Can I Get Pregnant with One Blocked Fallopian Tube? Tips for Conception - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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Can I get pregnant?


I have a blockage in my left fallopian tube, while the right one is open.
I had surgery for a chocolate cyst on the right side last year, and I have uterine fibroids.
My period started on September 26, and I had intercourse on October 6.
After that, I visited my obstetrician, who said I had not yet ovulated but would likely ovulate in the next couple of days.
We had intercourse again on October 10.
Should we have intercourse again on October 11? I have read that many people suggest elevating the hips and resting the legs against the wall after intercourse to increase the chances of conception.
Since I only have the right fallopian tube open, should I lie on my right side after intercourse? What are some ways to increase the chances of conception? Thank you.

Baobao, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/10/11

Dr. Huang Yiwen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


Hello, Miss Baby: If you want to have intercourse again on October 11, that's fine; it can still increase the chances of conception.
Your right fallopian tube is still patent, and the position changes you mentioned may slightly increase the likelihood of conception.
However, theoretically, the fallopian tubes can move on their own to capture the egg, so the impact may not be significant.
Generally, as long as you follow your doctor's advice, manage your stress levels, maintain a balanced diet, engage in appropriate exercise, get enough sleep, and have a lighter diet, it should all be beneficial.

Reply Date: 2016/10/11

More Info


Getting pregnant with one blocked fallopian tube is indeed possible, especially if the other tube is healthy and functioning properly. The fallopian tubes play a crucial role in conception, as they are the pathways through which the egg travels from the ovaries to the uterus, and where fertilization typically occurs. If one tube is blocked, the other can still allow for the possibility of pregnancy, provided that ovulation occurs from the side with the open tube.

In your case, since you have had surgery for a chocolate cyst on the right ovary and have a fibroid in the uterus, it is essential to monitor your reproductive health closely. The presence of fibroids can sometimes affect fertility, depending on their size and location, but many women with fibroids can still conceive and carry a pregnancy to term.

Regarding your ovulation timing, it is important to have intercourse during your fertile window, which is typically a few days leading up to and including the day of ovulation. Since your doctor indicated that you were not yet ovulating on October 6 but would likely ovulate soon after, having intercourse on October 10 was a good decision. If you are still within your fertile window on October 11, it would be beneficial to have intercourse again, as sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for several days, increasing the chances of fertilization when the egg is released.

As for the advice about positioning after intercourse, while there is no definitive scientific evidence to support the idea that elevating the hips or lying in a specific position significantly increases the chances of conception, some couples find it helpful to try various methods. If you feel comfortable, lying on your back with your hips elevated may be worth trying, but it is not necessary to position yourself specifically to the side of the open tube.

To enhance your chances of conception, consider the following tips:
1. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight can positively impact your fertility.

2. Track Ovulation: Use ovulation predictor kits, monitor your basal body temperature, or track changes in cervical mucus to better understand your ovulation cycle.

3. Limit Stress: High levels of stress can affect your hormonal balance and ovulation. Engage in relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises.

4. Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Both smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can negatively impact fertility.

5. Consult with a Fertility Specialist: If you have been trying to conceive for an extended period without success, it may be beneficial to consult a fertility specialist who can provide tailored advice and treatment options.

6. Consider Supplements: Some studies suggest that certain vitamins and supplements, such as folic acid, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids, may support reproductive health.

7. Regular Check-ups: Continue to have regular check-ups with your gynecologist to monitor your reproductive health, especially considering your previous surgeries and current conditions.

In conclusion, while having one blocked fallopian tube can present challenges, it does not eliminate the possibility of conception. By being proactive about your health, timing intercourse appropriately, and seeking medical advice when needed, you can improve your chances of becoming pregnant. Good luck, and take care of yourself during this journey!

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