Blocked Fallopian Tubes

Infertility affects 1 in 7 couples and a major cause is blocked or damaged fallopian tubes. However, there are often no symptoms, so if you are having problems conceiving it’s important to seek specialist help.  

Here at The Medical Chambers, we offer consultant-led HyCoSy tests, 3D ultrasound investigations, comprehensive fertility assessments and detailed consultations with our gynaecologists, who can guide and support you, whatever your individual needs. 

Why Are Your Fallopian Tubes Important for Pregnancy?

Your fallopian tubes connect your ovaries to your uterus and play a vital part in conception. Each month, when your ovaries release an egg, hair-like structures at the end of your fallopian tube sweep the egg into the fallopian tube itself, where the egg waits to be fertilised. 

If you have sex around this time, the delicate structures in the fallopian tube also help the sperm move towards the egg. Once the egg is fertilised, the embryo is then transported along the fallopian tube and into the uterus, ready to be implanted. 

Problems arise when there is a blockage or damage to the fallopian tubes (also known as tubal disease) and the sperm cannot reach the egg, or if the embryo cannot reach the uterus ready for implantation. 

What Are the Symptoms of Blocked Fallopian Tubes?

Blocked fallopian tubes often don’t have obvious symptoms, and unfortunately many women don’t realise they have a problem until they try to get pregnant. 

In some cases, the blockage can lead to mild, regular pain on one side of your tummy. This can happen if the problem is caused by a build-up of fluid in the fallopian tube, known as hydrosalpinx. 

Some of the causes of blocked fallopian tubes can be due to underlying conditions such as endometriosis or a previous pelvic infection. You may experience symptoms related to this condition, such as heavy periods or pelvic pain. It’s always a good idea to seek help for symptoms such as this, as they could indicate that there may be an issue with your fallopian tubes. 

Can You Get Pregnant If You Have Blocked or Damaged Fallopian Tubes?

Blocked fallopian tubes are a cause of infertility in up to a quarter of women who are having problems conceiving, so it’s a very common condition. However, it’s useful to know that in some instances it’s still possible to conceive. If one fallopian tube is blocked, you can still get pregnant through the other tube naturally. Or your specialist may use fertility drugs to help increase your chances of ovulating. 

If one or both tubes are fully blocked, IVF might be recommended, as your eggs can be taken from your ovaries and fertilised outside your body, bypassing the fallopian tubes. 

Unfortunately, if your fallopian tubes are blocked there is also a risk of an ectopic pregnancy, where the fertilised egg is unable to reach the uterus and becomes lodged in the fallopian tubes. Symptoms can include pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, or there may be no symptoms at all, which is why it’s crucial to identify any fallopian tube disorders as early as possible. 

What Are the Causes of Blocked or Damaged Fallopian Tubes?

There are many different factors which can cause a blockage in your fallopian tubes, and each may need different treatment. 

They include: 

• Pelvic infection, including STIs such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea, which can cause pelvic inflammatory disease. This can lead to scarring and adhesions in the fallopian tubes.
• Endometriosis – endometrial tissue can scar and block the fallopian tubes, preventing the egg and sperm from meeting. 
• A previous ectopic pregnancy – this can leave scar tissue in your fallopian tubes.
• Abdominal surgery – previous surgery, such as having an appendix removed can cause scar tissue.
• Smoking - can damage the hairs which line the fallopian tubes.

How Do You Diagnose Blocked Fallopian Tubes?

Blocked fallopian tubes may be linked to other conditions such as a pelvic infection, endometriosis or an ectopic pregnancy. Our gynaecology appointments always include a detailed consultation and a comprehensive examination, where we would assess whether or not there are factors in your medical history that put you at an increased risk of blocked fallopian tubes. 

Depending on your results, we may recommend you have a HyCoSy test to check your fallopian tubes for blockages or damage. We offer the gold standard in HyCoSy tests - using a foam based contrast agent that provides the highest levels of accuracy. All our tests are carried out by our senior reproductive health consultant, who is an expert in the investigation and diagnosis of fallopian tube disorders. 

Other Methods of Investigating Blocked Fallopian Tubes

Foam-based HyCosy (sometimes known as HyFoSy) is a cutting-edge technology that has significant advantages over traditional methods of investigating the fallopian tubes. It has a greater success rate in identifying fallopian tube blockages or damage than traditional HyCoSy which uses a saline contrast agent. 

Other forms of investigation include: 

• HSG (Hysterosalpingography): A type of X-ray with a specialist dye to examine the inside of your fallopian tubes. However, this involves the use of radiation and has a small risk of iodine allergy.  
• Laparoscopy: This ‘keyhole surgery’ involves passing a small camera through your belly button to look inside the pelvic region. However, this is an invasive procedure, requiring general anaesthetic and carries more risks than HyCoSy or an HSG as it involves surgery.  

What is the Treatment for Blocked Fallopian Tubes?

The good news is if you have blocked fallopian tubes there are options available to you. These can include surgery or IVF (in vitro fertilisation), where the egg and sperm can be fertilised outside your body. 

Your treatment will depend upon how serious the blockage is and the underlying cause of your condition. Sometimes it’s possible to unblock your fallopian tubes through laparoscopic surgery.This type of ‘keyhole’ surgery is used to break up scar tissue and open up the fallopian tube so the egg and sperm can connect. 

Damaged tubes can sometimes be repaired by removing the unhealthy part and joining the two healthy parts. However, surgery can increase the risk of complications such as an ectopic pregnancy, and IVF may be recommended as the safest option for pregnancy.

When Should You Seek Help With Fallopian Tube Blockage?

If you suspect you have blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, which may be affecting your ability to conceive, it’s important that you see a specialist or a doctor. A HyCoSy test can provide you with an accurate diagnosis, which is vital to getting the right treatment. This may include identifying any underlying conditions that may be at the root of the problem. 

Our team of experts includes consultants and GPs who are specialists in women’s health, sonographers and a leading fertility consultant and ultrasound specialist, Mr Venkatesh Subramanian. We are here to support you, from your initial fertility check to more detailed ultrasound investigations, to any treatment or further referrals you may need. 

Visit Our Clinic in London

To find out how our gynaecology specialists can help you, or if you wish to book an appointment for a consultant-led fertility assessment please call 020 7244 4200 or make an appointment online.