Blocked fallopian tube and hydrosalpinx

It can affect one or both tubes. Some people have no symptoms, so the finding may first appear during fertility tests or pelvic imaging.

A healthy fallopian tube helps sperm and egg meet and carries a fertilised egg towards the uterus. When its far end is sealed and the tube fills with fluid, that transport is disrupted. Fluid may also pass back towards the uterus, which can affect plans for assisted reproduction.

Previous pelvic infection, including pelvic inflammatory disease, can scar a tube. Endometriosis, earlier pelvic surgery or other inflammation can also be involved. Hydrosalpinx may present with ongoing or intermittent pelvic discomfort or unusual discharge, but symptoms alone cannot identify the blockage.

A clinician will review infection history, previous operations, pain and fertility goals. Ultrasound may show an enlarged fluid-filled tube. A dye test can assess whether the tubes are open, while laparoscopy may be considered when direct inspection or treatment is needed.

Management depends on symptoms, whether one or both tubes are affected and plans for pregnancy. Options can include monitoring, removing the affected tube with salpingectomy, or closing its connection to the uterus before IVF. Antibiotics treat an active infection when present, but they do not reopen established scar tissue.

Get urgent medical help for sudden severe pelvic or abdominal pain, fainting, shoulder-tip pain, fever, repeated vomiting or heavy bleeding. If you could be pregnant, pain or bleeding needs prompt assessment because a pregnancy outside the uterus must be excluded. Fever with pelvic pain or foul-smelling discharge can indicate an infection requiring timely treatment.

Ask which test showed the blockage, whether the other tube appears open, and whether there are signs of active infection. If pregnancy is a goal, discuss how each option could affect natural conception, IVF planning and the risk of pregnancy outside the uterus. Clarify whether monitoring or surgery is recommended and what recovery would involve.