How to Tell If Your Fallopian Tubes Are Blocked

Fallopian tubes are located on each side of the uterus. Their job is to help the egg find its way from a woman’s ovaries to the uterus. When the fallopian tubes become blocked, the egg cannot reach the uterus, and the woman is not able to become pregnant. Your doctor can run tests to check for blocked fallopian tubes.

Things You'll Need

• Doctor's appointment
• Hysterosalpingogram
• Hysteroscopy
• Laparoscopy

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Set up an appointment with your doctor. She will ask questions regarding your inability to become pregnant, such as whether you have a history of a sexually transmitted disease (STD), pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis, all of which can contribute to infertility.

• 2

  Undergo a hysterosalpingogram if your doctor requests it. This test is an X-ray using a contrast dye. You lie on a table as a dye is injected through a small tube into your vagina and on up to the uterus. X-rays are taken as the dye enters and passes through the fallopian tubes. The X-rays provide images of any blockage.

• 3

  Ask your doctor about a hysteroscopy. You lie on a table as a tiny telescope is inserted into your cervix. The doctor looks at a monitor that relays pictures from the camera and can see whether your fallopian tubes are blocked.

• 4

  Talk to your doctor about laparoscopy. You lie on a table and a tiny scope called a "laparoscope" is inserted in through your abdomen, providing a better view of the fallopian tubes and of the entire pelvic region.