The world is changing rapidly — and health problems are keeping pace. Back in the day terms like endometriosis was not common but today the term is heard so commonly and also reported quite often in India and also throughout the world. Several women affected by this condition can experience painful periods, heavy bleeding, and also trouble getting pregnant. But one thing that is not quite known is the effects of endometriosis on fallopian tubes and the complications it can lead to especially fallopian tubes which is one of the primary causes for infertility.
In this blog, let’s further explore endometriosis, its symptoms, especially during the time of ovulation and how it can contribute to fallopian tube complications.
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus starts growing outside it — on areas like the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, and intestines.
This abnormally growing tissue acts like a normal uterine lining. With each menstrual cycle, this tissue builds up, breaks down, and bleeds just like the lining inside the uterus. But since it’s growing outside the uterus, it has no way to leave the body, causing it to build up and lead to inflammation, scar tissue, and sticking of organs—often affecting areas like the fallopian tubes.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), endometriosis affects around 10% of women and girls of reproductive age globally.
What are the common symptoms of endometriosis?
Identifying them early can actually make a huge difference in avoiding the complications like the fallopian tube blockage. These are some usual signs to watch for if you have endometriosis:
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Severe pelvic pain during periods
- Fatigue
- Heavy bleeding during periods
- Lower back pain
- Abdominal pain
- Difficulty getting pregnant
- Pain during bowel movements or urinating during periods
The majority of the women report that their symptoms get worse during the ovulation period, when hormone levels fluctuate and increase inflammation.
How are endometriosis and blocked fallopian tubes connected?
Fallopian tubes are key to getting pregnant — they carry the egg from the ovaries to the uterus, and it’s inside these tubes that fertilization usually happens. Scar tissue can block the fallopian tube, which may lead to a blockage. Even if half of the tube is blocked the sperm cannot travel through the fallopian tube.Once the fertilization occurs the fertilized egg travels to the uterus for the rest of the pregnancy.
But when there is no fertilization the egg still travels to the uterus, breaks down and will bleed out of the body during your periods. Unfortunately when there is a blockage in the fallopian tube, the sperm cannot reach the egg and fertilization cannot occur, making natural conception impossible.
How endometriosis affects the fallopian tube?
Scar tissue and inflammation:
The abnormally growing endometrial tissue can lead to inflammation, causing the buildup of scar tissue or adhesions. These adhesions can get wrapped around the fallopian tube making them twisted or blocked.
Blocked pathways:
If scar tissue blocks the fallopian tube, it can keep the egg and sperm from coming together. Even if the tube is only partly blocked, it can still prevent the sperm from reaching the egg.
Fluid build up:
A few times, blocked tubes can fill with fluid, further decreasing the chances of conceiving and increasing pregnancy complications.
Tubal motility issues:
Endometriosis can affect the natural movement capacity of the fallopian tube making it difficult for the egg to pass through.
These issues contribute to why endometriosis and pregnancy challenges often go hand-in-hand.
What should you know about endometriosis and pregnancy?
Endometriosis and pregnancy are closely linked because the condition can significantly lower fertility. While many women with mild endometriosis can still conceive naturally, moderate to severe cases often result in complications, particularly if the fallopian tubes are blocked.
If you’ve been trying to conceive for over 6–12 months without success and experience endometriosis symptoms, it’s time to consult a gynaecologist. Getting help early can make it easier to improve your chances of getting pregnant.
How is fallopian tube blockage diagnosed?
Here are some common diagnostic methods doctors use to assess fallopian tube blockage:
Hysterosalpingography (HSG):
It is a type of X-ray test that helps to see if the fallopian tubes are open or blocked.
Ultrasound and MRI:
These imaging tests help detect cysts, scar tissue, and signs of endometriosis.
Laparoscopy:
This is the most accurate way to diagnose endometriosis and check for fallopian tube blockage. It involves a minor surgical procedure where a camera is inserted into the abdomen.
You should consider visiting the best gynaecology hospital in Coimbatore, where advanced imaging and laparoscopic procedures are available for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
What are the treatment options for fallopian tube blockage?
When it comes to fallopian tube blockage treatment, various options are available depending on the severity of the blockage and the extent of endometriosis.
Laparoscopic Surgery: To clear scar tissue or abnormal tissue growth that’s affecting the fallopian tubes.
Tuboplasty: A procedure to open blocked tubes.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): If the damage is severe, IVF bypasses the fallopian tubes altogether, offering a high success rate.
Hormonal Therapy: To manage endometriosis symptoms and prevent further damage before planning pregnancy.
How can you manage endometriosis during the ovulation period?
Women often notice that endometriosis symptoms worsen during their ovulation period due to hormonal changes. Here are some ways to manage discomfort and improve fertility chances:
- Maintain a balanced anti-inflammatory diet
- Use a heating pad during painful periods
- Consider cycle-tracking apps to identify fertile windows
- Discuss ovulation-support medications with your gynaecologist
Being aware of your ovulation period and its effect on symptoms can help time conception attempts and seek timely treatment.
What are the signs of fallopian tube blockage?
Often, there are no symptoms. Some women may experience lower belly pain or have difficulty becoming pregnant. To find out if there’s a blockage, tests like an HSG or laparoscopy are often done.
Is it possible to get pregnant naturally with endometriosis?
It depends on the severity. Many women with mild endometriosis conceive naturally. Those with moderate to severe cases, especially with fallopian tube blockage, may need medical help like surgery or In Vitro Fertilization.
When should you see a specialist?
If you’re experiencing painful periods, trouble conceiving, or unusual discomfort during your ovulation period, don’t wait. These might be signs of endometriosis or problems with the fallopian tubes. Early detection leads to better outcomes.
The best gynaecology hospital in Coimbatore can offer a complete evaluation, from diagnosing genital tract issues to providing expert care for fertility and surgical treatments.
Important Takeaway:
Endometriosis is more than just painful periods—it’s a condition that can silently affect your fertility by causing fallopian tube blockage. The connection between endometriosis and pregnancy challenges lies largely in the damage this condition can cause to the reproductive system, especially the fallopian tubes.
If you are trying to conceive and facing endometriosis symptoms, it’s important to get a thorough evaluation. With early diagnosis and the right care—such as fallopian tube blockage treatment in Coimbatore—you can improve your chances of a healthy pregnancy.
With the right treatment plan, many women with endometriosis can achieve their dream of motherhood.
