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Signs of Blocked Fallopian Tubes

The fallopian tube is the structure that connects the ovaries with the uterus. When fallopian tubes are blocked, infertility may result. Recognizing the signs of blocked fallopian tubes, therefore, are important in order to become pregnant and have a child.

  1. Significance

    • Fertilization takes place when an egg and sperm cell meet. This occurs within the fallopian tubes. The fertilized egg then continues down the fallopian tube into the uterus where it implants and begins to develop as an embryo. If the fallopian tubes are blocked, the egg and sperm cannot meet and no fertilization can take place.

    Identification

    • There are no outward physical symptoms of blocked fallopian tubes. Oftentimes, infertility is the only sign. The only way to determine if a fallopian tube is blocked is to undergo a procedure known as a hysterosalpingogram. In this test, a small tube is inserted through the uterus into the fallopian tubes and a dye is injected. X-rays are taken during the procedure and will show the technician whether the dye is stopped by a blockage in the fallopian tube.

    Features

    • Blocked fallopian tubes can sometimes result from infections which create scar tissue within the tubes. If someone experiences infertility--and they have or have had a sexually transmitted disease--it may be due to a blocked fallopian tube. Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease, and it is fast becoming the most common cause of blocked fallopian tubes. It is estimated that 3 out of every 4 women that have blocked fallopian tubes have had Chlamydia infections in the past.

    Considerations

    • Sometimes the dye being pushed through the tubes during the hysterosalpingogram can actually unblock the tubes. Other blocked fallopian tubes can be surgically unblocked. However, this procedure is long and is only successful less than half of the time. Women with blocked fallopian tubes can still become pregnant with assistance, such as in vitro fertilization.

    Time Frame

    • Because there are no outward signs of blocked fallopian tubes, it may take a while for blocked fallopian tubes to be diagnosed. It may take months of trying to become pregnant before seeking medical assistance for infertility. Just over half the time a couple's infertility is due to an inadequacy in the woman's reproductive tract, and doctors may want to exhaust other possibilities first.

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