What Does it Mean to Have Blocked Tubes?
A blocked fallopian tube prevents the egg and sperm from meeting, or stops a fertilised embryo from reaching the uterus. Blockage can be partial or complete, and may affect one or both tubes. If only one tube is blocked, natural conception is still possible. Hydrosalpinx — a tube blocked at its outer end and filled with fluid — can also reduce IVF success and is often removed before treatment.
Common Causes
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), often from chlamydia or gonorrhoea
Previous ectopic pregnancy
Endometriosis causing scarring around the tubes
Previous abdominal or pelvic surgery (including appendix removal or caesarean)
Fibroids near the tubal openings
Congenital tubal abnormalities (rare)
Tuberculosis affecting the reproductive tract (in some regions)
Diagnosis and Treatment
HSG (hysterosalpingogram): a dye X-ray that visualises the tubes — the standard first test
HyCoSy: an ultrasound version using contrast, often more comfortable
Laparoscopy with dye: gold standard, allows treatment at the same time
Tubal surgery (salpingostomy) can sometimes open blocked tubes, but success varies
Hydrosalpinx is usually removed (salpingectomy) before IVF for better outcomes
IVF bypasses the tubes entirely and is the most reliable treatment for tubal blockage