Sarah and Kwame have been attempting to start a family for more than two years. They have attended many naming ceremonies, hearts aching with each celebration. After undergoing fertility tests, they received devastating news: Sarah had a blockage in her fallopian tube that had prevented her from getting pregnant.
Fallopian tubes and Conception
The fallopian tubes are a pair of narrow, muscular tubes that link the ovaries to the uterus. Positioned in the pelvic cavity, they are located on each side of the uterus. They act as pathways that transport eggs from the ovaries, where they are formed, to the uterus, where they can now be fertilized by sperm.
During ovulation, an egg is released from one of the ovaries and travels down the fallopian tube. If sperm is present in the fallopian tube at the right time, fertilization can take place. The fertilized egg then journeys through the fallopian tube to the uterus, where it attaches to the uterine lining and begins to develop into a fetus.
Fallopian Tube Blockage and Causes
When a fallopian tube becomes obstructed, it can disrupt this natural process. This can hinder sperm from reaching an egg or prevent a fertilized egg from reaching the uterus, resulting in infertility. An obstruction in one or both of your fallopian tubes can occur due to various reasons. These reasons may include:
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) which is a bacterial infection that can damage the fallopian tubes
- Endometriosis a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus
- Ectopic Pregnancy which is a pregnancy that develops outside the uterus, often in the fallopian tube
- Previous pelvic surgeries such as appendectomy or tubal ligation, which can sometimes lead to scarring and blockage
- Untreated Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) like gonorrhea and chlamydia, which can cause inflammation and damage to the fallopian tubes.
Symptoms may include pelvic pain, which can range from mild discomfort to severe cramps, especially during or after menstruation, abnormal bleeding, such as irregular periods, heavy bleeding, or bleeding between periods, pain during sex, infertility, fatigue, nausea, or bloating.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek advice from a healthcare provider. Early diagnosis and treatment can enhance your chances of conceiving. While a blockage in the fallopian tube can present a significant challenge, it’s important to remember that there are numerous treatment options available in the form of medication, treatment and Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART).
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