Fallopian tubes are muscular finger-like structures in female reproductive organs that connect the ovaries and the uterus as it processes the movement of an egg from the ovaries to the womb (uterus) and the sperm for growth or maturity.

However, the fallopian tubes play a major role in the process of conception. If an egg or multiple eggs is fertilized by sperm, it moves through the fallopian tube to the uterus for implantation.
If a fallopian tube is blocked also known as tubal occlusion, it prevents the passage of the sperm to get to the eggs for fertilization in the uterus. This can occur on one or both sides of the tubes and is one possible cause of female infertility.

Common reasons for blocked fallopian tubes include scar tissue, infection, and pelvic adhesions.

SYMPTOMS OF BLOCKED FALLOPIAN TUBES
Blocked fallopian tubes do not often present cause or symptoms other than having difficulty in conceiving. Many women do not know they have blocked tubes until when the find it difficult in conceiving within a year or more.

A blocked fallopian tube may cause some women to experience symptoms.
For example, endometriosis and pelvic inflammatory disease, which may cause painful-heavy menstruation, painful sexual-intercourse and general pelvic pain. This pain might happen regularly or be constant and increases the risk of blocked fallopian tubes.

In some other cases, blocked fallopian tubes can lead to mild, regular lower abdominal pain and unusual vaginal discharge in a type of blockage called hydrosalpinx. Hydrosalpinx is when a blockage causes the tube to dilate and been filled with fluid. The fluid blocks and affects the egg and sperm. It also prevents fertilization and pregnancy but not every woman will have these symptoms.
Sometimes, a fallopian tube can cause an egg from not fertilizing as it gets stuck. This is known as an ectopic pregnancy.

An ectopic pregnancy may not always cause symptoms and is usually detected during an ultrasound scan. However, some women may experience signs of pregnancy, such as pain on one side of the stomach or vaginal bleeding. Any woman who suspects such symptoms should seek urgent medical attention.


CAUSES OF BLOCKED FALLOPIAN TUBE
Blockage of fallopian tubes can be caused by many reasons, but the most common cause of blocked fallopian tubes is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which is a sexually transmitted disease (STD’s).
In the absence of PID, previous history of PID or pelvic infection can increase the risk and chances of blocked tubes.

Other potential causes of blocked fallopian tubes include
• Current or history of an STD infection, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea
• History of pelvic and uterine infection caused by an abortion or miscarriage
• Endometriosis, which is a condition that causes the lining of the womb to grow outside of the uterus
• Hydrosalpinx, which is swelling and fluid at the end of a fallopian tube
• History of a ruptured appendix
• History of abdominal surgery
• Previous ectopic pregnancy
• Previous surgeries involving the fallopian tubes, including tubal ligation

DIAGNOSIS
Blocked fallopian tubes can be difficult to identify. The tubes can open and close, so it is not always easy to tell if they are blocked or just closed.
Here are some key tests to diagnose blocked fallopian tubes:
• An X-ray test, known as a hysterosalpingogram or HSG is used to examine the inside of fallopian tubes to help diagnose blockages. During HSG, a doctor introduces a dye into your uterus and fallopian tubes. The stain is visible on an X-ray. If the fluid does not spill into the fallopian tubes, means tubes are blocked
• Keyhole surgery, known as a laparoscopy, can be done for further evaluation. Laparoscopy is when a surgeon makes a small cut in the body and inserts a tiny camera to see into the fallopian tubes. If the doctor finds a blockage during the procedure, they might be rectified.
• An ultrasound test, which is similar to the HSG test, known as a sonohysterogram can also be done.


TREATMENT AND SURGERY
If your fallopian tubes are blocked by small amounts of scar tissue or adhesions, it may be possible to open both tubes laparoscopically but If your fallopian tubes are blocked by large amounts of scar tissue or adhesions, treatment to remove the blockages may not be possible.

Surgery aims to repair or open damaged fallopian tube is carried out by surgeons using laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) with one of the following methods:
• removing scar tissue
• opening the fallopian tube from the inside to remove the damaged part and connect the two healthy parts.
• making a new opening on the outside of the fallopian

PREGNANCY POSSIBILITIES
Fallopian tubes surgical repair is not always the best option, but it is possible to get pregnant following treatment for blocked fallopian tubes. Your chances for pregnancy will depend on the treatment method and severity of the block.

A successful pregnancy after surgery is more likely when the blockage is near the uterus but if the blockage is at the end of the fallopian tube near the ovary, getting pregnant becomes difficult.

The risk of ectopic pregnancy is higher after surgery to treatment of tubal blockage and the chances of getting pregnant after surgery for tubes damaged by an infection or ectopic pregnancy is small. It depends on how much of the tube must be removed and what part is removed.

Blocked fallopian tubes also causes infertility, but it is still possible to have a child through In-vitro fertilization (IVF) considering if the woman is healthy enough.

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