Blockages and Scarring of the Fallopian Tubes
According to Dr Miriam Stoppard, up to a third or all women attending for fertility treatment are found to have a fallopian tube problem.
Blocked or scarred tubes can be detected during a laparoscopy or hysterosalpingogram.
Causes of tubal problems include a previous history of chlamydia or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), endometriosis, previous surgery or an ectopic pregnancy.
Surgical procedures
Fimbrioplasty - this procedure is used if the "fimbria" at the ends of the fallopian tube are immobile, blocking the ovum's passage (their normal function is to waft the egg towards the uterus). Microsurgery releases the constriction, opening the tube(s) up again.
Tuboplasty - a balloon is inserted into the fallopian tube using a catheter. At the point of narrowing or blockage, the balloon is inflated, re-opening the fallopian tube. The balloon can then be deflated and removed.
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