Fallopian Tube Blockage

The fallopian tubes carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus and are the site of fertilization. Blockage can result from prior infection (particularly chlamydia or gonorrhea causing pelvic inflammatory disease), endometriosis, prior surgery, or ruptured appendix.

A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is the standard imaging test for tubal patency. Unilateral blockage reduces but does not eliminate natural fertility; bilateral blockage makes natural conception impossible. Hydrosalpinx (fluid-filled tube) impairs IVF outcomes and is typically surgically removed or occluded before embryo transfer. IVF bypasses tubal factor entirely.