What are Fallopian Tubes?
Fallopian Tubes are one of two long, slender tubes that connect the ovaries and the uterus.
Eggs pass from the ovaries, through the Fallopian Tubes, to the uterus.
In the female reproductive tract, there is one ovary and one Fallopian Tube on each side of the uterus.
Signs & Symptoms Of Blockage
Fallopian Tubes can be very fragile and obstructions prevent the egg from traveling down the tube.
Many women don’t know they have blocked Fallopian Tubes until they try to get pregnant and can’t.
There are rarely any signs and they're usually diagnosed by a doctor. In the event the tubes are blocked with fluid, you may experience recurring pelvic pain, abdominal pain or abnormal vaginal discharge (hydrosalpinx).
There are three key tests:
X-Ray (hysterosalpingogram) Doctor injects dye into the womb that flows into the Fallopian tubes to see if they’re normal.
Ultrasound test (sonohysterogram) Doctor inserts fluid into the uterus via the cervix to examine the uterine lining.
Keyhole surgery (Laparoscopy) Surgeon makes a small cut in the body and inserts a tiny camera through the abdominal wall to view organs.
Common causes
-Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)- term for a host of issues that that create an inflammatory response in the reproductive system of women.
-Endometriosis
-Fibroids
-Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s)
-Ectopic Pregnancy
-Past abdominal surgery
-Complications from lower abdominal surgery
-Excessive mucus
-Traumatic vaginal birth of first child (leading to scarring and adhesions)
-C-Sections
Ectopic Pregnancy
Blocked Fallopian Tubes increase the risk of these pregnancies because the fertilized egg cannot travel to the uterus. The egg implants in the tube or elsewhere in the abdominal cavity because it can’t reach the uterus due to the
blockage. These types of pregnanices are life threatening and often requires surgery.
Effects On Fertility
If one or both Fallopian Tubes is blocked, the egg cannot reach the uterus and the sperm can’t reach the egg. This prevents fertilization and pregnancy.
Mucus Build-Up & Blocked Tubes
Take a moment to visualize a time where you've had a stuffy nose. I'm sure we've all experienced that at some point. Your nose gets so blocked with mucus that you can't breathe through it. The idea is the same with your fallopian tubes which can be the case for any mucus producing organ in the body.
Types Of Blockages
-Distal tubal occlusion
-Midsegment/ medical tubal obstruction
-Proximal tubal occlusion
Distal tubal occlusion-blockage occurred at the end of the tube, close to the ovary.
Midsegment/ medical tubal obstruction- blockage occurred middle of the tube.
Proximal tubal occlusion-blockage occurred nearest to uterus.
Diet & Lifestyle Changes
Diet can either restore or contribute to reproductive issues. Limiting your intake of of processed foods, red meat, dairy, sugar and soy can make a huge difference.
Goal: Reduce inflammation in the body. This is accomplished by eliminating foods that contribute to inflammation.
Red Meat
It has been associated with a host of women's reproductive issues. Factory farmed animals are injected with antibiotics and fed soy. Soy throws off estrogen levels and blocks the body's ability to absorb minerals like iron, zinc, calcium and magnesium.
Dairy
Dairy products, specifically milk, yogurt and cheese contain estrogen. It's packed with artificial growth hormones and synthetic estrogen. Estrogen is given to cows to speed up their growth and force them to produce unnatural amounts of milk. It's also extremely inflammatory which increases symptoms. Dairy and soy products thicken mucus in the body and contribute to blockages.
Starchy Foods
White bread, white pasta and potatoes. Starchy foods turn into sugar that increase insulin and cause sugar imbalances. These foods are often void of any nutritional value.
Caffeine & Tobacco
Proven to contribute to women's reproductive issues.
Sugar
Artificial sugar causes changes in the release of hormones and sends the body into a stressed state. It adds stress to the adrenal glands and thyroid. Your adrenal glands respond by sending out a cortisol and adrenaline which in turn leads to imbalances and reproductive issues.
Foods To Eat
I recommend eating plants. Sounds simple enough, right? They consist of fruit, vegetables, grains, nuts and seeds. These foods tend to be anti-inflammatory and ideal when dealing with issues such as blocked tubes. Some examples of anti-inflammatory foods to incorporate are berries, avocados, seeded grapes, dark leafy greens, bell peppers, turmeric, extra virgin olive oil and mushrooms.
Want to go plant based and don't know where to start? Check out my Plant-Based Transition Guide
Exercise & Maintain A Healthy Weight
Being overweight makes you susceptible to reproductive issues which can lead to even more weight gain. The more you sweat, the better so its important to get moving. Exercising can be as simple as taking walks around the block. This improves circulation of lymphatic system and liver.
Hydrate
Assists liver and kidneys with optimal detoxification and prevents mucus build-up.
Vitamin C
Antioxidant rich, supports immune health, enhances functions of various white blood cells and heals scarring making it ideal for blocked tubes.
Pelvic or Self Massages
Known to be effective in clearing blocked tubes by resolving obstructions. They are said to remove blockages by massaging the tissues that surround the reproductive organs. You can also accomplish these massages yourself at home. In addition to massages, incorporate things like castor oil packs to promote reproductive health and nourish the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus.
Avoid hormone disrupting chemicals
Many hair products on the market today contain chemicals that disrupt hormones and lead to reproductive issues. They introduce toxic chemicals into the scalp. The chemicals are known as endocrine disrupters which means they disturb the natural functions of the endocrine system which is responsible for the production of hormones. This applies to personal care products and cosmetics as well. Perfume, hair spray, nail polish, etc.
Bisphenol A (BPA)
Found in products like canned foods and plastic. Avoid things like plastic water bottles and utensils.
Pesticides
When shopping for produce, opt for organic. Pesticides have been linked to infertility and reproductive issues.
Glycol Ethers
Found in commercial cleaning products. They disrupt the endocrine system and interfere with hormonal functions. This applies to items such as laundry detergent as well.
Herbal Recommendations
Anti-Fibroid Tonic or Capsules-This tonic is formulated to nourish the female endocrine system, support estrogen, prevent women's reproductive issues, combat existing ones.
Mucus herbal blend- formulated to expel mucus from the entire body.
Anti-Inflammation Herbal Blend- Anti-inflammatory.
Blocked Fallopian Tubes Herbal Blend-Nourishes female endocrine system, rids uterus of mucus.
Iron Tonic or capsules- Daily dose of iron rich herbs. When you are low on iron, you are susceptible to disease.
Liver Cleanse-Removes excess estrogen, toxins and aids the body's detoxification.
Full body detox- The digestive tract contains most of the body's immune system so parasite cleansing is always my recommendation when kickstarting your wellness journey. The parasite cleanse gives your body the ability to expel mucus, toxins and inflammation which fuel reproductive issues. It also gets your body going in the right direction and allows you to get the maximum benefit of any herbal regimen that follows.
Once the parasite cleanse is complete, I recommend a colon cleanse and lymphatic cleanse. Colon cleanse to remove the years worth of toxic waste, bacteria and fecal matter. The lymphatic cleanse to cleanse toxins and debris from the cells and alleviate symptoms of a congested lymph. These products are also available separately.
Electric Multivitamins-Iodine rich. Regulate your metabolism, digestion, mood, and more.
Women's Wellness Herbal Tea Blend- This blend is formulated to strengthen and improve reproduction naturally. Other benefits include: anti-inflammatory, nourishes the uterus, alleviates PMS.
Women's Health Package- I’ve bundled up a package to combat uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome and other reproductive health concerns for women. This package has been formulated to focus on the body as a whole as opposed to addressing one issue or symptom. The goal is to restore balance and rid the body of acidification.
Women's Wellness Tincture-This blend is formulated to strengthen and improve reproduction naturally. Other benefits include: anti-inflammatory, nourishes the uterus, alleviates PMS.
Wild Yam Root Tincture- helps the uterus work more efficiently.
Yarrow Tincture- It tones the muscles and increases muscular activity of the uterus to encourage menstruation.
Red Raspberry Leaf-Tones uterus, strengthens uterus, vitamin and mineral rich.
Maca Root- endocrine adaptogen, balance levels of the hormone estrogen, enhance fertility and improve sexual performance and libido.
Birth Control Detox- Detoxifying, hormonal support, Detoxifies body of synthetic estrogen.
Vaginal Steam-womb health.
Immunity- Antioxidant rich, reduce inflammation, relieve scarring that contributes to blocked tubes.
Natural skin & hair care alternatives
Castor Oil Pack- enhance circulation and promote repair of tissues under the skin.
Checklist
-Avoid acidic foods like meat, dairy, soy and artificial sugar. Stick to plant-based foods and stay hydrated.
-Balance estrogen. This includes avoiding eating out of cans and plastic containers.
-Exercise and maintain a healthy weight.
-Consider an herbal regimen.
-Minimize toxic chemicals like hair products, deodorant and perfumes.
-Clean without chemicals.
-Consider routine pelvic massages.
Sources & Useful Articles
https://www.
https://www.healthline.com/
Uterine Tube (Fallopian Tube) Anatomy: Overview, Pathophysiological Variants (medscape.com
A Guide to Vitamin C: Health Benefits & Best Sources | Fullscript
Hydrosalpinx (reproductivefacts.org)
Self-Fertility Massage - A Complete Guide Circle + Bloom™
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