The fallopian tubes are very important to a woman’s ability to have children.
These tubes connect the ovaries to the uterus and help move eggs from the ovaries to the uterus.
What happens, though, if these tubes get clogged? Does the egg stop where it gets stuck or does it go somewhere else? In this article, we will go into detail about this topic and answer all of your questions.
Understanding the Function of the Fallopian Tubes
Before we talk about what happens when your fallopian tubes are blocked, it’s important to know what these tubes are for. The fallopian tubes are made up of two thin tubes that are about 10 to 13 cm long and 1 to 4 mm wide. These tubes are on either side of the uterus and have a fimbriated end that opens to the abdominal cavity.
During ovulation, the ovaries send eggs into the fallopian tubes. The fimbriae help catch the egg and guide it into the tube.
There are three layers in the fallopian tubes: the mucosa, the muscle, and the serosa. The ciliated epithelium lines the mucosa, which is the innermost layer. By making a current, the cilia help move the egg toward the uterus. The muscular layer is what makes the tubes contract, which helps the egg move toward the uterus. The serosa is the layer on top of the tubes that helps keep them in place.
Effects of Blocked Fallopian Tubes
When the fallopian tubes get blocked, the egg can’t get to the uterus to be fertilized. This can lead to infertility. The blockage can happen anywhere in the tubes, and its severity can vary. In some cases, the blockage can be full, while in others, it can be only part of the way through.
If the blockage is close to the ovary, the egg might not be able to get into the tube. In this case, the egg can’t get to the uterus, so it can’t be fertilized. Also, if the blockage is close to the uterus, it can stop the fertilized egg from getting into the uterus, which can cause an ectopic pregnancy.
If the blockage is bad enough, it can also cause fluid to build up in the tube, making it bigger. This is called a hydrosalpinx, and it can damage the tube, making it hard for the egg to get through even if the blockage is taken care of.
Where Does the Egg Go If the Fallopian Tubes are Blocked?
The egg can’t get to the uterus if the fallopian tubes are blocked. Instead, the body will re-take it in. If an egg is not fertilized, the body has a natural way to get rid of it. The process of reabsorption is slow and can take from a few days to a few weeks. The parts of the reabsorbed egg are broken down and put back into the bloodstream.
It’s important to know that the process of reabsorption doesn’t hurt the body and has no bad effects. But if the blockage isn’t fixed, it can make it hard to have children and the chances of having an ectopic pregnancy go up.
Treatment Options for Blocked Fallopian Tubes
Blockages in the fallopian tubes can be treated in different ways, depending on how bad the blockage is. Surgery may be able to get rid of the blockage. Most of the time, this is done with a laparoscopy, which is a minimally invasive surgery. During surgery, a small cut is made near the belly button, and a laparoscope is put in. After that, the surgeon can use special tools to get rid of the blockage.
In vitro fertilization is another type of treatment (IVF). IVF involves taking eggs out of the ovaries and fertilizing them in a dish in a lab.
The eggs that have been fertilized are then moved to the uterus. IVF goes around the fallopian tubes, so it’s a good choice for women whose tubes are severely damaged or blocked.
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FAQs
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Can pain come from blocked fallopian tubes?
Yes, blocked fallopian tubes can hurt, especially when a woman is trying to ovulate.
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How can I tell if my tubes are clogged?
Some of the most common signs that your fallopian tubes are blocked are a pain in your pelvis, heavy periods, and trouble getting pregnant.
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Is it possible to clear out clogged fallopian tubes without medicine?
There is no proof that natural remedies can clear out clogged fallopian tubes.
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How often do fallopian tubes get clogged?
One common cause of infertility is blocked fallopian tubes, which affect up to 30% of infertile couples.
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Can blocked tubes in the womb be avoided?
It is not always possible to keep the fallopian tubes from getting blocked. But if you have safe sex and get regular checkups, you can find problems early and fix them.
Conclusion
The fallopian tubes are very important to a woman’s ability to have children. When these tubes get blocked, it can make it hard to have children or cause a baby to grow in the wrong place. If the blockage is bad, the egg is taken back into the body.
Surgery and IVF are two ways to treat blocked fallopian tubes. If you think your fallopian tubes are blocked, you need to see a doctor right away.