Females have a pair of fine fallopian tubes which eggs travel form the ovaries to the uterus. To obtain a successful pregnancy, one has to have an "open" or "patent" tubes. Women who are trying to get pregnant, but are having difficulty conceiving should get an appointment for tubal assessment. Normal fallopian tubes cannot be seen by a regular ultrasound, hence, contrast is used.
Tubal patency check is performed during the first half of cycle before ovulation which means between day 8-12 of that cycle. This test is done before ovulation to make sure there is no pregnancy even if the chance of being pregnant is low.
The pain that may be experienced varies from women to women. Some would say they did not feel any pain at all or some would complain of cramping when the contrast is injected. It would be safe to say that majority of women feel mild to moderate pain during the procedure. It could be recommended that pain reliever tablets be taken an hour before the procedure.
A pelvic ultrasound is performed to assess the pelvic anatomy. If the findings are normal then tubal assessment will proceed. There is a special catheter inserted through the cervix and this is where the contrast is injected while the vaginal probe is also inserted. If the contrast is seen flowing through the fallopian tubes towards the ovary on both sides, it means that the tubes are patent. However, if the results show that the tubes are blocked, the Physician would discuss further assessment. It is best to always ask questions and be informed.
Dr. Afshin PourMirza, MD, PhD
Medical Director
Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Feto Maternal Medicine Specialist
Feto Maternal Medicine Specialist
www.fetalmedicine.ae
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