damage; however, practising sex intimacy with adequate protection can decrease the risk of damage and infection. A lot of women who have STIs could be asymptomatic; thus, all of the sexually active women must get screened periodically. Treating the infections in the early stage can decrease the risk of fallopian tube damage to a great extent.