Statistics indicate that Thai people are having fewer children, marrying later, having children later, and often choosing to have only one child. Many families wait until they are ready in every aspect before deciding to plan for children. However, not everyone who wants to have children can do so immediately. Infertility is a problem that comes along with having fewer children. Part of the reason is the increasing age of both prospective fathers and mothers. As age increases, the body undergoes changes over time, especially changes and abnormalities in the fallopian tubes, which are a major cause of infertility in women. Therefore, understanding the fallopian tubes is something that prospective fathers and mothers should study and not overlook.
Infertility Problems
Any family experiencing infertility problems should avoid blaming each other. What should be done is to see a specialist doctor and have both partners undergo health examinations, as possible causes may be found in both parties. Common causes from the female side include:
- Abnormal reproductive system, which may be congenital
- Infections
- Hormonal abnormalities causing lack of ovulation
- Poor development of the uterine lining
- Blocked fallopian tubes, adhesions, or uterine tumors
- Endometriosis
What is Fallopian Tube Blockage and Its Effects?
The fallopian tubes are internal female organs, two tubes on the left and right sides. Their function is to transport eggs and sperm to meet and fertilize within the fallopian tubes and then carry the fertilized egg back to the uterine cavity for implantation in the uterine lining. The fallopian tubes are about 10 centimeters long with a diameter of about 1 centimeter. During intercourse around ovulation, sperm travel from the vagina through the uterine cavity into the fallopian tubes, usually meeting the egg in the middle part of the fallopian tube, where fertilization occurs. Women with blocked fallopian tubes, which can occur on one or both sides, experience infertility. If one or both fallopian tubes are blocked, the egg cannot reach the uterus, and sperm cannot reach the egg, preventing fertilization and pregnancy.
In cases of partial blockage, there is a risk of ectopic pregnancy. When partial blockage occurs, some eggs can still travel through the fallopian tubes and may be fertilized by sperm. However, due to the partial blockage, the fertilized egg cannot travel back to the uterine cavity and instead implants in the fallopian tube wall.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Blocked fallopian tubes usually show no symptoms. Diagnosis is made through a special radiological test called hysterosalpingogram (HSG). This test involves injecting a contrast dye through the cervix using a small tube. After the dye is injected, X-ray images are taken to examine the fallopian tubes and uterus. If you are experiencing infertility, you should see a doctor to check whether blocked fallopian tubes are the cause so that appropriate treatment can be provided.
Fallopian Tube Blockage Surgery with Minimally Invasive Laparoscopic Surgery
Surgical repair of blocked fallopian tubes involves creating a new opening in the tube and removing adhesions. This is done through laparoscopic surgery, where a small camera is inserted into the abdomen to identify the problem and perform corrective surgery simultaneously. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) involves small incisions, less pain, and faster recovery due to minimal tissue and organ disruption. Patients experience much less pain after surgery compared to traditional surgery and can return home sooner.
With this laparoscopic technology, diagnosis and treatment through surgery are convenient, fast, and yield very good results. Whether surgery is necessary depends on consultation with a doctor, who will ask questions and explain the expected outcomes and necessity, including the patient’s desire to have children, to help make a decision.
A family is complete with the presence of children to fill it. Therefore, we must take good care of our health, both women and men, by regularly having annual health check-ups to maintain good health and be ready to welcome the little ones, which is one of the greatest joys in life.
