Fallopian Tube Treatment Options & Blockage Solutions

Fallopian tubes are the pair of tubes in female mammals that are essential for ovulation and conception to occur. During ovulation and conception, the tubes transport a female's egg from the ovary to the uterus.

Blockages

• Fallopian tubes can be blocked. Blockages may occur due to damaged or infected cilia (small hair-like structures that help to move the egg through the fallopian tubes), pelvic infections, past surgeries in the lower abdomen, endometriosis or adhesions or birth defects in the uterus.

Infertility

• According to the Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago, tubal related infertility accounts for 20 percent to 25 percent of all infertility cases.

Diagnosis

• Fallopian tube blockages can be diagnosed by using a special x-ray machine called a hysterosalpingography, or through a sonohysterography. A sonohysterography is a procedure in which a salt solution is injected into the uterus. If the solution freely flows through the fallopian tubes, they are not blocked.

Treatment

• Treatment involves tubal surgery to remove obstructions or repair damage. Alternative treatments involve massage, yoga, herbs and optimal nutrition.

Considerations

• In vitro Fertilization (IVF) is an infertility treatment option that bypasses the fallopian tubes. IVF involves retrieving a woman's eggs, fertilizing them outside of her body and then transferring the embryos to the uterus.