Fallopian Tube Blockages
Blocked or damaged Fallopian tubes are thought to account for up to 40% of female infertility problems. Blocked tubes will prevent eggs 
reaching the uterus and prevent sperm from reaching the egg. In most cases, women have no idea their tubes might be blocked, as there are generally no obvious symptoms to look for. Blocked fallopian tubes are generally diagnosed by pelvic ultrasound, although a hysterosalpinogram may also be used, in which a dye is placed into the cervix before x-raying the pelvic region.
There are two types of blocked tubes – partial blockage and Hydrosalpinx.
A partial blockage may be a result of endometrial lining closing off a portion of the tube, which can result in a tubal pregnancy, or ectopic pregnancy. A hydrosalpinx is when the tube is completely blocked and begins to fill with fluid, which makes the tube dilate and swell as it fills. If both tubes are affected, the chances of conceiving are zero.
The predominant causes of blocked tubes are a history of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Chlamydia, ruptured appendix, endometriosis or other type of uterine infection.
Infertility specialists will advise that laparoscopic surgery is required to unblock the affected tubes, however this can cause further scarring in some cases. In the case of a hydrosalpinx, a specialist may advise that a hydrosalpingectomy is required, which is complete removal of the dilated fallopian tube. This destroys any chance of falling pregnant naturally in future and the patient becomes dependent on IVF treatments if further children are wanted.
Once again, there are plenty of non-surgical options available to help unblock damaged fallopian tubes. Alternative therapies that include manual physical therapy have also shown positive results.
