What are blocked tubes?
A woman has two fallopian tubes, one on each side of the womb. Each month, an egg travels from the ovary into a tube. Sperm swim up to meet it there. The fertilised egg then moves down the tube into the womb.
If one or both tubes are blocked, scarred or filled with fluid (hydrosalpinx), this journey can't happen properly.
Common causes
- Past pelvic infection, including infections that were never noticed
- Tuberculosis (TB) of the genital organs, which is an important cause in India
- Endometriosis
- Previous surgery in the tummy or pelvis
- A past ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy in the tube)
Common signs
Most women with blocked tubes have no symptoms at all. Periods are usually normal. Some women have long-term pain in the lower tummy. Often the only sign is difficulty getting pregnant, which is why testing the tubes is part of a fertility check.
How it affects fertility
- Both tubes blocked: natural pregnancy is not possible.
- One tube blocked: pregnancy may still happen through the other tube.
- Damaged tubes: raise the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.
- Fluid-filled tube (hydrosalpinx): the fluid can leak into the womb and lower the chance of IVF working, so your doctor may advise treating it first.
How it is diagnosed
- HSG (tube test): a special X-ray. A dye is passed gently into the womb to see whether it flows through the tubes.
- Sono-HSG: a similar test using an ultrasound scan instead of X-ray.
- Laparoscopy: a keyhole operation to look at the tubes directly, used in some cases.
See our fertility tests page.
Treatment options
- IVF is the main treatment when both tubes are blocked. In IVF, the egg and sperm meet in the lab, so the tubes are not needed.
- Surgery can open or repair tubes in some cases, depending on where the blockage is and how damaged the tubes are.
- Treating a fluid-filled tube (for example, removing or clipping it) before IVF, if your doctor advises it.
- IUI may be considered if one tube is healthy and open.
- Treating infection: if TB or another infection is found, it is treated fully first.
Things you can do
- Get any pelvic infection or unusual discharge checked and treated early
- Complete the full course of any medicine prescribed for infection or TB
- Bring any past reports of HSG, laparoscopy or TB tests to your visit
Common questions about blocked tubes
Can I get pregnant with blocked tubes?
Yes. IVF bypasses the tubes completely, so many women with blocked tubes become pregnant with IVF.
Is the HSG test painful?
Most women feel cramps similar to period pain for a few minutes. Your doctor may suggest a pain tablet beforehand.
I have regular periods. Can my tubes still be blocked?
Yes. Blocked tubes usually don't affect periods, which is why they are tested as part of a fertility check.