The Fallopian Tubes has three (3) different sections which can experience blockage. Doctors have also come to find that there are patterns of disease or trauma that may affect certain parts of the Fallopian tubes more than others.
*Proximal Tubal Occlusion involves the the isthmus (narrow strip). This can occur after infection, abortion, miscarriage, cesarean or PID.
*Mid Segment Tubal Obstruction of the ampullary is most often due to tubal ligation damage, which is a surgical procedure to permanently prevent pregnancy.
*Distal Tubal Occlusion is the type of blockage that affects the part of the Fallopian Tube end towards the ovary. This type of blockage is typically associated with hydrosalpinx (dilated and fluid - filled tube). Hydrosalpinx is often caused by Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection, which is a sexually transmitted disease. Untreated Chlamydia is known to cause both pelvic and Fallopian Tube adhesion.
Common conditions that may cause blocked Fallopian tubes are:
*Endometriosis
*Pelvis Inflammatory Disease (PID)
*Uterine Fibroids
*Ectopic Pregnancy
*Tubal Ligation Reversal
*Lower Abdominal Surgery or Cesarean Section
All of these conditions can cause blockage to the Fallopian Tubes by causing adhesion and scar tissue to form inside the path of the tube. The Fallopian Tubes may also become stuck to other parts of the internal body; the bladder, ovaries, uterus, bowels, etc.
Damaged Fallopian Tubes can become twisted or the walls of the tubes themselves may adhere together causing a total blockage. Partially damaged Fallopian Tubes may remain open enough for pregnancy to occur, but a partial blockage increases the risk for ectopic pregnancy. The Fallopian Tubes are very thin to begin with, so it does not take much for them to become blocked, preventing the ova from traveling trough. Studies have shown that low progesterone levels, smoking and use of fertility medications may alter how the Fallopian Tubes function, which increase the risk for ectopic pregnancies.