- Blocked fallopian tubes are not a problem if the woman does not want any children. In situations where blocked fallopian tubes are simply scar tissue or something that is no threat to the woman's health, the probable treatment is to do nothing. Patients may have one or both fallopian tubes blocked.
- Sometimes minor blockages clear with the fluid push in a hysterosalpingogram (HSG). The doctor pushes dye into the uterus, which forces its way into the tubes. But with major blockages, this fluid push does not work. In these cases, doctors perform laparoscopy or open abdominal surgery. During surgery, the doctor can remove the obstruction or even create a new opening for the fallopian tubes in some cases. Also, the doctor can cut away the portion of the fallopian tube that isn't working and connect the resulting two ends.
- Some cases of blocked fallopian tubes are due to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Using protection prevents most STDs. Treating STDs is also imperative to prevent reproductive system problems. Get regular pap smears with STD testing to ensure that any needed treatment is timely.
- In the cases of blockage of both fallopian tubes, the doctor reviews patient tests to determine the best course of action. If only one fallopian tube is blocked but the other ovary or tube is nonfunctional, the same evaluation process occurs. A single blocked fallopian tube with the other ovary and fallopian tube working correctly may not warrant any treatment if the underlying cause is not a health threat.
- Even with treatment, there is no guarantee that blocked fallopian tubes can open again successfully. Some fallopian tubes have severe enough damage that nothing can open them. Surgery carries risks of accidental cutting of other organs, damaging the tube further, internal bleeding and infection. The anesthesia risk of surgery includes a variety of risks from nausea to death. After an abdominal surgery, there is a two- to three-day hospital stay, and it usually requires a four- to six-week medical leave from work. Laparascopy has a much shorter hospital stay and requires less time off work.
