About 25-40% of Infertility Involves Blockages of the Fallopian Tubes

What are the Fallopian Tubes?

The fallopian tubes are the slender arms of the uterus that reach down to grab the egg from the ovary.

The fallopian tubes have three parts:

• The part that hooks on to the uterus is called the “isthmus”
• The middle part is called the “ampulla” (this is where fertilization usually happens)
• The end is called the “infundibulum” (this is the little hand) and “fimbriae” (the little fingers that grab the egg)

What Are Fallopian Tube Blockages?

In general, blockages of the fallopian tubes are most commonly caused by some kind of adhesion (this is another name for scar tissue).

Adhesions are the result of infection or inflammation.

The fallopian tubes can be blocked in three places:

• 10-25% of blockages occur close to where the fallopian tubes insert on the uterus (in the isthmus).
• 45-80% of blockages occur in the middle (ampulla) of the fallopian tube.
• 10-30% of blockages occur the end of the fallopian tube (infundibulum and fimbriae) and create a hydrosalpinx.

What is a hydrosalpinx?

A hydrosalpinx occurs when the end (or sometimes middle) fallopian tube has adhesions and fills with fluid.

What are the Symptoms of Fallopian Tube Blockages?

Commonly no symptoms are associated with fallopian tube blockages.

If there are symptoms, they will be felt as pain or fullness in the lower abdomen.

An uncommon symptom is a sticky or discolored vaginal discharge.

How are Fallopian Tube Blockages Diagnosed?

The gold standard for diagnosis of fallopian tube blockages is a hysterosalpingogram (HSG).

Hysterosalpingography is a special kind of x-ray technique that includes injecting a dye into the uterus and watching it move through the fallopian tubes.

It is usually done 2-5 days after you stop bleeding, and before you ovulate.

It is not a treatment intervention, but sometimes it can help to open the tubes because of the pressure of the fluid moving through them.

When proper hydrostatic pressure is applied with the HSG, 47% of blocked tubes have been reported to open.

After a course of therapy, I will usually refer women for an HSG to assess for patency (openness) of the tubes, and also possibly finish open them if needed.

Are There Natural Treatments for Fallopian Tube Blockages?

Yes, Dr. Caroline Peterson can treat your blocked fallopian tubes naturally.

Dr. Caroline Peterson uses visceral manipulation to treat the fallopian tubes. This involves using her hands to gently listen to the fallopian tubes, identify the adhesions, and follow the body as the adhesions unwind.

This natural method of treating fallopian tube blockages has been studied and has been shown to be effective.

Dr. Caroline Peterson also relies on castor oil packs to help dissolve adhesions in the area.

Sometimes she will prescribe proteolytic enzymes between meals to help dissolve adhesions.

What can I expect from natural treatments?

Treating blocked fallopian tubes will involve the whole body, since the tubes do not live in isolation to anything else.

You can expect 20 hours of manual therapy.

Possible labs

Diet and lifestyle conversations of about 1-2 hours

Exercise training approximately 1 hour

At home you will be requested to

Apply castor oil packs 2 hours a night four days a week.

Engage in self-care exercises and self-massage 15-30 minutes daily.

It is best to schedule intensive manual therapy sessions of at least 2 hours several times a week.

Scheduling 10-20 hours of therapy for one week is ideal, since Dr. Caroline Peterson is only in town about 10 days a month.