How Blocked Fallopian Tubes Affect Fertility: What You Should Know

If you’ve been trying to conceive without success, you might be surprised to learn how crucial your fallopian tubes are to the process. These small, delicate structures play a big role in fertility—and when they’re blocked, it can make getting pregnant naturally much more difficult. 

In this post, we’ll explain what blocked fallopian tubes are, how they can affect fertility, what causes blockages, and what treatment options are available. 

What Are Fallopian Tubes and Why Do They Matter? 

Fallopian tubes are two thin tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus. Each month during ovulation, an ovary releases an egg into one of these tubes. Fertilization—the meeting of egg and sperm—happens here. The fertilized egg, now called an embryo, then travels down the fallopian tube and into the uterus, where it may implant. 

If the fallopian tubes are blocked, the egg and sperm may never meet, or the fertilized egg may not reach the uterus. This can significantly reduce or completely prevent natural conception. 

What Causes Blocked Fallopian Tubes? 

There are several possible causes of tubal blockages, including: 

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Often caused by untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs), PID can lead to scarring and inflammation in the fallopian tubes. 

• Endometriosis: Endometrial tissue can grow on or around the tubes, causing adhesions or blockages. 

• Previous Surgeries: Pelvic or abdominal surgeries, especially those involving the uterus, ovaries, or tubes, can result in scar tissue (adhesions). 

• Ectopic Pregnancy: A previous ectopic pregnancy can damage the fallopian tube. 

• Hydrosalpinx: A condition where the tube is filled with fluid, often due to infection or inflammation, which not only blocks the tube but can negatively impact embryo implantation. 

Symptoms and Diagnosis 

Most people with blocked fallopian tubes don’t experience symptoms, which is why the condition often goes undiagnosed until a person tries to conceive. 

To diagnose blocked fallopian tubes, a fertility specialist may recommend: 

• Hysterosalpingogram (HSG): A special X-ray where dye is injected into the uterus and fallopian tubes to check for blockages. 

• Saline Infusion Sonography (SIS): A saline ultrasound that can assess the uterus and fallopian tubes. 

• Laparoscopy: A minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows your doctor to view and sometimes treat blockages directly. 

How Blocked Fallopian Tubes Affect Fertility 

If one fallopian tube is blocked, there's still a chance of natural conception, assuming the other tube is open and healthy. However, if both tubes are blocked, natural conception becomes nearly impossible. 

Even a partially blocked tube can interfere with fertility or increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy. 

Treatment Options for Blocked Fallopian Tubes 

The right treatment depends on the type and severity of the blockage, your age, overall reproductive health, and whether other fertility factors are involved. Here are some common options: 

1. Surgical Treatment 

• Tubal surgery may be an option for blockages. It involves removing the blockage or repairing the tube. 

2. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) 

• IVF bypasses the fallopian tubes entirely by retrieving eggs from the ovaries, fertilizing them in a lab, and transferring the embryo directly into the uterus. 

• IVF is often the most effective option, especially for those with significant tubal damage or both tubes blocked. 

3. Tubal Removal (Salpingectomy) 

• In cases where the blocked tube is causing harm (such as with hydrosalpinx), removing the tube can improve IVF outcomes by preventing the toxic fluid from affecting embryo implantation. 

When to See a Fertility Specialist 

It is a good idea to talk to a fertility specialist if,  

• You are under the age of 35 and have been trying to conceive for 12 months  

• You are over the age of 35 and have been trying to conceive for 6 months 

• You have a history of pelvic infections, endometriosis, or surgery. 

Early evaluations can provide clarity and help you explore your options sooner. 

Final Thoughts 

Blocked fallopian tubes can feel like a frustrating roadblock on your fertility journey—but they don’t mean your dream of parenthood is out of reach. At the Center for Reproductive Medicine, we offer customized treatment plans to help you take the next step with confidence. 

Ready to learn more or schedule an evaluation? Contact us—we’re here to support you every step of the way.