Infertility due to fallopian tube factors accounts for about 32 percent of all cases. The fallopian tubes, approximately 7 to 14 centimeters long, are a pair of small tubes that are comprised of smooth muscle tissue that link the ovaries to the uterus. The fallopian tubes consist of three different parts that all have a specific function. The fimbrial end is the closest to the ovary and is the section of the tube that catches the egg that is being ovulated during that menstrual cycle. The ampulla is the middle section of the tube and where the ampulla meets the isthmus is where sperm and egg meet for fertilization. The final section of the tube is the isthmus and this is where the tube connects to the uterus. The rise in progesterone, produced by the corpus luteum, will clear the secretions and fluid that is present in the tubes and help move the embryo down the tube toward the isthmus and the uterus. The secretory cells produce the secretions that are essential for the egg and embryo survival. There are also cilia inside the tubes that propel the egg down the tube toward the isthmus and uterus.

Women with fallopian tube factors are classified by either structural or functional blockages. The structural blockages involve damage to the tube from infections, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), Salpingitis, Hydrosalpinx, Hematosalpinx, Pyosalpinx, fibroids, pelvic endometriosis or pelvic surgery. The functional blockages can be from either spasms or stiffness of the muscles of the fallopian tube walls or from excess or reduced secretions within the tubes themselves.

Research in China has shown encouraging results using administration of Chinese herbs to treat blocked fallopian tubes and restore fertility. In a study at the Shenzhen Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, they looked at the external application of Chinese herbs on acupuncture points on the abdomen combined with tubal surgery. The first group received this external application with surgery and the comparison group received just the tubal surgery on its own. The study group consisted of 75 women who were divided into the two groups. In the surgery only group: 46% were cured, 23% improved and 30% failed for a combined effectiveness rate of 70%. In the herb and surgery group: 58% cured, 24% improved and 18% failed for a combined effectiveness rate of 82%. This study demonstrated that the use of Chinese herbs can increase the effectiveness of surgery to correct fallopian tube blockages.

Acupuncture points will focus on breaking down the scar tissue and adhesions near and around the fallopian tubes, increasing blood circulation, relaxing muscle tension and spasm of the fallopian tubes, and either increasing or decreasing the amount of mucus within the fallopian tubes. Acupuncture will also reduce stress and regulate the function of the fallopian tubes as a whole.

Chinese herbs will be targeted to the area of the tube that is blocked, reduce adhesions and scar tissue, relax spasms of the tubes, and either increase or decrease the mucus secretions within the tubes. Your particular formula will be individualized and tailored to your exact condition.