Blocked fallopian tubes are a common cause of infertility in women. The fallopian tubes can become blocked for a number of reasons, including:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): This is a bacterial infection that can be caused by untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs) .

• 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.

• Surgery: Past surgeries can also be a cause of damaged or blocked fallopian tubes. In particular, surgery for medical problems like uterine fibroids or endometriosis and other types of abdominal surgery may cause scarring that affects an egg’s ability to travel through the fallopian tubes.

• Ectopic pregnancy: This can scar the fallopian tubes.

• Fibroids: These growths can block the fallopian tube, particularly where they attach to the uterus.

Blocked fallopian tubes do not often present symptoms other than difficulty conceiving. However, some women may experience symptoms such as pain in the pelvis or belly, which might happen regularly, such as around the time of their period, or be constant. If a fallopian tube is partially blocked, an egg may be able to be fertilized, but it may get stuck in the tube, resulting in an ectopic pregnancy, which is a medical emergency.

If your fallopian tubes are blocked by small amounts of scar tissue or adhesions, your doctor can use laparoscopic surgery to remove the blockage and open the tubes. In cases where the blockage is more severe, in vitro fertilization (IVF) can provide a potential alternative for a successful pregnancy.