Diagnosis

Fallopian tube obstruction can be diagnosed in a number of ways.  Laparsocopy is a surgical procedure which uses a small lighted tube that is inserted through a tiny incision (cut) on the abdomen.  With this procedure, a surgeon is able to see directly into the abdominal cavity and check the state of the fallopian tubes on the outside and the inside by injecting colored dye through the cervix and watching for its appearance at the end of the tube.

Hysterosalpingogram is a procedure in which a dye is injected into the uterus and the uterus is examined via X ray to see if the dye spills into the tubes and pelvic cavity.  These diagnostic techniques are quite invasive so they are not done routinely unless a woman has been trying to conceive for a long period of time without  success (and male factor infertility has been ruled out).

Causes

The common reason for the fallopian tube blockage is a pelvic infection which may produce minor symptoms or no symptoms at all.  However, if the infection was left untreated it can cause scarring, adhesions and complete obstruction of one or both tubes.  In cases of PID (pelvic inflammatory disease), opportunistic bacteria coming from the uterus can spread to the fallopian tubes since they are the structures closest to the uterus.  If a woman is experiencing acute infection, antibiotic therapy is indicated in order to prevent damage to the fallopian tubes.  However, if a woman already has obstruction and damage of the fallopian tubes, a surgery that can repair the damage may be indicated.

Endometriosis can be another possible cause for fallopian tube obstruction.

It’s also possible that fallopian tubes are blocked only some of the time.  This type of blockage is referred to as a “functional blockage”.  This scenario is typical in women who experience a lot of stress.  Stress tends to constrict pelvic musculature and decrease blood flow and this can be a factor in inability to conceive.  This type of functional blockage responds very well to acupuncture as well as Chinese herbal medicine.   Also, excessive mucous buildup within the tube can create a plug and cause blockage.  In Chinese medicine, this would be refered to as “damp accumulation” and would be treated through dietary therapy, herbs and acupuncture.

Infertility Treatment for Blocked Fallopian Tubes

If there is an extensive damage and scarring in both fallopian tubes  it is very difficult (or nearly impossible) for a woman to conceive and IVF is probably the best route to take.  IVF was actually developed for women with extensive fallopian tube obstruction and damage since it can bypass the problem.

Using acupuncture prior to an IVF treatment is a wise decision since  it can help decrease side effects of drugs, decrease stress levels and remove any stagnant blood and energy in order to ensure successful implantation.

Microsurgery is another treatment option for women whose tubes are not damaged along too much of their length.  Surgery seems to be more effective if the damage is in the area closer to the uterus.

The good news is that modern technology does help women with tubal blockage have a healthy pregnancy and birth. If you decide to use assisted reproductive technology, you should make an effort to take good care of yourself in order to create optimal conditions for a new life to flourish. Nutritious diet, proper rest, moderate exercise and stress reduction are the most important things that you can do to improve your health as well as increase your chances of conception.

If you trying to conceive it is important that you refrain from taking drugs that belong to NSAID category especially around ovulation time.  Tylenol can be used since it does not belong to this category but it is definitely better to avoid any over the counter medications if possible.

If you are suffering from chronic pain, it is important to address the root cause of the  issue and use safer and more gentle alternatives like acupuncture, herbal medicine, physical therapy, massage, yoga therapy, nutritional therapy, essential oils and others.

Common herbs that are used to decrease inflammation and relieve pain are ginger and turmeric. Both are commonly used in cooking in China and India.  Adding ginger and turmeric to your food will not only add nice flavor and color to your dishes but also help with pain control.  Magnesium is a muscle relaxant so if you suffer from muscular pain and stiffness taking an Epsom salt (magnesium) bath can help.  Fish oil and cold liver oil can also help decrease inflammation and provide pain relief.

Myrrh, the resin of a tree Commiphora myrrha, has been used in both traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to fight pain caused by inflammation.  It is commonly paired with frankincense to create a powerful pain control formula.

Please consult with the licensed health care professional for treatment option that is appropriate for your condition.

During winter months, you should increase the consumption of meats, especially lamb and beef since they have warming energetic value.  Stews or soups that have been cooked for long periods of time are especially good for building up yang energy and keeping you warm.  If you have a crock pot you can throw in some meat and vegetables in it at night and you will have your lunch or dinner ready in the morning!  Organ meats like chicken livers are strong blood tonics and are the richest sources of iron.  Iron is especially helpful for women are are planning to conceive or are pregnant.  Chicken livers can be fried with a bit of garlic, onions and/or soy sauce (I like to add a dash of lime at the end), or eaten as pate over whole wheat bread for breakfast or snack.  Make sure that you purchase organic liver.  Fresh fish is a great source of omega 3 acids and should be consumed at least twice per week.   Avoid consumption of large fish like tuna since it contains high levels of mercury.  Small fish like sardines, mackarel  or anchovies are a better choice.  Wild cought salmon is definitely better than farm raised.  If you don’t like fish, make sure that you take a high quality fish oil supplement in order to compensate your omega 3’s.

Root vegetables like beets, squash, sweet potatoes as well as cabbage, cauliflower and rutabagas are great winter vegetables and can be consumed baked, fried or in soups.  Fermented cabbage in a form of sauerkraut or kim chee are staple foods in Europe and Asia in the winter months.  They are rich in vitamin C as well as beneficial bacteria which help with overall digestive function.

Consumption of fruits should be limited in the winter months since fruits have very cool energetic nature.  Most fruits are abundant  in summer time because they cool us down and are refreshing.  Dried fruits like apricots, cherries, plums etc.  can be simmered in water with warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, ginger and eaten as a compote or added over morning oatmeal for a yummy breakfast.   Baked apples make your whole house smell so good and are great comfort food especially when mixed with walnuts or other nuts. 

Eggs and full fat dairy products are a great source of protein and should be consumed daily (unless you are allergic to them).  Fermented products like kefir and yogurt are especially helpful since they also contain friendly bacteria that help digestive function.  Make sure that you buy organic dairy products and that you don’t consume milk straight out of the fridge (for more details you can read my article “Got Real Milk?”).  Eggs are nature’s perfect food rich in B vitamins and iron, both essential for healthy conception and pregnancy. 

Getting whole grains into your diet is essential since processed grains have been stripped of most of their nutritional value.  Whole wheat bread is more nutritious than white bread.  You should also consider indluding grains like: buckwheat, oats, quinoa and millet into your diet.

Legumes like lentils, beans are chickpeas are great sources of protein as well as fiber and should be consumed in abundance.  If you have trouble digesting them, try adding bay leafs and spices like cumin seeds while cooking.   

Plain water is the best drink you can choose.  Room temperature or warm water is better since cold water can produce indigestion and abdominal cramping.  Herbal teas are another great choice.  Also, sipping  chicken/beef/lamb broths can provide you with all necessary minerals in easily digestible and most natural form.

Lastly, taking a good quality pre natal vitamin is a good idea since it will ensure that you are receiving all the nutrition necessary.

Things to be eliminated include:

-Trans fatty acids (e.g. margarine or other types of hydrogenized oils)

-Junk and all processed  foods

-Sugar

-Sodas

-Caffeine

-Cigarettes and other drugs

-Pharmaceutical drugs (if possible)

If you have a serious medical condition, you should be evaluated by a qualified health practitioner as well as nutritionist in order to determine the best possible diet for you and your future baby.

The hormone responsible for the production of fertile cervical mucous is estrogen and its production peaks at about 6 days before the actual ovulation starts.  However, not all mucous is created equal!  There are four types of fertile mucous and while some types facilitate the movement of sperm others tend to block it.  The mucous that is produced by the cervical glands during infertile times is called G-type and its quality is thick, pasty and impenetrable.  As the ovulation time gets closer, estrogen levels increase which makes the mucous more stretchy and slippery.  L-type mucous causes the woman to feel a more sticky and wet sensation in her vaginal area but it is not until S-type mucous appears that the woman can actually notice a discharge which usually resembles an egg white consistency.  Finally, as the ovulation is imminent, P-type mucous is secreted from the top of the cervical canal and even though it does not appear as stretchy as S-type mucous, it is extremely lubricative and rich in potassium (thus the name P-type).  “The last day that P mucous is produced is the most fertile day of the whole cycle i.e. the day before the egg is released or the day it is released. “

The importance of paying close attention to the changes in woman’s cervical mucous production lies in the fact that it proceeds ovulation and alerts a woman of her most fertile days.  “Producing the fertile mucous to facilitate the sperm’s journey up the cervix in the days before ovulation is aimed at getting these sperm inside the female reproductive tract well before the egg is released.  This is because this largest single cell in the body is one of the shortest lived, being fertilizable for only 6-12 hours.  Some of the millions of lively little sperm cells, on the other hand, have been known to survive for 5 days  in the female reproductive tract, although they are most able to fertilize the egg in the first 48 hours after delivery to vagina […]  Some studies have indicated that the day for sexual intercourse which then leads to the highest conception rate is in fact 2 days before ovulation.”

Chinese medical practitioners frequently ask questions about vaginal discharge in order to determine the yin status of the body.   Yin energy within the human system corresponds to all the fluids flowing within our bodies including blood, urine, sweat as well as vaginal discharge in women.   If the woman does not notice any vaginal discharge during any part of the cycle or if the discharge seems to be very scant and never reaches the stretchy and egg like consistency, she is usually diagnosed with some form of yin vacuity. In Chinese herbal medicine there are herbs which are given to tonify the yin and stimulate the production of fluids.  The results of more mucous production should be seen within 3 months of herbal and acupuncture treatment.  However, I frequently encounter patients who have vaginal discharge throughout the whole month which tends to be thin and watery.  In those cases, more questions should be asked about digestive health and herbs that strengthen Spleen and Stomach energy can be helpful.  Patient should also be evaluated for a possible infection.
Medications that can potentially dry up the cervical mucous include clomid and  antihistamines,   Also taking a large dosage of vitamin C can potentially make the mucous too acidic and therefore hostile to the sperm.

Foods which increase the production of yin and fluids in the body and therefore increase the production of cervical mucous are:  all dark colored beans e.g. black beans, eggs, dairy, small amounts of pork and duck meat, asparagus, seaweeds, leafy green vegetables, berries like: blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and raspberries.  Over consumption of spicy foods and stimulating drinks can lead to dryness.  Staying well hydrated is important since women (and men) with yin vacuity have a tendency toward thirst and dryness.

Smoking has a drying effect on the body and should be avoided especially if you are planning a pregnancy.   Not getting enough sleep, overworking and high levels of stress tend to injure the yin so making sure you are getting enough rest while trying to keep your stress in check should be the first steps to take toward a healthy conception and pregnancy.

You can check out www.fertilityfriend.com for more info on how to determine your  fertile days