Fallopian Tube Blockage
Blocked fallopian tubes occur when one or both of the tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus become partially or completely obstructed. These thin, delicate tubes play a critical role in reproduction — they are the pathway through which the egg travels from the ovary to meet sperm for fertilization, and then where the fertilized egg moves to the uterus for implantation. When the tubes are blocked, sperm and egg cannot meet, or the fertilized egg cannot reach the uterus, significantly reducing the chances of natural conception.
Symptoms
In many cases, blocked fallopian tubes do not cause noticeable symptoms until a woman experiences difficulty conceiving. However, some possible signs include:
Infertility after 6–12 months of trying to conceive
Pelvic or lower abdominal pain
Painful periods or intercourse (often linked to endometriosis or PID)
Unusual vaginal discharge (in cases of chronic infection)
Swelling or fluid accumulation in the pelvic area (hydrosalpinx)
Risk Factors
Several factors increase the risk of fallopian tube blockage, including:
History of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Previous sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Endometriosis diagnosis
Past abdominal or pelvic surgery
Previous ectopic pregnancy
Multiple pelvic infections or chronic inflammation
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