What Are Blocked Fallopian Tubes?

Fallopian tubes, also known as the oviducts are a pair of tubes that are found in every female mammal. During ovulation and conception, the fallopian tubes are used to transport a female's egg from the ovary to the uterus.

Cilia

• Fallopian tubes are lined with cilia (small hair-like structures) that help to move the egg through the tubes.

Causes

• Fallopian tubes may be blocked due to damaged or infected cilia, pelvic infections, a ruptured appendix, previous surgery in the lower abdomen, endometriosis or fibroids, adhesions or birth defects in the uterus.

Determination

• A special X-ray called a hysterosalpingography can be used to determine whether the fallopian tubes are blocked; however, a hysterosalpingography can sometimes show that the fallopian tubes are blocked when they are not. Another diagnostic method is a sonohysterography. In a sonohysterography a salt solution is injected into the uterus. If the solution flows through the fallopian tubes, they are not blocked.

Treatment

• In some cases, surgery can be performed to correct the damage to the tubes or to remove blockages. If only one tube is damaged, it may be sealed off, so preference is given to the healthy tube.

Considerations

• Invitro fertilization (IVF) is recommended to many people who have damaged or blocked fallopian tubes.