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. You may be doing everything right to create an ideal environment for pregnancy. However, if it still does not happen, then it is time to dig deeper.
One such reason may be the blocked fallopian tubes that are preventing your pregnancy. Your tubal health has a significant role to play in fertility, and any issue with it can affect natural conception. Is there a way to find out about the blockage? Tubal testing is helpful in such cases, but when do you need one?
Understanding this will help you seek treatment on time, which can result in a successful pregnancy later.
Why Are Fallopian Tubes So Important for Pregnancy?
You may know that the fallopian tubes play a significant role in conception. Your ovaries are responsible for releasing an egg every month that reaches your fallopian tube. There, it waits for sperm to fertilise it and forms an embryo.This embryo has to travel through the tube into your uterus for implantation and further growth after fertilisation.
However, this process does not happen in the case of blocked or damaged tubes. It also makes pregnancy harder to achieve without medical help.
When Should You Think About Tubal Testing?
You do not have to rush into tubal patency testing if you are just starting to try for a baby. However, testing may be the correct step if you have been trying for a while without success, or if certain risk factors apply to you.The following are some signs and situations when you must consider tubal testing.
- Trying for over a year without pregnancy: You may require a full fertility assessment, including tubal testing, if you are under 35 and have been trying to conceive for more than 12 months without success. For women above 35, this timeframe reduces to 6 months.
- Irregular periods are not the issue: You may not be ovulating regularly, which delays conception in some cases. However, tubal testing becomes crucial to rule out blockage issues if ovulation and your partner’s semen analysis are normal.
- History of pelvic infections: Have you ever had a pelvic infection, especially Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)? This infection leads to scarring in the tubes. Although you may have been treated long ago, the damage may still affect your fertility.
- Past abdominal or pelvic surgeries: Surgery for the removal of the appendix, C-section, or treatment for endometriosis may leave internal scar tissue in some cases. These procedures also impact your fallopian tubes in the process. Inform your doctor about any such past surgeries or procedures.
- History of ectopic pregnancy: Tubes often get damaged if you have a history of ectopic pregnancy (fertilised egg implants in the tube instead of the uterus). Tubal testing is helpful in such cases before planning for your next pregnancy.
What Does Tubal Testing Involve?
Your doctor may suggest checking your fallopian tubes for proper functioning. They may recommend any of the following methods based on your history and symptoms.1. HSG (Hysterosalpingogram)
This is one of the most common and first in line of action. A special dye is injected into your uterus through your cervix in the HSG test. An X-ray is then taken to see if the dye passes freely through your fallopian tubes.You may feel mild cramping during the procedure, and it is usually done between days 7 and 10 of your cycle.
2. Sonohysterogram (Saline Ultrasound)
This test is similar to HSG but uses sterile salt water (saline) instead of the dye to fill your uterus. Your doctor checks for any blockages through an ultrasound scan. It is a more comfortable and gentler procedure than HSG, but may not provide much detail.3. Laparoscopy
This method is a minor surgical procedure in which a camera is inserted through a small cut in your abdomen. It allows your doctor to see your tubes, uterus, and ovaries directly.Laparoscopy is often done when endometriosis or scar tissue is suspected, as it gives a clear view of your reproductive organs.
What Happens If Your Tubes Are Blocked?
You may still conceive naturally, even if one tube is blocked, but the other is open and healthy. However, your chances of conceiving naturally reduce in case of blockages in both tubes.Your doctor may suggest the following options in such cases.
- Tubal surgery to possibly remove the blockage
- IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation), in which the egg is fertilised in a lab and the embryo is placed directly into your uterus
Why Early Testing Matters
Many couples spend months or even years trying to conceive without being aware that something like blocked tubes could be delaying pregnancy. Tubal testing helps you avoid emotional stress. You can also get the correct treatment on time without further complicating your condition.Please do not hesitate to seek medical help if you have tried everything but still have no success. Sometimes, a proper diagnosis and medical care can make a big difference in your reproductive health.
FAQs on When to Get Your Tubes Checked While Trying for a BabyIs tubal testing painful?
- Is tubal testing painful?
HSG or saline ultrasound may cause mild cramping or discomfort that feels similar to period pain. On the other hand, laparoscopy is a minor surgery, which is done under anaesthesia, to prevent you from feeling the pain. - Can I still conceive naturally if one tube is blocked?
You have a chance of a natural pregnancy, even with one healthy and open tube. Your chances may be slightly lower, but it is still possible.
