occlusion

Occlusion is the medical term used for any blockage in a woman or man’s system. In women, fallopian tube blockages (also called tubal blockages) are most common. In men, a blockage in the duct system (the epididymis or the vas deferens) may prevent sperm from reaching the ejaculate.

symptoms

This condition is diagnosed in women by hysterosalpingogram, hysteroscopy or laparoscopy.

cause

For women, causes include:

• Endometriosis
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Scar tissue from abdominal surgery
• Congenital conditions
• Fibroids
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Hernias

For men, causes include:

• Scar tissue from abdominal surgery
• Congenital conditions
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Hernias
• Vasectomies

treatment

For women with blockages in both tubes, laparoscopy, hysteroscopy and balloon tuboplasty are appropriate treatments. If only one tube is blocked, healthcare providers may simply prescribe ovulation induction therapy.

If none of these treatments work, in vitro fertilization (IVF) is the only treatment option. IVF bypasses the tubes, and thus the blockage. It is important to note that removing the blockages does not always solve the fertility problems and women who have blockages removed may still need IVF.

For men the treatment option available is called a vasovasotomy a procedure in which the healthcare provider stitches the inner and outer layers of the vas deferens together. The procedure restores continuity to the vas deferens and sperm in the ejaculate. Success of the procedure depends on a number of factors and should be discussed with a urologist or other healthcare professional.

If the couple do not want surgery or they are not candidates, a testicular biopsy can be performed to remove sperm from the testes. Since the number of sperm recovered varies greatly, the couple will most likely need to proceed with in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).