Understanding blocked fallopian tubes: Causes, symptoms, and treatment options

Blocked fallopian tubes contribute to infertility in approximately 30% of women facing fertility challenges, making it a prevalent yet often asymptomatic condition. Diagnosis typically occurs when a couple encounters difficulties conceiving. In her latest online article, Dr Anu Chawla delves into the origins of blocked fallopian tubes, their implications for fertility, and the available treatments for those aspiring to conceive.

Understanding the role of fallopian tubes:

A woman's reproductive system houses her fallopian tubes, comprising two channels linking the ovaries to the uterus. Each menstrual cycle witnesses an egg departing one ovary, traversing the corresponding fallopian tube toward the uterus. In cases of conception, a sperm unites with the egg in the fallopian tube before the fertilised egg proceeds to the uterus. A blockage in the fallopian tube impedes this crucial meeting, hindering conception.

Causes of blocked fallopian tubes:

Various factors can lead to blockages, including:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) resulting from inflammation in the upper female reproductive organs, often linked to sexually transmitted diseases.
• Sexually transmitted diseases, particularly chlamydia or gonorrhoea.
• Endometriosis
• Previous ectopic pregnancy 
• Scarring resulting from previous surgical procedures on either the fallopian tubes or the abdominal area during pregnancy.
• Fibroids, benign growths in the womb.

Symptoms of blocked fallopian tubes:

While many women with blocked fallopian tubes remain asymptomatic, a minority may experience abdominal or pelvic pain, painful periods, discomfort during intercourse, fever, or unusual discharge. Seeking consultation with a gynaecologist is essential, given the overlap of these symptoms with other gynaecological conditions, ensuring an accurate diagnosis by a specialist.

Impact on fertility:

A fallopian tube blockage disrupts the meeting of sperm and egg, rendering pregnancy impossible. The degree of blockage influences the outcome. Partial blockages may still allow conception, and if only one tube is affected, pregnancy remains a possibility. Conversely, complete blockage in both tubes eliminates the prospect of natural conception.

Treatment options for blocked fallopian tubes:

Treatment depends on the blockage's severity and the patient's unique circumstances. Laparoscopic surgery, a minimally invasive keyhole procedure, may address minor tissue obstructions. However, recurrent blockages are common, especially in cases of prior pelvic infections or endometriosis.

Pregnancy after treatment:

In instances of significant damage to the fallopian tubes, whether due to scarring, adhesions, pelvic infection, or surgery, natural pregnancy may only be achievable through assisted reproductive technologies like in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). These methods avoid the fallopian tube's role by directly placing a fertilised egg into the uterus, offering alternative pathways to conception and may be recommended instead of surgery.

Dr Anu Chawla is an esteemed senior fertility specialist with over 15 years of experience. You can schedule an appointment with Dr Chawla on her Top Doctors profile.