4263
3.5

22-07-2024 Team Medicover fertility

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Beena Rawat, Embryologist

Can a Woman Get Pregnant with Blocked Fallopian Tubes?

Getting pregnant can be challenging for many women, especially when facing conditions like blocked fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes play a vital role in conception by allowing the egg and sperm to meet and fertilise. When one or both tubes are blocked, this natural process becomes difficult and causes infertility or delayed pregnancy.

However, because of medical advancements, pregnancy is still possible, even with blocked tubes.

In this article, we'll explore what causes fallopian tube blockages, how they affect fertility and the available treatment options that can help you achieve a healthy pregnancy.

How do Fallopian Tubes affect fertility?

Fallopian tubes serve as the bridge between the ovaries and the uterus. Each month, an egg released by the ovaries travels through these tubes to the uterus. It's also where the egg meets the sperm for fertilisation.

After fertilisation, the embryo travels back through the fallopian tube to the uterus, where it implants and grows.

When one or both fallopian tubes are blocked, sperm may not reach the egg and the egg may not travel to the uterus. This obstruction makes conception challenging. In cases of partial blockage, there's also a risk of ectopic pregnancy.

Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.

Get Second Opinion

What Causes Fallopian Tube Blockages?

Blocked fallopian tubes occur when something prevents the egg from travelling through the tube to meet the sperm. Several health conditions and infections can be the reasons for this problem.

Common Causes Include:

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: A common infection caused by untreated STIs like chlamydia or gonorrhea, which can scar the tubes.
Endometriosis: When tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, it can cause adhesions or cysts that block the tubes.
Previous Surgeries: Surgeries involving the uterus, fallopian tubes or abdomen can leave scar tissue that blocks the tubes.
Tubal Ligation: A surgical method of permanent birth control that involves intentionally blocking or sealing the tubes.
Ectopic Pregnancy: A past ectopic pregnancy can cause damage or scarring in the tube, increasing the risk of blockages.
Fibroids or Tumours: Large uterine growths can put pressure on the fallopian tubes, disrupting their function.

Signs and Symptoms of Blocked Fallopian Tubes

Difficulty Conceiving: Trouble getting pregnant is the most common sign.
Pelvic Pain: Ongoing pain in the lower abdomen, especially during periods of ovulation.
Painful Periods: Menstrual cycles may be unusually painful.
Irregular Cycles: Changes in cycle length or irregular bleeding can occur.
Unusual Discharge: Abnormal vaginal discharge, sometimes with a bad smell, if infection is present.
Ectopic Pregnancy: Higher risk of pregnancy outside the uterus, causing severe pain.

7 Steps to Getting Pregnant with Blocked Fallopian Tubes

Here are the seven practical steps you can follow to get pregnant with blocked fallopian tibes:

Step 1. Confirm the Diagnosis with Proper Testing

Start by getting a pelvic exam and imaging tests like Hysterosalpingography, ultrasound or laparoscopy to determine whether one or both fallopian tubes are blocked and its severity.

Step 2. Understand the Cause of the Blockage

Knowing what's causing the blockage, whether it's an infection, endometriosis or scar tissue, helps with the right treatment plan. Treating the root cause may improve fertility outcomes.

Step 3. Explore Natural and Lifestyle Remedies

For women with partial or mild blockages, try natural approaches like:

Castor oil packs
Fertility massages
Anti-inflammatory diet
Yoga and stress relief

Step 4. Medical Treatment or Surgery

If natural methods aren't helping, it's a good idea to meet with a fertility doctor. They can offer treatments like small surgeries to remove blockages or fix issues with the fallopian tubes.

Step 5. Try IVF if Both Tubes Are Severely Blocked

If both of your fallopian tubes are completely blocked or damaged, in-vitro fertilization (IVF) is a highly effective option. This process skips the tubes altogether by placing the embryo directly into the uterus.

Step 6. Adopt a Fertility-Friendly Lifestyle

You can boost your fertility by making some healthy lifestyle choices like:

Eating a balanced diet filled with fruits and vegetables
Limiting alcohol and caffeine
Exercising regularly
Avoiding smoking or toxins

These changes can help improve the quality of your eggs and support overall reproductive health.

Step 7. Seek Emotional Support

Infertility is a very emotional journey for a couple, particularly for a woman. Talk to your friends and family, speak to a fertility counsellor and stay informed about all your possible options. Emotional wellness plays a big role in your fertility journey.

Treatment for Blocked Fallopian Tubes

Blocked fallopian tubes can affect a woman's fertility and the treatment options can vary based on the cause and severity of the blockage. Here's how to treat blocked fallopian tubes:

1. Laparoscopic Surgery:

This is a small-scale surgery that involves making tiny incisions. It's used to remove any scar tissue or cysts that might be causing a blockage. This procedure can also help repair damaged tubes in some situations.

2. Tubal Recanalisation:

In this non-surgical procedure, a thin tube is gently threaded into the fallopian tube to clear out minor blockages.

3. Salpingectomy or Salpingostomy:

If the fallopian tubes are severely damaged, doctors may need to remove part or all of the affected tube to prevent serious problems like an ectopic pregnancy, where a fertilized egg grows outside the uterus.

4. In Vitro Fertilisation:

For women whose fallopian tubes are completely blocked, IVF can be a solution. In this process, the egg is fertilized outside the body and the resulting embryo is placed directly into the uterus, bypassing the tubes altogether.

How to Open Blocked Fallopian Tubes Naturally

While natural methods may not work for severe blockages, some women with mild or functional blockages can open the blocked fallopian tubes naturally by following the steps:

Castor Oil Packs: Applied to your lower abdomen, castor oil packs are believed to stimulate circulation and reduce inflammation near the tubes.
Fertility Massage: Gentle abdominal massage techniques like Maya or pelvic massage may help break down adhesions and improve tubal mobility.
Herbal Remedies: Herbs like Dong Quai, ginger, turmeric and goldenseal are traditionally used to support reproductive health and reduce inflammation. Always consult a doctor before use.
Diet and Lifestyle: Eating a nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory diet and maintaining a healthy weight can support overall hormonal balance and reproductive function.
Yoga and Acupuncture: Certain yoga poses and acupuncture sessions are thought to enhance blood flow to the reproductive organs and reduce stress, which may indirectly support fertility.

Note: These natural remedies are supportive in nature. If both tubes are severely damaged or blocked, medical treatments like IVF may be the most effective option.

Can You Get Pregnant With One Fallopian Tube?

Pregnancy is possible with one healthy fallopian tube if it functions well and the ovaries and uterus are normal. Factors like age and the reason for losing the other tube can affect fertility. A fertility specialist can guide you on natural conception or assisted options like IVF.

Tips for Getting Pregnant With One Fallopian Tube

Consult a Doctor: Meet with a fertility specialist to assess the health of your remaining fallopian tube and your overall reproductive system.
Track Ovulation: Keep a close watch on your fertile days using ovulation kits or by tracking your menstrual cycle.
Healthy Lifestyle: Eat nutritious food, stay active and avoid smoking or alcohol to improve fertility.
Reduce Stress: Try yoga, meditation or other relaxation techniques to keep calm, as stress can affect fertility.
Timely Medical Advice: If you're unable to conceive after 6-12 months of trying, seek help from a fertility expert for advanced treatments like IVF.

Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.

Schedule Your Appointment

Conclusion

While blocked fallopian tubes can make conception more difficult, it is not the end of your fertility journey. With the right medical evaluation, lifestyle changes and treatment pregnancy is still possible.

The key is to identify the cause, follow the guidelines of a fertility specialist and receive emotional and physical support throughout the process. With patience and proper care, you can also achieve a healthy pregnancy and a happy family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Even if one fallopian tube is blocked, there are chances of getting pregnant. However, if both are blocked, you will not be able to conceive naturally unless one is unblocked.

No, there is no scientific evidence that suggests that a blocked fallopian tube will open naturally. The blockage can be either removed by a surgical or a non-surgical procedure. Even after the surgery, the chances of getting pregnant without any ART are very low.

Most women with blocked fallopian tubes do not experience any symptoms. However, some might feel general pelvic pain, pain during sex or fever. In rare cases, one may feel nauseous or experience severe pain in the lower abdomen.

Blocked fallopian tubes can result from pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, past ectopic pregnancy, fibroids, pelvic surgeries or sexually transmitted infections. These factors can lead to scarring or fluid buildup in the tubes.

Non-surgical treatments include tubal flushing with saline or oil-based solutions and natural therapies like herbal remedies. However, these methods may not work for severe blockages and delays in proper treatment could worsen infertility issues.

Blocked fallopian tubes prevent the egg from meeting sperm, hindering natural conception. Depending on the blockage, fertility treatments like IVF may be needed to achieve pregnancy.