If a woman has been trying to get pregnant without success, blocked fallopian tubes could be the issue.

Blocked tubes don't involve any symptoms--they simply prevent the egg from reaching the uterus. If the egg cannot reach the uterus, the sperm cannot reach the egg, which makes pregnancy impossible.

What are blocked tubes?

The fallopian tubes are two thin tubes on each side of the uterus.  An egg travels through the fallopian tubes from the ovaries to get to the uterus.

If the fallopian tubes are blocked, the egg cannot reach the uterus. This also means that sperm cannot travel into the fallopian tubes to fertilize the egg. Fertilization usually takes place when the egg is still traveling through the fallopian tube.

Blocked tubes are also known as tubal factor infertility. They are the cause of infertility in ~40% of women who cannot get pregnant.

How do blocked tubes happen?

When the fallopian tubes are blocked, scar tissue is often the issue. Scar tissue can often be attributed to one of the following:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

• Pelvic or uterine infection

• Endometriosis

• Ruptured appendix

• Abdominal surgery

• Ectopic pregnancy

• Surgery involved the fallopian tubes

How are blocked tubes diagnosed?

There is a test called a hysterosalpingogram (HSG), in which doctors place a dye in the cervix. The dye is then monitored with an x-ray to see if it will travel through the fallopian tubes and into the uterus. If the dye does not pass into the uterus, one or both fallopian tubes are likely blocked.

Can blocked tubes be treated? 

Yes! There are surgical and non-surgical options.

Tubal surgery is a procedure in which a laparoscope (a thin, lighted tube, connected to microscopic instruments) is inserted into the tubes and used to remove the scar tissue that is causing the blockage. The success of this surgery depends on the patient’s age, the severity of the blockage, and the technique of the surgeon. As such, it is imperative that a skilled specialist complete the surgery.

If only one tube is blocked,  fertility drugs can be used to increase chances of ovulation on the side of the unblocked tube.

If both tubes are blocked and tubal surgery is not an option, either because of significant scarring or the patient’s health history, IVF can be a viable road to pregnancy.