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Blocked fallopian tubes

Here, the Dutch term ‘dichte zaadleiders’ refers to blocked fallopian tubes: the tubes that bring egg and sperm together. One or both tubes may be blocked by a previous infection, endometriosis, surgery or sterilisation. This usually causes no symptoms, but may make getting pregnant harder and increase the risk of an ectopic pregnancy.

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  • In this article, ‘dichte zaadleiders’ means that one or both fallopian tubes are blocked or severely damaged.
  • A blocked fallopian tube usually causes no pain or other obvious symptom and is often only found during fertility investigations.
  • Possible causes include previous chlamydia or another pelvic infection, endometriosis, abdominal surgery, sterilisation or a congenital abnormality.
  • HSG, contrast ultrasound and keyhole surgery provide different information and each has limitations.
  • Pregnancy after tubal damage carries an increased risk of implantation outside the uterus; pain or bleeding needs early assessment.

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Further reading

Browse A–Z
F
Female sterilisationFemale sterilisation closes or removes the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy permanently. It is highly reliable but can still fail, usually requires surgery and should be considered permanent.
P
Pelvic inflammatory diseaseInflammation of the womb, fallopian tube or ovary is an infection in the pelvis. Prompt antibiotic treatment reduces the risk of an abscess, long-term pain, an ectopic pregnancy and difficulty becoming pregnant.
D
Difficulty getting pregnantGetting pregnant may take longer because of factors involving eggs, ovulation, fallopian tubes, the womb or sperm, and sometimes the cause remains unknown. Assessing both partners at the same time and providing support based on age, duration and medical history prevents unnecessary delay.