Where does the egg go if fallopian tubes are blocked?

If the fallopian tubes are blocked, the egg released during ovulation may be unable to travel to the uterus. In these cases, the egg will either remain in the blocked portion of the fallopian tube or be absorbed by the body.

Can blocked fallopian tubes be a temporary condition, and do they sometimes clear on their own?

Some mild blockages may resolve on their own, but persistent or severe blockages usually require medical attention to ensure successful treatment.

How often should women undergo fertility assessments to detect potential issues with fallopian tubes?

It is advised to undergo fertility assessments if you experience difficulty conceiving or if you are exposed to risk factors related to reproductive health issues. The frequency may vary based on individual circumstances.

Blog Layout

Home I Blog I Blocked Fallopian Tubes: Symptoms and Causes

Blocked Fallopian Tubes: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Options

Blocked fallopian tubes, or tubal factor infertility, is a major cause of female infertility, accounting for 25-30% of all cases worldwide. Thus, it is essential to be aware of the symptoms, causes, and treatment options of the disorder.

The fallopian tubes, also called uterine tubes, are part of the female reproductive organs located on both sides of the uterus. They are a pair of narrow, muscular tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus. During ovulation, the fallopian tubes carry an egg from the ovary to the uterus and sperm from the uterus to the ovary.

What are Blocked Fallopian Tubes?

Blocked fallopian tubes describe the condition where there is an obstruction in one or both of the fallopian tubes. As a result of the blockage, sperm is prevented from reaching the egg for fertilisation or the fertilised egg from travelling to the uterus for implantation, thus impacting the fertility.

Symptoms of Blocked Fallopian Tubes

Blocked fallopian tubes can cause mild, but consistent pain on one side of the abdomen. This usually happens in a type of blockage called a hydrosalpinx, where fluid fills and enlarges a blocked fallopian tube.

Conditions that lead to a blocked fallopian tube can cause their symptoms. For instance, endometriosis often causes excruciating and heavy periods and pelvic pain. These symptoms can increase the risk of fallopian tube blockage. Common symptoms of blocked fallopian tubes include;

Abnormal Vaginal Discharge; obstruction of the fallopian tubes may lead to altered fluid dynamics in the reproductive system.
Painful Menstruation; as a result of pressure and fluid behind blocked fallopian tubes, women might experience discomfort during the menstrual cycle.
Pain in the Pelvis; following the inflammation or obstruction in the fallopian tubes, pelvic pain is a common symptom of the disorder.
Abdominal Pain; the obstruction of fallopian tubes might affect the surrounding abdominal structures, ultimately leading to abdominal pain.
Problems with Getting Pregnant; since the blockage of fallopian tubes impedes the of egg and sperm, women with the condition might struggle to get pregnant.
Pain During Urination; the inflammation and pressing on surrounding structure can lead to pain during urination.
Painful Intercourse; the obstruction and inflammation of the fallopian tubes can affect the dynamics of sexual activity, leading to pain during intercourse.

It is important to note that the condition is asymptomatic in many cases, as many women may not be aware of the blockage until they encounter difficulties in conceiving. However, if you do experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended.

Causes of Blocked Fallopian Tubes

The most common causes of blocked fallopian tubes are:

Endometriosis: Some women may not be aware that endometrial tissue can build up in the fallopian tubes and cause a blockage. The growth of endometrial tissues on the outer part of other organs can also create a tubal blockage.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STIs): Chlamydia and Gonorrhea can cause scarring, which can lead to blockage.
Pelvic inflammatory disease: This disease can lead to scarring of tissues and infections, which can cause hydrosalpinx.
Fibroids: The growth of fibroids that are attached near the uterus can block the fallopian tubes.
Past ectopic pregnancy: Ectopic pregnancy can cause blockage of the fallopian tube by scarring of tissues.
Past abdominal surgery: Previous surgeries of the fallopian tubes can cause adhesions, or scarring, that blocks the pipes.

Diagnosing Blocked Fallopian Tubes

While diagnosing the condition is challenging, there are various tests that can assist healthcare professionals in the process;

X-ray test: During specialised x-ray, the healthcare provider injects a harmless fluid into the womb. This fluid flows into the tube, which can be seen on an X-ray. If the fluid does not flow into the fallopian tubes, they may have a blockage.
Ultrasound: through this technique, the healthcare provider can see an image of fallopian tubes
Laparoscopy: Also known as keyhole surgery, where a minuscule incision in the body is made, and a camera is inserted to take pictures of the fallopian tubes from within.

Treatment Options for When Tubes are Blocked

There are surgical procedures which are conducted when fallopian tubes are blocked. The choice of treatment method depends on the extent and location of the scarring. There are three common treatment options for removing the blockage in the fallopian tubes:

Removing Scar Tissue; involves a surgical procedure (tubal lysis or adhesiolysis) that removes or releases scar tissue or adhesion that may be blocking the fallopian tubes.
Opening the Tube From the Inside (tubal cannulation); involves a minimally invasive procedure where a thin catheter is inserted through the cervix into the uterus, ultimately reaching the fallopian tubes. The catheter is used to clear obstructions or blockages from within the tubes. The procedure can be done through a hysteroscope, fluoroscopy, or laparoscopy.
Opening the Tube From the Outside; involves making an incision in the fallopian tube to directly remove or bypass the blockage. It creates a new opening in the blocked portion of the tube, allowing the release of fluids.

Blocked Fallopian Tubes and Fertility

The female reproductive system consists of the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. If any of these three areas have been affected by a medical problem, getting pregnant may be more difficult, and in some cases even causes infertility.

The sperm and the egg unite in the fallopian tube, and if the tubes are blocked, then the sperm and egg cannot merge and conceiving a child becomes problematic. If a fallopian tube is partially blocked, pregnancy is still possible. However, the risk of ectopic pregnancy increases. In these cases, the clogged fallopian tubes should be bypassed with IVF treatment.

The chance of getting pregnant following a surgery for tubes damaged by an infection or ectopic pregnancy is small. It depends on how much of the tube must be removed and what part is removed. In order to get to know a woman's chances for successful pregnancy, the fertility specialist needs to provide medical advice.

After undergoing surgery for tubes damaged by an infection ectopic the chances of pregnancy are small. It depends on the extent to which the tube had to be removed or which parts needed to be removed. For a profound understanding of one's conception ability, consulting a fertility specialist is recommended.

References

Mastroianni Jr, L. (1999). The fallopian tube and reproductive health. Journal of pediatric and adolescent gynecology, 12(3), 121-126. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1038318899000030

Maguiness, S. D., Djahanbakhch, O., & Grudzinskas, J. G. (1992). Assessment of the fallopian tube. Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey, 47(9), 587-603. Retrieved from https://journals.lww.com/obgynsurvey/citation/1992/09000/assessment_of_the_fallopian_tube.1.aspx

Eddy, C. A., & Pauerstein, C. J. (1980). Anatomy and physiology of the fallopian tube. Clinical obstetrics and gynecology, 23(4), 1177-1194. Retrieved from https://journals.lww.com/clinicalobgyn/Citation/1980/12000/Anatomy_and_Physiology_of_the_Fallopian_Tube.23.aspx

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the egg go if fallopian tubes are blocked?

If the fallopian tubes are blocked, the egg released during ovulation may be unable to travel to the uterus. In these cases, the egg will either remain in the blocked portion of the fallopian tube or be absorbed by the body.
Can blocked fallopian tubes be a temporary condition, and do they sometimes clear on their own?

Some mild blockages may resolve on their own, but persistent or severe blockages usually require medical attention to ensure successful treatment.
How often should women undergo fertility assessments to detect potential issues with fallopian tubes?

It is advised to undergo fertility assessments if you experience difficulty conceiving or if you are exposed to risk factors related to reproductive health issues. The frequency may vary based on individual circumstances.