Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Blocked Fallopian Tubes

By Shola Oslo

Are your tubes blocked? Do you have a hydrosalpix? If you've been diagnosed with blocked fallopian tubes, and you'd like answers, this may be the most helpful web page you are going to come across. Keep reading to find out why.

Your fallopian tubes are two minute tubes that link the ovaries to the uterus, and are also named uterine tubes, salpinges or oviducts. The fallopian tubes are approximately 7 to 14 cm in length, and start at the upper part of the uterus and move outwards to form a structure called the fimbria. The fimbria are finger-like projections that lie close to the ovaries, and they are responsible for taking the mature egg once its been released by the ovary.

The fallopian tubes consist of strong muscle tissue, covered by ciliated cells. Ciliated cells are cells that have microscopic hair-like projections that push objects towards the uterus. The ciliated cells are protected with a thin mucus to keep the fallopian tubes soft and pliable, and to sustain optimal survival conditions for sperm and eggs.

Healthy fallopian tubes are vital for conception, as the egg is fertilized in these delicate tubes. After intercourse, the sperm swims from the vaginal canal, through the cervical opening and into the uterus. If you're ovulating, the sperm cells that reach the fallopian tubes swim towards the egg, and only one of them will fertilize it.

There is a condition that affects the fallopian tubes called Salpingitis. Salpingitis is occurs when an infectious agent causes the tubes to swell and inflame. Most commonly, the reason why the tubes are affected is PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. Salpingitis can result in the walls of the fallopian tubes sticking together, which causes blocked fallopian tubes. Salpingitis can cause painful ovulation, painful menstruation, pain during sexual intercourse, and a change in the color or smell of vaginal discharge.

Hydrosalpinx can also cause blocked fallopian tubes. A hydrosalpinx takes place when the a watery liquid builds up in the fallopain tubes. You are already aware that the lining of the fallopian tubes release a fluid to soften its lining. In a healthy woman, this fluid runs from the fimbria- the part of the fallopian tubes nearest to the ovaries, down into the uterus. The main cause of a hydrosalpinx is pelvic inflammatory disease, however it is also the result of foreign bacteria overgrowth, endometriosis, or even damage from previous surgeries. Most women with a hydrosalpinx don't know they have one because they're not experiencing any symptoms or side effects, so it can go untreated.

Other ways fallopian tubes can be blocked by fluids include Pyosalpinx a pustled fallopian tube, and Hematosalpinx a tube engorged with blood.

Additionally, blocked fallopian tubes are caused by an adhesion. This is when tissues are abnormally connected by bands of fibrous tissue, as a result of injury, surgery, endometriosis or scarring after inflammation. When adhesions grow in or around the fallopian tubes, they can result in the fallopian tubes becoming twisted, or the lining of the fallopian tubes becoming stuck together.

Fallopian tube blockage is one of the most common causes of female infertility. Thankfully, blocked fallopian tubes can be opened up, because of medical technology. While medicine and surgery work for numerous women, there are risks relating to these procedures. The world of alternative medicine provides a safe, healthy alternative, which often works better than the traditional route. - 16650

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