The obstruction in the tubes can be treated with surgery to remove the damaged part or remove the tissue that blocks the tube, thus allowing the passage of the egg and natural pregnancy. This problem can occur in only one tube or both, when it is called bilateral obstruction, and in general it does not cause symptoms, causing the problem to be identified only when the woman is unable to conceive.
However, when the obstruction cannot be resolved through surgery, the woman can use other alternatives to get pregnant, such as:
- Hormone treatment: used when only one tube is obstructed, as it stimulates ovulation and increases the chances of pregnancy through the healthy tube; In vitro fertilization: used when the other treatments did not work, as the embryo is formed in the laboratory and then implanted in the woman's uterus. See more details about the IVF procedure.
In addition to reducing the chances of becoming pregnant, obstruction in the tubes can also cause ectopic pregnancy, which when left untreated can lead to rupture of the tubes and risk of death for the woman.
Diagnosis of tubal obstruction
The diagnosis of obstruction of the tubes can be made through an exam called hysterosalpingography, in which the gynecologist is able to analyze the tubes through a device placed in the woman's vagina. See details on how the exam is performed in: Hysterosalpingography.
Another way to diagnose the obstruction of the tubes is through laparoscopy, which is a procedure in which the doctor can see the tubes through a small cut that is made in the belly, identifying the presence of obstruction or other problems. See how this procedure is done in: Videolaparoscopy.
Causes of tubal obstruction
Tubal obstruction can be caused by:
- Abortion, mainly without medical assistance; Endometriosis; Salpingitis, which is inflammation in the tubes; Infections in the uterus and tubes, usually caused by sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea; Appendicitis with rupture of the appendix, as it can cause infection in the tubes; Previous tubal pregnancy; Gynecological or abdominal surgeries.
Tubal pregnancy and abdominal or uterine surgeries can leave scars that cause the tubes to obstruct and prevent the passage of the egg, preventing pregnancy.
Thus, it is common for tubal obstruction to occur due to other gynecological problems such as endometriosis, which is why it is important to go to the gynecologist once a year and use a condom to prevent sexually transmitted diseases, which can also cause obstruction of the tubes.
