7 Proven Steps to Boost Your Chances of Getting Pregnant with Blocked Fallopian Tubes

Finding out you have blocked fallopian tubes can feel confusing… we get that. You are trying to conceive and somehow blockage in these tubes is lowering your chances of getting pregnant.

The good news is that there are treatments to help, and many people with this condition go on to start their families. If only one of your fallopian tubes is damaged, you can get treatment to repair or remove it depending on the severity. But if both tubes are damaged beyond recovery, treatments like IVF can bypass the fallopian tubes and still offer a chance for pregnancy.

Here's a simple guide to what blocked fallopian tubes are, their causes, and the 7 steps to boost your chances of getting pregnant despite damaged fallopian tubes. 

A Quick Breakdown of Blocked Fallopian Tubes & How They Affect Fertility

Your fallopian tubes are located in your pelvis, attached to your ovaries. These reproductive organs (tubes) are responsible for the transportation of eggs from your ovaries (where eggs are kept) to your uterus (where an embryo grows). 

When an egg is released during ovulation, it passes through one of the fallopian tubes (also the same place where the egg meets sperm). Then, after fertilization, the fertilized egg again travels through the fallopian tube to the uterus where the embryo grows into a baby. 

However, in case you have blocked fallopian tubes, the egg cannot travel through the tubes to meet the sperm. If by any chance the egg meets the sperm and gets fertilized, the blockage in the tubes does not let it reach the uterus. As a result, the fertilized egg cannot implant in the uterus, and pregnancy does not occur. 

In some cases, the fertilized egg may become stuck in the fallopian tube. This sometimes results in an ectopic pregnancy, where the embryo grows outside the uterus. Sadly, the fertilized egg does not typically survive in an ectopic pregnancy since the fallopian tube cannot support the growth of an embryo-like uterus. 

Another concern is hydrosalpinx, which occurs when a blockage causes the tube to fill with fluid. Sometimes, this fluid backflows into the uterus and damages the lining of the uterus, again preventing implantation and pregnancy. 

In either case, conceiving becomes hard with blocked fallopian tubes. Since the egg does not meet the sperm or the fertilized egg fails to travel to the uterus, it is hard to get pregnant without treatment. Research suggests that between 19% and 29% of women with infertility suffer from tubal blockages.

However, the good thing is: you can still get pregnant despite blocked fallopian tubes. Medical procedures like surgery and IVF are effective treatments in helping women conceive and improve fertility even with damaged or blocked fallopian tubes. 

X-ray image of Hysterosalpingography (HSG) to check fallopian tubes

What Causes Blocked Fallopian Tubes? 

So what causes blocked fallopian tubes? There are a number of factors involved:

• PID – a sexually transmitted disease that causes bacterial infections in the reproductive organs. It affects the uterus and fallopian tubes the most. 
• Endometriosis – a condition in which a tissue similar to the uterus lining grows outside of the uterus. 
• Fibroids – non-cancerous growths in or around the uterus. 
• Uterine infections 
• Miscarriages 
• Abdominal or pelvic surgeries
• Scar tissue from past surgeries
• Inflammation 

Symptoms of Blocked Fallopian Tubes

It is possible that you do not experience any symptoms indicating blocked fallopian tubes. In fact, many women do not feel any signs until they face difficulty conceiving. Blocked tubes are typically discovered with procedures like HSG (x-ray), though several symptoms can tell if there is a problem with your fallopian tubes: 

• Difficulty conceiving despite regular, unprotected intercourse. 
• Chronic or recurring pain, often on one side of the abdomen.
• Menstrual cramps without periods. 
• Irregular periods, including heavy or painful menstruation. 
• Discomfort or pain during sexual activity.  
• Unusual color, texture, or odor of vaginal discharge. 
• Severe abdominal pain, dizziness, or bleeding if a fertilized egg implants in a blocked tube (signs of ectopic pregnancy). 

In many cases, these symptoms can lead to further problems like fever, fatigue, and sleep discomfort. While it is common to confuse these signs with other illnesses, they should not be ignored, especially if you are trying to conceive.

Dragana Gordic

Suffering from period pains

7 Steps to Getting Pregnant with Blocked Fallopian Tubes!

Yes, it is still possible to get pregnant with blocked fallopian tubes. The process is not rocket science, starting with a complete diagnosis to understand the severity of damage and taking the right treatment. Alongside, lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking or alcohol also help in improving fertility and raising chances of conceiving. 

 Step 1: Get a Comprehensive Diagnosis

Diagnosis is the first step in treating blocked fallopian tubes and increasing the chances of conceiving. Your doctor will recommend to you any of these two effective diagnostic methods to examine fallopian tubes and identify any blockage: Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) and Laparoscopy. 

1. Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)

Hysterosalpingogram or HSG is the first diagnostic test your healthcare provider will recommend to examine your fallopian tubes. The test includes taking an x-ray to review the uterus and identify any blockages in the fallopian tubes. 

How It Works:

The test is typically scheduled shortly after your period but before ovulation to prevent interfering with a potential pregnancy. 

During the test, you will be asked to lie on your back and spread your legs. The radiologist will insert a speculum first to visualize the cervix, then a thin tube is inserted to inject the dye. The X-ray images are taken as the dye passes through the uterus and into the fallopian tubes. Dye not visible inside the tubes or not flowing correctly are common signs of blocked fallopian tubes.

After the test, it is possible to experience mild cramping or spotting, but these symptoms are not serious and go away on their own within a day. 

2. Laparoscopy

Laparoscopy is another diagnostic test to detect blocked fallopian tubes, uterus, and surrounding organs. However, compared to other diagnostic tests, laparoscopy is the gold standard because it is both a diagnostic test and a treatment for blocked fallopian tubes. Your doctor will recommend laparoscopy when other diagnostic tests like HSG are inconclusive and a more detailed examination of fallopian tubes is needed. 

How It Works:

Before taking the test, you will have to fast for several hours. Your doctor will give you anesthesia before starting the procedure so you won't feel any pain. 

During the test, your surgeon will make a small incision near your belly button to insert a thin, flexible tube with a small camera attached (laparoscope). Then, gas (usually carbon dioxide) will be used to inflate your abdomen to get a clear view of the organs. Your surgeon will examine the fallopian tubes and treat any minor adhesions or remove the blockage if required. 

After the procedure, it will take a few days to recover completely. You may also experience mild abdominal pain or bloating, but these symptoms are temporary and will subside eventually. 

Iryna Inshyna

Laparoscopic surgery

Step 2: Addressing Underlying Issue

Fallopian tubes play a key role in a successful pregnancy but certain medical conditions can damage them and lead to infertility. Conditions like Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) and Tuberculosis (TB) are often the underlying issues behind blocked fallopian tubes. 

PID causes inflammation in the pelvic organs, resulting in blocked or scarred fallopian tubes. On the other hand, TB affects the reproductive system by causing adhesions and other complications that prevent fertility. In case these conditions are not detected on time, they can cause long-term damage to your reproductive organs. 

This is why addressing these underlying health issues is important when dealing with damaged tubes. For PID, your doctor will recommend a variety of tests, like a pelvic exam, ultrasound, and blood tests to check for infections or inflammation. Likewise, chest X-rays and tests for TB infection are performed to identify tuberculosis. 

Once you know the root causes, you can significantly enhance your chances of conceiving naturally or with assisted reproductive treatments. 

Step 3: Understand Your Treatment Options

After the diagnostic test, your doctor will discuss with you the severity of the blockages (partial or complete, the causes behind the blockage, and the possible treatment options. Usually, treatment for blocked fallopian tubes includes surgery (to repair or remove the tubes), or assisted reproductive technologies like IVF. 

1. Surgical Procedures (Salpingectomy/Tuboplasty)

Surgery is needed when the fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged. It includes repairing the damaged tube or removing part of the tube to clear blockages, remove adhesions, and restore the tube’s ability to conceive naturally. 

If your doctor suggests surgery, it could involve one of the following procedures:

• Salpingectomy (removal of part of/entire fallopian tube)
• Tuboplasty (repair of the fallopian tube)

Success Rate:

The success rate for a salpingectomy (removal of a fallopian tube) is lower when both tubes are damaged, but if one tube remains healthy, the chances of conceiving improve. A study following 1145 couples with tubal infertility found that 61% of pregnancies occurred after treatment or management, especially in cases where the blockage was less severe or only one tube was affected.

So, what does this mean? It means that if one of your fallopian tubes is healthy, you can still conceive if the other tube is removed due to salpingectomy. Removing the damaged tube can prevent the further spread of infection and improve the chances of pregnancy.

However, if both tubes are damaged, you cannot conceive using natural methods like penetration. In that case, assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), are helpful as IVF can bypass the fallopian tubes entirely and lead to pregnancy.  

2. Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) — Vitro Fertilization (IVF) 

The second popular treatment for blocked fallopian tubes is using assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization (IVF). 

Inna Dodor

In vitro fertilisation concept

How it works:

An IVF treatment begins with ovarian stimulation, in which medications stimulate ovaries to produce multiple eggs. Once the eggs are ready, your surgeon will retrieve them from the ovaries. Likewise, your partner will be asked to provide sperm samples, which will be fertilized with the retrieved eggs in a laboratory. After fertilization, the best-quality embryo will be transferred into your uterus, where it may implant and result in pregnancy. 

Success rate: 

IVF bypasses the fallopian tubes, so they don’t play any role in conceiving and you can get pregnant even with blocked or damaged tubes. A study done by a group of researchers showed that women with tubal factor infertility had a pregnancy rate exceeding 70% after four cycles of IVF and embryo transfer. Hence, IVF offers a highly effective solution for women with blocked or damaged fallopian tubes as they can conceive even when traditional methods are not an option.

Salpingectomy, tuboplasty, and IVF are all effective treatments for blocked fallopian tubes, but which one should you get if you are trying to conceive? While your healthcare provider will give you a detailed treatment plan depending on your condition, here's a simple guide: 

• Salpingectomy: Recommended if one tube is severely damaged or infected, and the other tube is healthy. If both tubes are severely damaged, IVF is a better option.
• Tuboplasty: Ideal for women with mild to moderate damage to their fallopian tubes. If surgery is successful, it can restore fertility and increase the chances of conceiving.
• IVF: Best for women whose both fallopian tubes are completely blocked or damaged. Also, in cases when surgery has been unsuccessful or other fertility treatments were not successful, IVF is recommended. 

Step 4: Dietary Adjustments to Support Reproductive Health

Along with the ongoing treatment, you should take great care of your diet too. It is backed by research that a diet heavy in trans fats, processed carbs, and added sweets can impair fertility. On the other hand, a Mediterranean style diet high in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, plant-based protein, and vitamins and minerals has been shown to improve female fertility.

Step 5: Lifestyle Changes

When dealing with blocked fallopian tubes, positive lifestyle changes contribute a lot to improving fertility. You should try to be physically active more, get proper sleep, and do mindfulness activities to reduce stress. Here are some tips to get started:

• At least 30 minutes of exercise each day. Activities like walking, light jogging, and cycling are ideal for women with blocked fallopian tubes. 
• The process of trying to conceive with blocked fallopian tubes is mentally exhausting. Try mindfulness activities like yoga or meditation to lower stress levels. 
• Deep breathing exercises also reduce stress hormones like cortisol, which can interfere with ovulation. 
• Try to get at least 8-10 hours of sleep at night. 
• Stay away from alcohol or cigarettes. 
• Take care of your emotional health. Sharing with a friend, getting counseling, or joining support groups can help you stay strong emotionally. 

Meeko Media

Practices deep belly breathing

Step 6: Monitor Your Ovulation and Fertility

Tracking your ovulation is another important key step in increasing your chances of conception. Each woman has a unique menstrual cycle, which is why you should track it to know your most fertile days (ovulation) and plan intercourse accordingly. Use a calendar or fertility app to track symptoms and cycle patterns, which can help time intercourse and identify potential fertility issues 

Step 7: Regular Follow-ups & Evaluation 

Once treatment starts, it's important to follow up on time to monitor the progress. These evaluations help in tracking the overall treatment and whether any adjustments are needed. It also helps you see how well your body is responding to the medication and treatment. 

Summary

Fallopian tubes play a key role in a successful fertilization and conception. If one tube is still working, natural pregnancy might still work through surgical procedures like Salpingectomy (removal of part of/entire fallopian tube) or Tuboplasty (repair of the fallopian tube). However, if both tubes are blocked or damaged, treatments like IVF are effective where the egg is fertilized in a lab and implanted directly in the uterus. Along with the treatment, factors like a good diet, herbal teas, an active and mindful lifestyle improve reproductive health and increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.