Tests Used to Determine Fallopian Tubes Disorder
It is always impossible to identify blocked fallopian tubes because the tubes have the capacity of closing and opening. Therefore fertility clinic Arizona conducts numerous tests to determine whether the fallopian tubes are either closed or blocked. There are three necessary tests carried out in the fertility clinic, which are meant to identify the actual underlying problem hindering fertility in women.
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
Successful fertilization requires all the body parts involved to play its role. This means that the ovaries must have the ability to produce the eggs, the uterus must also be in good shape, and the fallopian tubes need to be open. Whenever one or more of these critical parts is not functioning as required, then the pregnancy process becomes a problem. Blocked fallopian tubes hinder the movement of sperms that’s is meant to fertilize the egg, meaning that the sperm will not access the uterus. There are numerous reasons that cause the blockage of the fallopian tubes.
HSG Testing in Arizona employs the use of X-ray to study the condition of the uterus and the fallopian tubes, a process that takes less than 5 minutes. The process must be done after the patient’s period but prior to their ovulation because the chances of getting pregnant during this phase are significantly low. The process is done in the first half of the patient’s menstrual cycles between 1-10 days. The patient is expected to take an anti-inflammatory medication such as Motrin or Advil about an hour prior to the process. The medication is important for the patient because the patient could experience mild or heavy cramping once the catheter is inserted. The painkillers assist in minimizing the underlying discomfort. The patient may also be advised to take the medication after the procedure.
The gynecologist begins by conducting some tests. The patient is made to lie down on a table under a fluoroscope (X-ray imager). A speculum is then inserted into the patient’s vagina meant to keep it open. The next step involves the cleaning of the cervix. Once the cervix is clean, the gynecologist inserts a cannula (a thin tube) into the patient’s cervix. The cannula fills the uterus with a liquid which mainly contains iodine. One of the main reason why iodine is used is because of two important qualities;
- Iodine is harmless
- Iodine contrasts with the patient’s fallopian tubes and uterus
Once iodine has been introduced, the radiologist commences taking X-rays. The patient is made to constantly change their positions for the radiologist to get various angles. The radiologist then removes the cannula after the X-ray process is done.
Some of the possible risks involved in the process include patients’ allergic reaction to the dye, fallopian tube or uterine lining infection, and injury of the uterus.
Ultrasound Test
This process is also referred to as a sonohysterogram. The process involves the transvaginal introduction of 200ml of saline into the uterus through the cervix. The process is done within 6-10 days in a typical 28 days cycle. As it is the case with HSG, the process is done before the patient’s ovulation, but after menstruation stops. This is meant to minimize the chances of disturbing an early pregnancy. The patient is administered with oral analgesic, ibuprofen 400-600mg within 1-2 hours prior to the procedure. The patient is taken through a pre-procedural screening meant to check for underlying infections such as chlamydia. A patient then goes through an intensive transvaginal ultrasound scan expected to study the position of the pelvic organ so as to eradicate any cases of pathologies that could hamper the procedure. The speculum is then placed in the cervix through the vagina. Both the cervix and the vagina are thoroughly cleaned using an antiseptic solution. If need be, the cervix is carefully fixed with the tenaculum which is then manipulated so as to align with the patient’s uterus. A canula or 6F-8F balloon catheter are mainly devised for SIS. The catheter is introduced to the uterus through the cervix. Distended ballon with 1-2 ml of normal saline or distilled water is placed beyond the internal os. The speculum and tenaculum are then removed, where the introduction of the transvaginal probe takes place for a more in-depth assessment. The slow introduction of saline through the catheter is done for an effective assessment of the uterine cavity through scanning.
One benefit of the procedure is that it has no major complication except mild or moderate pain, nausea, and vomiting. This process has a high success rate in comparison to HSG. The process is more accurate in the determination of tubal patency and the evaluation of the uterine cavity.
Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy is also referred to as keyhole surgery. It entails a surgical procedure that helps the doctor to see the inside body parts of the patient. The doctor uses this procedure for his/her evaluation of structures of the reproductive system which includes the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.
It is a simple outpatient procedure. Once the patient is put under anesthesia, the surgeon inserts a needle into the patient’s abdomen. A gas is then introduced to have a better view of the organs and other structures. The needle is then removed and replaced by a small camera on an instrument referred to as a laparoscope. Another incision is made where the probe is introduced. The doctor uses the camera to examine the internal structure while using the probe to lift organs being studied. Depending on the doctor’s assessment, the doctor will then attempt to unblock the fallopian tubes. Unblocking the fallopian tubes will involve the introduction of another incision where the tools used to remove the blockage and stitch up the wound are introduced. The patient is then put under surveillance for a given period where she is observed in case of any complications. In the past, laparoscopy was one of the standard diagnostic tools that were used in the identification of unexplained women infertility. Fertility clinic Arizona has effectively used the three medical processes to solve women’s infertility of blocked fallopian tubes.
