32.What happens if the tubes are blocked? – Infertility Niche Business

No, blocked fallopian tubes certainly aren't the end of your chances of having a baby. Your physician may decide that your best chance for conception is through in vitro fertilization. Discussed in more detail in another chapter, in vitro fertilization -- or IVF -- as it's commonly referred to is the most common way to treat tubal factor infertility.

In this procedure, your egg is fertilized outside of your fallopian tube. The resulting embryo is then implanted inside your uterus. While the success rate of this process varies from couple to couple, overall, the average success rate averages about 35 percent.

If your doctor doesn't recommend IVF, he may tell you that surgery is the best option in your particular case. In some instances, surgery repairs the damaged tubes. This is especially true if the damage is caused by adhesions or scar tissue. Here again, pregnancy success rates with surgery do vary.

Endometriosis and infertility
Another cause of infertility for some women is a condition called endometriosis. Yes, it's a mouthful to say and it can play havoc with your attempts to have a baby.

The name of this disorder comes from "endometrium," which is the lining of your uterus. In endometriosis, the lining, which normally grows on the inside of the organ, is actually growing outside of the uterus. Most commonly, this lining grows on the fallopian tubes, ovaries or even on the tissue lining your pelvis.

And while it's there, it acts just as it would if it were inside your uterus. During your menstrual cycle, the lining of the uterus thickens, breaks down and then sheds. That's what causes the menstrual bleeding every month.

But when that endometrium is not in the uterus and tries to shed, it becomes trapped. And it can irritate the surrounding tissue. The result of this irritated tissue could be the formation of cysts, scar tissues or even adhesions, abnormal tissue binding organs together.

You may end noticing as a result certain symptoms, including pelvic pain. You may especially notice this pain during your period.

But beyond that, endometriosis may cause fertility problems for you.