Tubal blockage - Causes of Female Infertility

This refers to a blockage of the fallopian tubes, often caused by scarring, adhesions or a build up of fluid. Sexually transmitted diseases such as Chlamydia can block the tubes as can fibroids and endometriosis.

Whatever the reason, it accounts for around one third of cases of female infertility.

Treatment includes keyhole surgery to remove any blockage.

The fallopian tubes can be damaged as a result of an infection following appendicitis, severe endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), an ectopic pregnancy or adhesions following abdominal surgery.

Surgical treatment can consist of a tuboplasty in which a balloon is inserted into the tube via a catheter which then inflates (and opens) the fallopian tube.

Another procedure is that of fimbrioplasty in which microsurgery is used to re-open the fimbria at the end of the fallopian tube.

Female Infertility Guide Index:

• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (POS)
• Endometriosis
• Fibroids
• Hostile cervical mucus
• Tubal blockage
• Anovulation
• Obesity
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

• Amenorrhea
• Antiphospholipid Antibodies (APA)
• Hypothyroidism
• Age and egg quality
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Smoking and alcohol consumption
• Contraception
• Prescription medicines