Blocked fallopian tubes are one of the most common causes of female infertility. When both tubes are blocked, the sperm and egg can never meet, making natural conception impossible. At Janini IVF, Delhi, we help women understand why tubal blocks occur, how they affect fertility, and what the most effective treatment options are today.

What Are the Fallopian Tubes and What Do They Do?

The fallopian tubes are slender, 10 cm-long structures that connect the uterus to the ovaries.
Each tube ends in delicate fimbriae, which “catch” the egg released during ovulation and guide it inside the tube.

Inside the tube are countless tiny hair-like cilia that help the egg and sperm move toward each other. Fertilisation normally happens inside the tube, after which the embryo travels to the uterus for implantation.

When the tubes are blocked, damaged, or the cilia stop working, fertilisation cannot occur.

Causes of Blocked Fallopian Tubes

As seen at Janini IVF, the most common reasons for tubal block include:

• Previous sexually transmitted infections (gonorrhoea, chlamydia)

• Genital tuberculosis

• Endometriosis

• Hydrosalpinx — fluid-filled tubes

• Past pelvic surgeries

• Previous sterilisation (tubal ligation)

Blocked tubes account for 35–40% of female infertility cases, making tubal factor infertility extremely common.

Symptoms of Tubal Block

Most women have no symptoms at all. The only noticeable sign is often infertility.

Some may experience:

• Pain in the lower abdomen

• White vaginal discharge

• Pain during intercourse

• Ectopic pregnancy (if the tubes are not fully blocked but partially narrowed)

How Is a Tubal Block Diagnosed?

There are several effective methods used to detect blocked tubes:

1. HSG (Hysterosalpingography)

A dye is injected into the uterus and X-ray images show whether it flows through the tubes.
If the tubes are blocked, the dye does not pass through.

2. Sono-salpingography

Instead of dye, a special saline solution is pushed into the uterus. A transvaginal ultrasound is used simultaneously to visualise the tubes.
This method avoids radiation and is quick and convenient.

3. Laparoscopy — The Gold Standard

A telescope is inserted through the navel while blue dye is pushed through the uterus.
If dye spills out from the tubes, they are open.
If not, the tubes are blocked.

Laparoscopy allows direct visualisation of the uterus, tubes, ovaries, adhesions and endometriosis — and can be both diagnostic and therapeutic in the same sitting.

Treatment for Blocked Tubes

There are two major approaches:

A. Tubal Surgery

This includes surgical correction or creating a new opening in the tube.

B. IVF / ICSI

IVF bypasses the tubes entirely. Eggs are collected, fertilised in the lab, and embryos are placed directly in the uterus.

Exception: Hydrosalpinx

If the tube is filled with infected fluid, surgery to remove the tube is recommended before IVF to improve success.

Why Choose Janini IVF for Tubal Factor Infertility?

At Janini IVF, you receive:

• Expert evaluation by Dr. Dalal

• Transparent diagnosis

• Only necessary, evidence-based testing

• Personalised treatment plans

• Clear guidance on whether IVF is the best option for you

• A compassionate team with excellent success rates

Take the Next Step with Janini IVF