Each day some of our most common questions come from women with blocked fallopian tubes. Their main concern? Unblocking their fallopian tubes naturally. This Fertility Q&A will focus on some of these questions…
1. Q: My main problem now is that I have proximal tubal occlusion (both of my fallopian tubes are blocked). Is there any natural remedy to unblock my fallopian tubes? My gynecologist told me that the only way to become pregnant is through IVF. Is there any natural option to help me get pregnant?
A: Proximal tubal occlusion means that the blockage is seen where the fallopian tube joins the uterus. This is where the myometrium, or middle layer of the uterine wall, transitions into the three layers of muscle that make up the fallopian tube. This space is extremely small and can easily be affected by any number of fertility conditions. Diverticulosis of the fallopian tube, which is a thickening of the narrow part of the tube (where it attaches to the uterus) is often a result of inflammation, PID, pelvic adhesions or adenomyosis, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, a prior ectopic pregnancy, abortion, missed miscarriage, or cesarean section.
Fallopian tubes are about the size of a spaghetti noodle in width and very delicate. Once they are damaged, it may be difficult to reverse that damage. Any sort of trauma can alter their function and damage the tubal tissues. While there are some medical and surgical procedures for reopening the fallopian tubes, it is important to keep in mind that these procedures have the potential to cause additional scar tissue formation or further damage the fallopian tubes. For those who do not wish to have surgery, there is a non-medical option through Clear Passages Physical Therapy to consider.
The good news is that natural therapies alongside any type of treatment option you are considering may help to improve the desired outcome. Often natural remedies alone may not be all that you need to do to support the normal, healthy function of your fallopian tubes. There are many factors at play, including the location of the blockage and what is causing, or has caused, the blockage.
Natural therapies for fallopian tube health include supporting the body’s natural inflammation and immune response, encouraging healthy circulation to the fallopian tubes and reproductive system, all while promoting the body’s natural ability to cleanse the reproductive system in part by aiding the breakdown of fibrin (bands of scar-like tissue).
In order to change the health status of any part of the body, natural therapies take many months of dedicated application to achieve desired effect. This does not include the time it will take to try to conceive. Overall, time is a factor for both natural therapies and surgical medical procedures where there must be time to make a plan, then carry out the plan, all the while allowing your body to heal prior to trying to conceive. Pregnancy cannot be guaranteed for any of these methods. It really would be best to weigh your options, if you are wanting to get pregnant sooner than later.
Talking more in depth with your doctor about the severity of your fallopian tube blockage may help you to realize which path to pregnancy is your best option.
2. Q: I just got my HSG [hysterosalpingogram] done and discovered that my tube is blocked. I want to know my chances with herbs before considering surgery.
A: I wish I could offer a concrete answer for you. The effectiveness of natural therapies will depend on the location and/or severity of the blockage, in addition to what has led to, or is contributing to the blockage. Consider asking your healthcare provider if he can help you understand these factors as you contemplate the best plan for you.
3. Q: I am looking for suggestions to cure fimbriae that are stuck together. When trying to get pregnant with my second child, I had an ectopic pregnancy (back in April) which resulted in the loss of my left tube. While doing laparoscopy, my doctor noticed that the fimbria on my right fallopian tube are stuck together. I had bought your Self Fertility Massage and Castor Oil Packs. I have been trying for a few months now and still no positive ;-(. Any other suggestions?
A: While I think Self Fertility Massage and Castor Oil Packs are a good choice, I am not sure those two therapies alone are going to be the only solution to you achieving pregnancy. These two natural therapies are supportive in softening the tissues of the reproductive organs and may be instrumental in improving tissue health and integrity, while aiding the body’s natural ability to break down scar tissues. The type of fallopian tube damage you are experiencing may require medical options. To help you understand, let me explain a bit more about the fimbriae…
The fimbriae are instrumental in sweeping the ova into the fallopian tube to be fertilized. The fimbriae are finger-like tissue at the end of the fallopian tube. The fimbriae are covered in tiny hair-like cells called cilia. If the fimbriae are damaged, it is likely the cilia are also damaged. This type of fallopian tube damage is very difficult to treat naturally because these tissues are very tiny. There is a medical option you may want to learn more about called Fimbrioplasty. This procedure rebuilds the fimbriae. Very few doctors are experts in this type of procedure and medical insurance often does not cover the cost of this procedure. You may want to weigh this option vs. IVF with your doctor, who can give you more detailed information about your options for achieving pregnancy with this type of fallopian tube damage.
Utilizing the Self Fertility Massage with Castor Oil Packs regularly may greatly aid in a positive outcome regardless of what you choose to do to help resolve the damage to your fallopian tubes. These therapies are an excellent way to prepare for reproductive surgical procedures and 2 weeks afterward, to help with recovery. I hope this helps you to know what to talk to your doctor about and to make a decision on your best options for achieving pregnancy!
