Blockage may affect one or both tubes and is usually identified on HSG. One open tube still allows natural conception; blockage of both is normally treated with surgery or bypassed with IVF.
Fertility Glossary
Fallopian tube blockage
A tube that is closed, so egg and sperm cannot meet.
Related terms
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
An X-ray test showing whether the fallopian tubes are open.
Tubal factor infertility
Infertility caused by blocked or damaged fallopian tubes.
Tubal patency
Whether the fallopian tubes are open.
IVF (in vitro fertilisation)
Eggs are collected and fertilised in a laboratory, then an embryo is transferred.