Tubal blockage can occur as a result of previous sterilisation, previous abdominal or pelvic surgery or from a pelvic infection.

Before IVF was a successful treatment, tubal surgery was the only option available for women with this cause of infertility.   Surgery remains the best treatment for women who have had a clip or ring sterilisation, with 60-90% of such cases going on to a successful pregnancy.

Where the tubes were burnt there is a 20-50% success and where they were cut and tied, there is a 15-20% success. If the tubes are blocked due to a previous infection, the chance of a successful pregnancy is around 10% in a year.

All of these conditions run a risk of an ectopic tubal pregnancy, (ie where the embryo implants in the fallopian tube instead of in the uterus) of up to 25%.

For this reason, unless the assessment of the tubes is very favourable most specialists recommend IVF and embryo transfer instead.

NOTE: Gamete Intra Fallopian Transfer, known as GIFT is not an appropriate treatment for women with tubal blockage or damage.

In some situations blocked fallopian tubes may swell up to form cystic areas known as a "hydrosalpinx."   When these are present, most doctors advise that they be removed early in, or prior to IVF or other assisted reproduction treatment.