Can You Get Pregnant with Blocked Fallopian Tubes? What You Need to Know
Learning that you have blocked fallopian tubes can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re actively trying to conceive.
Can You Get Pregnant with Blocked Fallopian Tubes?
Whether you’ve recently found out that one or both of your fallopian tubes are blocked, or you’ve just been referred to a fertility clinic, you’re likely filled with questions about what this means for your chances of getting pregnant.
At The IVF Warrior, we understand how important it is to have clear answers, hope, and guidance as you navigate this part of your fertility journey. Here’s what you need to know.
What Are Blocked Fallopian Tubes?
Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, also called tubal factor infertility, prevent sperm from reaching the egg for fertilization or block the fertilized egg from moving to the uterus. Your fallopian tubes are essential in conception, as they serve as the pathway where sperm meets the egg. If one or both tubes are blocked, it creates a barrier, making natural conception more challenging.
There are varying levels of blockage:
Partial blockage: The tube isn’t fully blocked, but the narrowed space makes it harder for sperm to reach the egg.
Complete blockage: The egg and sperm cannot meet because the tube is fully closed.
Blockages can occur due to a variety of reasons including obstructions, congenital malformations, scarring, sexually transmitted infections, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or previous surgeries. According to The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), 25% to 35% of female infertility is due to tubal factors.
Can You Get Pregnant with One Blocked Fallopian Tube?
Yes, pregnancy is possible with one blocked fallopian tube. If only one tube is blocked and the other is healthy, you may still ovulate from the functioning side. This means that sperm can meet the egg, and natural conception is possible. However, your chances of conceiving each month may be lower because you’re only able to ovulate from one side.
For those actively trying to conceive with one blocked fallopian tube, it can be helpful to track ovulation to know when the open tube is releasing an egg. Your fertility specialist can guide you on how to monitor ovulation more precisely using ovulation predictor kits, basal body temperature tracking, or ultrasound monitoring.
Can You Get Pregnant with Two Blocked Fallopian Tubes?
If both fallopian tubes are blocked, natural conception becomes much more difficult. With two blocked tubes, the egg and sperm are unable to meet, but this doesn’t mean pregnancy is impossible. There are fertility treatments, like in vitro fertilization (IVF), that bypass the fallopian tubes altogether, offering a highly effective option for those with complete tubal blockages.
Treatment Options for Blocked Fallopian Tubes
The good news is that there are several fertility treatments available depending on the severity of your blocked fallopian tubes:
1. Fertility Surgery
In some cases, surgery can be an option to repair the blocked tubes or remove scar tissue. This procedure is typically recommended for mild blockages or cases where damage isn’t severe. The goal of surgery is to restore the natural function of your fallopian tubes, increasing your chances of natural conception.
2. In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
For those with two completely blocked tubes or for whom surgery isn’t a viable option, IVF is often the best treatment. IVF bypasses the fallopian tubes by retrieving your eggs, fertilizing them with sperm in a lab, and then transferring the resulting embryo directly into your uterus. It’s one of the most successful treatments for tubal infertility and offers high success rates, particularly for those who have blocked tubes.
3. Tubal Cannulation
This procedure can help open partially blocked tubes. A catheter is inserted through the uterus into the fallopian tube, helping clear the blockage. Tubal cannulation is typically performed under X-ray guidance or with laparoscopy.
4. Fertility Medications and Monitoring
If only one tube is blocked and you’re trying to conceive naturally, your doctor may suggest fertility medications to stimulate ovulation on the side with the open tube. This could increase your chances of conceiving in a given cycle.
When to See a Fertility Specialist
If you’ve been diagnosed with blocked fallopian tubes, it’s a good idea to see a fertility specialist to explore your options. Your doctor may suggest further testing, such as a hysterosalpingogram (HSG), to determine the exact location and severity of the blockage.
Once you know more about your specific situation, you and your specialist can discuss which treatment plan will give you the best chance of getting pregnant. Whether that’s surgery, IVF, or another approach, having a clear plan can help relieve some of the uncertainty and give you a sense of direction.
Being told that you have blocked fallopian tubes can feel like an unexpected detour on your fertility journey, but know that there are options available. Whether you have one blocked fallopian tube and are still trying to conceive naturally or have been referred to a fertility clinic for further evaluation, there are treatments available to help you move forward.
At The IVF Warrior, we believe in empowering you with information, so you can make informed decisions about your fertility. You don’t have to face this alone—there is hope, and there is a path forward.
Medical Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider or qualified medical professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this blog.
