Ovulation and Menstruation with Completely Blocked Fallopian Tubes
Yes, a patient with completely blocked fallopian tubes can still ovulate and menstruate normally—tubal blockage affects fertility by preventing sperm-egg union and embryo transport, but does not impair ovarian function or the menstrual cycle.
Ovarian Function Remains Independent of Tubal Patency
Ovulation occurs normally because the ovaries release eggs into the peritoneal cavity regardless of tubal status—the fallopian tubes simply capture the egg, but blockage does not prevent the ovary from releasing it 1.
Menstrual cycles continue regularly because the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis functions independently of tubal patency—hormonal cycling, endometrial proliferation, and menstrual shedding proceed normally 1.
The fallopian tubes serve as a conduit for sperm transport and embryo passage to the uterus, but they do not regulate ovarian hormone production or follicular development 2, 3.
Mechanism of Infertility Despite Normal Cycles
Tubal blockage prevents conception by creating a physical barrier that stops sperm from reaching the egg or prevents the fertilized embryo from reaching the uterine cavity for implantation 2, 3.
Pelvic inflammatory disease from sexually transmitted infections (particularly Chlamydia trachomatis) is the most common cause of bilateral tubal occlusion, often occurring silently without symptoms 3.
Tubal factor infertility accounts for 14-30% of female infertility cases, but these women typically maintain normal ovulatory function and regular menses 2, 4.
Clinical Implications
Regular menstruation does not guarantee fertility—women with blocked tubes will have normal periods but cannot conceive naturally because the egg and sperm cannot meet 1.
Even with unilateral tubal blockage, pregnancy can occur through the patent tube if ovulation occurs on that side 5.
Women with completely blocked tubes require assisted reproductive technology (IVF) to bypass the tubes entirely, as the eggs are retrieved directly from the ovaries and embryos transferred to the uterus 4, 6.