When the fallopian tubes are blocked, the egg cannot pass through to the uterus for implantation after fertilization. Damage to the fallopian tubes, either through a previous or ongoing condition, can result in blockage. Blocked fallopian tubes can be treated with surgery and removal of the abnormal tissue.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease refers to infections of the uterus, fallopian tubes and other female reproductive organs. Infections of the fallopian tubes can arise from complications of sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia. Symptoms that can occur include lower abdominal pain, vaginal discharge with an odor, painful urination, painful intercourse and irregular menstrual bleeding. Few women have symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease, so it often goes untreated. Untreated infections can lead to infertility, ectopic pregnancy, abscess formation and chronic pelvic pain.
Ectopic Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy occurs when the pregnancy is outside of the womb, like in the fallopian tube, and the fetus cannot survive. Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy include abnormal vaginal bleeding, amenorrhea, breast tenderness, lower back pain, mild cramping on one side of the pelvis, nausea and pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area. According to the National Institutes of Health, rupture from the ectopic pregnancy can cause pain in the shoulder and lower abdomen and fainting.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, grows out into the fallopian tubes, ovaries or the tissues that line the pelvis. According to the Mayo Clinic, the endometrium thickens during the menstrual cycle, then breaks downs and bleeds. However, endometrium in the fallopian tubes cannot break down and becomes trapped. The build up of endometrium in the fallopian tubes irritates the surrounding tissues, and can result in cysts, scar tissue and adhesions.
