Overview Causes Symptoms Treatment
What are blocked fallopian tubes?
Blocked fallopian tubes occur when one or both tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus become partially or completely obstructed, preventing the egg and sperm from meeting for fertilization. This blockage can lead to infertility, as the egg cannot travel down the tube, and sperm cannot reach it.
Common Related Conditions
Causes of blocked fallopian tubes
Blocked fallopian tubes can develop from a variety of factors, most commonly from prior surgeries and physical trauma to the pelvis or abdomen. Pelvic or abdominal procedures—such as surgery for endometriosis, appendicitis, cesarean section, ectopic pregnancy, exploratory surgery, or complications from reproductive treatments—can lead to the formation of internal scar tissue (adhesions). These adhesions may form on the outside of the fallopian tubes or within them, creating strong, glue-like bonds that interfere with normal tubal function.
Endometriosis itself can also contribute to tubal blockage by causing inflammation and adhesions, particularly at or near sites of previous surgery or wherever endometrial tissue is present. Additional causes include nearby infections or inflammation, and in some cases, the exact cause of the blockage remains unknown.
Adhesions also may develop as the body’s response to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.
Symptoms of blocked fallopian tubes
While blocked tubes often present no symptoms, some women may experience persistent abdominal pain or face difficulty conceiving after a year of unprotected intercourse. Ways to diagnose blocked tubes or hydrosalpinx are Hysterosalpingogram (HSG), an X-ray using dye to show blockages, and specialized ultrasounds like Sonohysterography (SHG) or HyCoSy, which use saline/contrast fluid or a surgery called Laparoscopy, which allows direct visualization.
Symptoms can include:
- Difficulty conceiving (infertility)
- Pelvic or lower abdominal pain (especially if associated with endometriosis or infection)
- Pain during menstruation (dysmenorrhea)
- Pain during intercourse (dyspareunia)
- Unusual vaginal discharge (if infection is present)
- Increased risk of ectopic pregnancy (when a fertilized egg implants in the tube instead of the uterus)
- Often, no noticeable symptoms until trying to conceive
Treatment for blocked fallopian tubes
The treatment consists of a 20-hour, fully hands-on program delivered over five days. Clear Passage® Therapists use point-specific, deep manual therapy to address adhesions throughout the pelvic region and bowel, including the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and surrounding ligaments, bones, and connective structures. Our therapists are trained in the Wurn Technique®, which comprises more than 200 individual methods designed not only to target adhesions, but also to support whole-body function. It is suggested that the patient is on an antibiotic protocol or antimicrobial regimen during treatment to mitigate the release of any infection that may be in the fallopian tube.
Condition Specific Disclaimer:
Clear Passage® Therapy is a non-surgical, manual physical therapy shown to open blocked fallopian tubes without surgery. While some patients report improved pelvic alignment, increased mobility, or enhanced reproductive function following therapy, results vary for each individual.
As physical therapists, Clear Passage® does not diagnose medical conditions. The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice; it should not replace evaluation by your physician. If you experience severe or chronic pelvic pain or symptoms suggesting infection or ectopic pregnancy, seek immediate evaluation from your physician.
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