Are Your Tubes Clogged?
One reason why a woman may not be getting pregnant could mean that her fallopian tubes may not be open. Fallopian tubes are tubes with ducts that open at one end into the uterus and the other end near the ovary. Each tube provides as a passage in which the egg is carried to the uterus and meets the sperm.
There are tests that can be performed to make sure a woman’s tubes are not blocked before trying to conceive. Your fertility doctor may suggest that you have a hysterosalpingogram (HSG). Salpingo means fallopian tube and salpinogram meaning radiographic examination of the fallopian tube using a dye.
An (HSG) is basically an X-ray test that looks at the inside of the uterus and fallopian tubes. It often is done for women who are having a hard time becoming pregnant.
During a hysterosalpingogram, a dye is put through a thin tube that is put through the vagina and into the uterus. Because the uterus and the fallopian tubes are hooked together, the dye will flow into the fallopian tubes. Pictures are taken using a steady beam of X-ray as the dye passes through the uterus and fallopian tubes. The pictures can show problems such as an injury or abnormal structure of the uterus or fallopian tubes, or a blockage that would prevent an egg moving through a fallopian tube to the uterus. A blockage also could prevent sperm from moving into a fallopian tube and joining (fertilizing) an egg. A hysterosalpingogram also may find problems on the inside of the uterus that prevent a fertilized egg from attaching (implanting) to the uterine wall.
There are many reasons that the fallopian tubes can be blocked. These reasons include adhesions, infections, infectious or non-infectious pelvic inflammatory diseases, scar tissue, endometriosis and damaged tube ends. History of sexual transmitted disease and Chlamydia is the number one cause for blockages. Infections cause scarring, fibroids, polyps and adhesions can cause injury and prevent pregnancy. Many doctors say that if you have the HSG procedure, that can open the tubes and increase your chances of pregnancy, whether there is a blockage or not.
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This test will not interfere with your next cycle of insemination because it is usually done on cycle days 3-5. To avoid using X-ray during your pregnancy, the test should be done before you ovulate. An (HSG) usually is done by a radiologist or your fertilization specialist, in procedure room of the clinic or hospital. Before the test, you may take about 800mg of ibuprofen to relax your uterus so it will not cramp during the test. You will remove your clothing from the waist down and put on a gown. You will probably be told to empty your bladder and then lie on your back on an examination table with your feet in stirrups. Your doctor will insert a speculum into your vagina. The cervix may be held in place with a clamp called a tenaculum. The cervix is then wiped off and a catheter is put through the cervix into the uterus. The X-ray dye is put through the tube. If the tubes are already open, then the dye will flow through and out into the belly where it will be absorbded naturally into the body. The dye will not pass through if the fallopian tube is blocked. The (HSG) test usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. The X-ray pictures are shown on a TV monitor during the test so results are instant.
References
Mosby’s Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, & Health Professionals. 7th. Ed. (2006). Mosby Elsevier. St. Louis, MO.
WebMD. (2010). Hystersalpingogram. Retrieved from: http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/guide/hysterosalpingogram-21590