Dear Doctor,
I’ve been married for three years and up until now I never got pregnant. I am 31 years old and this condition is bothering me a lot. One year ago I went to see a gynecologist that told me the reason I don’t conceive could be blocked ovarian tubes. He prescribed some exams to me, which I haven’t done yet. I heard of some treatments like flushing the tubes or drinking certain medications that could help me if I have blocked tubes. Could you tell me what which conservative treatment for blocked fallopian tubes is proven efficient?
Cassandra* *name anonymized
Dear Cassandra,
There are many possible reasons for infertility
The female reproductive system is made up of the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes. Each of the two ovaries is connected to the uterus by a fallopian tube. In a normal cycle one of your ovaries releases an egg during ovulation. The released egg then wanders through your fallopian tubes, where it can be fertilized before it reaches the uterine cavity where implantation of the fertilized egg into the endometrium may happen. Your body controls their functions by releasing hormones at the right time.
If a medical problem has affected any of these areas, it may make getting pregnant more difficult. Since there are many other possible reasons for infertility it is important to do some exams to find the underlying reasons. Only then the best possible treatment can be recommended to you and your partner.
Tubal damages are responsible for about 14% of infertility cases.
Blockage of ovarian tubes is most commonly experienced as a result of pelvic inflammatory disease. Endometriosis, fibroids, previous ectopic pregnancies and pelvic adhesions as a result of past surgery can also be causes of blocked fallopian tubes.
There are three key tests to diagnose blocked fallopian tubes:
· An X-ray test, known as a hysterosalpingogram. A contrast medium is injected into the womb, which should flow into the fallopian tubes. The stain is visible on an X-ray. If the fluid cannot be visualized in the fallopian tubes, they may have a blockage.
· An ultrasound test, known as a sonohysterosalpingogram. This is very similar to the HSG test but uses sound waves to build up a picture of the fallopian tubes.
· Chromopertubation is the instillation of dye through the fallopian tubes during a laparoscopy (Keyhole surgery). If the dye can’t be seen flowing out of your fallopian tubes they may be blocked.
Non-invasive treatment of blocked ovarian tubes
The first advice I give to all couples suffering from infertility is to adapt a healthy life style. This can already help increase the chances of getting pregnant (eat healthy, do regular exercise, avoid pernicious substances like nicotine and alcohol).
Conservative treatments that may help with blocked fallopian tubes include herbal remedies like red clover and dong quai, as well as increased intake of vitamin C and zinc. Certain manual therapies such as Maya abdominal massage and acupuncture are said to be helpful. However, it is important to note that these treatments are not proven to be effective and are therefore not recommended as a first-line treatment option.
Conservative treatment may involve the use of medications to stimulate ovulation or hysterosalpingography to flush out the fallopian tubes. However, the success rates of these treatments are often low, and women may need to undergo multiple rounds of treatment before achieving pregnancy.
Surgery remains an acceptable treatment modality for tubal infertility
Tuboplasty refers to a number of surgical operations that attempt to restore patency and functioning of the fallopian tube(s) so that a pregnancy could be achieved
Surgery remains an acceptable treatment modality for tubal infertility despite the rise in usage of in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Estimated livebirth rates after surgery range from 9% for women with severe tubal disease to 69% for those with mild disease; however, the effectiveness of surgery has not been rigorously evaluated in comparison with other treatments such as IVF and expectant management (no treatment).
As a result, assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) are often recommended as a more effective and reliable way to achieve pregnancy in women with blocked fallopian tubes. While IVF can be more expensive and invasive than conservative treatment options, it offers higher success rates and can help women achieve their dream of starting or growing their family.
Get help from a gynecologist
Basically, if you think you might have blocked ovarian tubes, seek the advice of a gynecologist in order to get the best possible treatment and avoid loosing precious years trying to solve your infertility issue without professional help.
Kind regards,
Dr Sandra Yene Amougui
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