What are the risk factors for blocked fallopian tubes?

The fallopian tubes carry an egg from an ovary toward the uterus. Inflammation can leave scar tissue around or inside a tube, narrowing the passage or stopping it completely. Pelvic inflammatory disease is a recognised cause, including infection that was mild or treated in the past. Endometriosis can cause inflammation and adhesions around the tubes. Previous surgery involving the pelvis or abdomen may also lead to adhesions. A blocked tube may cause no obvious symptom; trouble getting pregnant may be the first reason it is investigated. One or both tubes can be affected.

Tell a fertility clinician about previous pelvic infections, sexually transmitted infections, endometriosis symptoms, abdominal operations or ectopic pregnancy. Do not wait for pain if pregnancy has not occurred after a period of trying that concerns you. Assessment may include a test that checks whether fluid passes through the tubes, alongside an ultrasound and fertility review. The result helps guide choices about monitoring, surgery or assisted conception.

Book an appointment for trouble getting pregnant, ongoing pelvic pain, painful periods, unusual discharge or a history of pelvic inflammatory disease. Seek urgent care for severe one-sided pelvic pain, faintness or bleeding when pregnancy is possible, because these symptoms can signal an ectopic pregnancy. Risk factors do not confirm that a tube is blocked.

Ask whether your history warrants tubal testing, what each test can and cannot show, and whether one or both tubes appear affected. Discuss how endometriosis or prior infection may influence fertility planning and which option fits your timeline and goals.