We understand the desperation caused by having blocked fallopian tubes. After all, fertilization of an egg by sperm happens in a woman’s fallopian tube and the biggest disadvantage of having one or both fallopian tubes blocked is that conception is blocked. Knowing your chances of natural conception are either none or limited is extremely stressful for any woman wishing to conceive naturally.
We are frequently asked about natural therapies to unblock fallopian tubes and hear of other sites touting their effectiveness. Some have proven valid and others simply make no sense. Below I will share a collection of questions we’ve received about naturally treating blocked fallopian tubes as you continue to search for answers too.
But first let me share a quote from my colleague Herbalist Sarah Abernathy,
“For some women, natural therapies to unblock the fallopian tubes produce nothing short of miraculous results, and there is little to lose by trying them if surgery or IVF is not the best option for you.”
Q1: Can HSG unblock a fallopian tube?
A: HSG or hysterosalpingogram is the most common x-ray test used to determine if fallopian tubes are blocked. Contrast dye is inserted through the vagina into the uterus, where it will spill into each fallopian tube before x-rays are taken. The x-rays give doctors visual images of fallopian tube size, shape, and where there is an obstruction.
While the HSG has not been traditionally used to unblock fallopian tubes, there are reports of women who’ve had the procedure with an oil-based contrast dye and experienced a “flushing of the tubes”. Some of these women have conceived in the first three months immediately following the procedure. The cause of their fallopian tube blockages is unknown.
Q2: Is the HSG test painful?
A: It is hard to say yes or no. Each woman experiences pain differently. What I have heard, is that there is a bit of pressure as the device that injects the dye into the uterus passes through the cervix. It seems women who have completely blocked fallopian tubes report the most painful HSG experiences, as a result of the dye plus the blockage creating pressure.
Q3: What are my chances of getting pregnant with blocked tubes?
A: Chances of conception will depend on the location and severity of blockage, whether one tube is blocked or they both are, as well as what is blocking them. If both fallopian tubes are completely blocked, chances of natural conception are not likely. If battling infection, such as that which causes Hydrosalpinx, chances will be greater after treatment to clear the infection. With one fallopian tube, chances of conception are every other month, when you ovulate from the ovary on the side of the healthy fallopian tube.
Q4: What causes blocked tubes?
A: Fallopian tube blockages happen as a result of:
- Infections as a result of complications from abortion, missed miscarriage, STIs, or PID
- Permanent birth control, aka tubal ligation
- Any sort of trauma; tubal ligation removal/reversal, past abdominal surgeries or cesarean sections, ectopic pregnancy
- Endometriosis and uterine fibroids
- Genital Tuberculosis (rare)
Q5: I want to know the medicine which opens blocked tubes minus surgery, how it is done, and what are the side effects?
A: It is my understanding that there are no medications specifically designed to unblock fallopian tubes. The exception being if the blockage were from an infection that a medication could clear.
Q6: Will I need surgery to unblock my tubes?
A: I cannot be sure! Discuss the possibility and implications of surgery with your healthcare provider. Needing surgery will depend on the cause and severity of the blockage. Surgery, even when successful, can cause the body to work to heal by growing new fibrin (the tissue that makes up a scar). Excess fibrin is often the cause of blockages in the first place.
If you have surgery to open your fallopian tubes, you will want to be sure you know your fertile window and exact day of ovulation so as to begin actively trying to conceive right away (before the body has too much time to heal and make the new fibrin). Statistics show that roughly 20 to 30 women out of 100 will go on to get pregnant after tubal surgery. Tubal ligation reversal is a medical procedure that needs to be performed by a doctor.
Q7: What causes spasming fallopian tubes?
A: Spasm is referred to as a secondary cause of blocked fallopian tubes, yet only when the tube is in active spasm. If trying to conceive when the tube is actively spasming, this can present a barrier and interfere with conception.
I have yet to find a clear answer as to why fallopian tubes spasm, to what degree the tube is temporarily blocked, or how long a spasm lasts. There are theories that one cause could be lack of circulation to the fallopian tubes and restricted blood flow. Past damage to or improper development of the tubal tissues could be a cause as well.
So, it is going to be most helpful to talk to your doctor about why this is happening for you. Consider also learning more about the herb Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis). Dong Quai is known for its circulation-enhancing, antispasmodic properties. Magnesium is also a wonderful muscle relaxer that might be worth a try (note: there isn’t evidence of its effectiveness for spasming fallopian tubes).
Q8: I have a small patch of endometriosis on one of my tubes, what would you suggest would be the right thing for me do to unblock my tubes?
A: First, discuss with your healthcare provider whether or not the endometriosis is causing damage to the fallopian tube or both tubes. If so, it is going to be helpful to address the root cause of endometriosis, which many believe to be excess estrogen. Our guide 5 Steps to Reversing Endometriosis Infertility will share with you in detail how to do that. Systemic Enzyme Therapy is worth exploring more as well. Enzymes are known to be supportive of helping the body break down and prevent excess fibrin and tissue growth, as well as support healthy circulation to the reproductive organs so they can function at their best.
Q9: Can herbal tampons unblock fallopian tubes?
A: There is no sound evidence that herbs administered via tampon will open a blocked fallopian tube. We know herbs to share their fertility-health benefits in a much more effective, safer way when taken orally, rather than via herbal tea-soaked tampons. Using herbal tampons may actually increase your risk of infection if they are not very carefully made.
Q10: Will FertilicaTM Choice Enzymes unblock my tubes?
A: It isn’t possible to know with any degree of certainty if enzymes (or any natural therapy) will unblock fallopian tubes. That said, a systemic enzyme blend should be included in every natural fertility program to support healthy fallopian tube function.
Enzymes are naturally produced by the body and when taken in supplement form, amp up the body’s ability to clear itself of excess tissue, break down scar tissue, cleanse the blood, increase circulation to the reproductive organs, and reduce immunological response and inflammation. Systemic Enzyme Therapy consists of using systemic enzymes, such as FertilicaTM Choice Enzymes, to help the body reduce inflammation, occasional pain, reduce scar tissue build up, and more. With that, what do you have to lose by trying them?
Q11: Will the Fertility Cleanse unblock my tubes/flush out my tubes?
A: Just as stated above, it isn’t possible to know if a Fertility Cleanse will open blocked fallopian tubes. What Fertility Cleansing does, is create a “clean slate” within the body to help it better respond and utilize other natural remedies.
Fertility cleansing helps to cleanse the entire reproductive system and increase circulation to the reproductive organs. Starting your natural fallopian tube health program should begin with fertility cleansing.
Q12: Is there a cure for blocked tubes?
A: We do not claim, nor can we legally claim our programs are a “cure” for any fertility health issue. Each program is designed to support the body and reproductive organs in functioning as they were designed to do. We have, however, seen a variety of successes for women who have struggled with this issue and decided to try our programs.
For more info please refer to our guides…
Natural Therapies for Blocked Fallopian Tubes
Fertility Q&A – Are There Natural Remedies to Unblock Fallopian Tubes?
Stay tuned on Natural Fertility Info for our upcoming guides:
- Optimizing Chances of Conception With One Fallopian Tube
- Blocked Fallopian Tubes: The Pros and Cons of Surgery
- Hydrosalpinx and Fertility: Best Options for Recovery
Supporting reproductive wellness with blocked fallopian tubes…
Ultimately, the first step to determining how to best move forward with treatment is to try to learn the location and/or severity of the blockage, as well as what has led to or is contributing to the blockage. Your doctor can help you know this.
The effectiveness of natural therapies alone for blocked fallopian tubes and the symptoms of this fertility health issue will depend on these factors. Understanding these factors will help as you contemplate the best plan for you, such as whether natural conception could be possible, or if medical intervention is necessary to help you achieve your dreams of becoming a mother. We feel there is great value in using natural therapies no matter the desired plan of attack!
- Mohiyiddeen L, Hardiman, A., Fitzgerald, C., Hughes, E., Mol, B.W., et al. (May 2015). Tubal flushing for subfertility. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 1;(5):CD003718. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD003718.pub4. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25929235
- Rodriguez, H. (n.d.). Natural Therapies for Blocked Fallopian Tubes. Retrieved from http://natural-fertility-info.com/blocked-fallopian-tubes
Elizabeth Willett is the Senior Herbalist and Lead Educator at NaturalFertilityInfo.com. She holds a BS in Mass Communications (2000) from Minnesota State University, and a Master of Arts degree (MA, 2010) in Holistic Health Studies with a specialization is herbalism from St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN. Liz has written over 200 articles on women’s fertility and brings a vast wealth of knowledge and expertise in holistic health and healing to Natural Fertility Info.com
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