Blocked fallopian tubes

blocked fallopian tubes

While there are many causes of infertility, a blocked fallopian tube is often the reason why many women are unable to conceive. Each month, when ovulation happens, an egg is released from ovary, and goes through the tubes and reaches the uterus. The sperm also need to swim from cervix through the uterus and to the fallopian tubes to meet the egg. Fertilization usually takes place here while an egg is traveling through the tube. If one or both fallopian tubes are blocked, the egg can't reach the uterus, and that's why the sperm can't meet the egg. This will prevent any fertilization and pregnancy.

Get to know about fallopian tubes, what are fallopian tubes?

The fallopian tubes are the pathways in which the ova travel from the ovaries down into the uterus. They consist of two thin tubes. Their function is to lead the mature egg from the ovaries to the uterus. Blocked fallopian tubes typically prevent successful passage of the egg to the sperm, and/or the fertilized egg to the uterus. In some cases, blocked fallopian tube is not total, but partial. This can increase the risk of a tubal pregnancy or ectopic pregnancy.

What causes blocked fallopian tubes?

Blocked fallopian tube is the major cause of infertility in women at about 20% of the infertility cases. Here are common causes of blocked fallopian tubes.

• Endometriosis
• Uterine fibroids
• PID (pelvic inflammatory disease)
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Tubal ligation removal
• Genital tuberculosis (rare cases)
• Complications from lower abdominal surgery, such as Caesarian section.

How to diagnose blocked fallopian tubes?

There are no specific symptoms and signs that make us know if we are suffering from blocked fallopian tubes. But if you have PID, it is important to think of blocked fallopian tubes, because based on epidemiologic studies, 75% of women with sexually transmitted disease do suffer from blocked fallopian tubes.

The only sign that there is a blocked fallopian tube is an inability to conceive, or we call it primary infertility. To detect this abnormality, there are some diagnostic modalities. Here are the details.

1. HSG (hysterosalpingogram). It is an X-ray test using a contrast dye to view any blockage or obstruction in the fallopian tubes.
2. Laparoscopy surgery / chromotubation. This procedure is similar to HSG because chromotubation includes dye being passed into the fallopian tubes and uterus. This test is performed on a laparoscopic surgery so the doctors can see the dye spelling from the fallopian tube.
3. Sonography (almost similar to USG). It is a non invasive test using ultrasound imaging to determine any abnormalities in reproductive organs.
4. Blood test to detect Chlamydia antibodies because tubal disease is often related to Chlamydia infection.

How to open blocked fallopian tubes?

1. Selective tubal cannulation. This procedure is performed for proximal tubal blockage with 60% pregnancy success rate.
2. Tubal ligation removal (tubal reanastomosis). In this procedure, the doctor will remove the portion of the fallopian tube that was tied or cauterized in the original surgery and reattaches the two ends to make a complete tube. Tubal reanastomosis has a 75% pregnancy success rate.
3. While IVF therapy has largely replaced tubal surgery in the treatment of infertility, the presence of hydrosalphinx is a detriment to IVF success. It has been recommended that prior to IVF, laparoscopic surgery should be done to either block or remove hydrosalpinges.

What are the risks of blocked fallopian tubes surgery?

• Pelvic infection
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Regrowth of scar tissue
• Tissue adhesion

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Seasonal influenza vaccine

seasonal influenza vaccine

Influenza, or flu, is a disease caused by the influenza virus. It is very contagious disease which can be spread by sneezing, coughing, and nasal secretions. Everyone can get influenza, but mostly it affects children. For most people, influenza symptoms last only a few day. 

Symptoms of seasonal influenza
Symptoms of common flu are not specific, it can mimick another viral infections. The symptoms include:

• Chills/fever
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Runny nose

Why people should get seasonal influenza vaccine

People with decreased immune functions, such as young children, elderly, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions such as heart, lung, or kidney disease, can get much sicker. Seasonal influenza can cause high fever and continue to pnemonia and will harm the existing medical conditions. In children, seasonal influenza can cause diarrhea and fever associated seizure. Sometimes some people need hospitalization.By getting seasonal influenza vaccine you can protect yourself from seasonal influenza and may also avoid spreading seasonal influenza to others.

When to get seasonal influenza vaccine

• Get the vaccine as soon as possible. It will protect you from influenza. You can get the vaccine as long as illness is occuring in your community.
• Influenza mostly occurs from October through May. In recent seasons, most infections have occured in January and February. So if you get the vaccine in December, it will still be beneficial in most years.
• Older children and adults need one dose of influenza vaccine annualy. Younger children (less than 9 years) may need two doses to be protected.
• The vaccine may be given at the same time with other vaccine. It is safe.

How to fight seasonal influenza?

CDC urges us to take these steps to protect ourself and others from the seasonal influenza:

1. Get vaccinated against flu. It's a best defense.
2. Cover your cough, wash hands often.
3. Take antiviral drugs as doctor recommends you.

For more information about seasonal influenza vaccine by age group in the United States, you can go here.

Source: CDC

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