The fallopian tubes are part of the female reproductive system and connect the ovaries and uterus. Each month during ovulation, which occurs approximately in the middle of the menstrual cycle, the fallopian tubes carry an egg from the ovary to the uterus. Conception also occurs in the fallopian tube. If the egg is fertilized by a sperm, it travels through the tube to the uterus for implantation. If the fallopian tube is blocked, the sperm’s passage to the egg, as well as the path back to the uterus for the fertilized egg, is blocked. Common causes of blocked fallopian tubes include scarring, infection, and pelvic adhesions. Blocked fallopian tubes often cause no symptoms. Many women don’t know they have blocked tubes until they try to get pregnant and it causes problems. In some cases, blocked fallopian tubes can lead to mild, chronic pain on one side of the abdomen. This usually happens with a type of blockage called hydrosalpinx. This condition occurs when fluid fills and enlarges the blocked fallopian tube. Conditions that can lead to blockage of the fallopian tube can cause symptoms specific to the disease in question. For example, endometriosis often causes very painful and heavy periods and pelvic pain. This can increase the risk of blockage of the fallopian tubes. Blocked fallopian tubes are a common cause of infertility. Sperm and egg meet in the fallopian tube for fertilization. A blocked pipe can prevent them from joining. If both tubes are completely blocked, pregnancy without treatment will be impossible. If the fallopian tubes are partially blocked, pregnancy is possible. However, the risk of ectopic pregnancy increases. This is because it is more difficult for the fertilized egg to move through the blockage to the uterus. If only one fallopian tube is blocked, the blockage will most likely not affect fertility. The fallopian tubes are usually blocked by scarring or pelvic adhesions. Other causes of the condition can be: Pelvic inflammatory disease. Endometriosis. Endometrial tissue can build up in the fallopian tubes and cause a blockage. Endometrial tissue on the outside of other organs can also cause adhesions that block the fallopian tubes. Some sexually transmitted infections. Chlamydia and gonorrhea can cause scarring and lead to pelvic inflammatory disease. Past ectopic pregnancy. This can scar the fallopian tubes. Fibroids. These growths can block the fallopian tube, especially where they attach to the uterus. Past abdominal surgeries. Operative interventions lead to the development of adhesions. The most common complication of blocked fallopian tubes is an ectopic pregnancy. Surgery to remove part of the fallopian tube also increases the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.Because of these risks, doctors often recommend IVF instead of surgery for women with blocked fallopian tubes who are otherwise healthy. References: https://www.healthline.com/health/womens-health/blocked-fallopian-tubes#outlook https://www.factsaboutfertility.org/2022-conference/