Can endometriosis cause blocked fallopian tubes?

The effect varies. A tube may be blocked inside, sealed at an end, or pulled out of its usual position by surrounding scar tissue. Endometriosis can also affect fertility even when a test shows open tubes.

Endometriosis tissue can trigger repeated irritation in the pelvis. Healing may form fibrous bands called adhesions, which can tether the ovary and fallopian tube or interfere with the tube's ability to collect an egg after ovulation.

Neither pelvic pain nor its intensity reveals whether a tube is open. Some people have significant endometriosis without tubal blockage, while others discover tubal changes during a fertility assessment.

A clinician may suggest an imaging test in which fluid or contrast passes through the uterus while X-ray or ultrasound images are taken. This can show whether fluid travels through each tube, although it may not fully show adhesions outside the tubes.

Keyhole surgery can view the pelvis directly and may confirm endometriosis or external scarring, but it is not required for everyone. Management depends on pain, the site and extent of disease, ovarian reserve, other fertility findings and pregnancy plans. Options may include symptom treatment, surgery or assisted conception.

Request an assessment if pelvic pain, painful sex, bowel or bladder pain linked with menstruation, or difficulty conceiving is affecting you. A fertility review can evaluate ovulation, the uterus, both tubes and semen factors rather than assuming endometriosis is the only explanation.

Seek urgent help for sudden severe pelvic pain, fainting, heavy bleeding, fever with worsening pain, or pain with a positive pregnancy test. These features can signal a problem that needs prompt examination.

Ask which tubal test suits your history, what a normal result would exclude, and whether surgery could improve symptoms or fertility in your circumstances. Discuss how any proposed operation might affect the ovaries and what alternatives are available.