Female infertility can be caused by a number of reasons such as ovarian cysts, pelvic infections, endometriosis, chronic medical illnesses, etc. One of the most common reasons behind female infertility is blockage in her fallopian tubes. In order to detect the blockage, a test called hysterosalpingogram is performed. Hysterosalpingogram is commonly called as tubal test.
SYMPTOMS OF FALLOPIAN BLOCKAGE:
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Abdominal pain
• Unusual vaginal discharge
• Pelvic infections
• Painful sexual intercourse
WHY IS TUBAL TEST PERFORMED?
1. The tubal tests help in detecting if either or both the fallopian tubes of the woman are blocked. If the fallopian tube is blocked, the woman would not be able to have a normal or regular conception.
2. To find where the blockage is and how severe it is so that the course of treatment can be decided.
3. To detect if the shape of the uterus is normal or not.
HOW IS TUBAL TEST PERFORMED?
1. Hysterosalpingogram or tubal test is performed with the aid of an X-Ray machine.
2. You will be asked to lie down. In the first step, with the help of a speculum, the vagina will be cleaned with antiseptic solution.
3. With the help of a tiny tube, a certain contrasting dye will be placed through the cervix. This tube is called cannula.
4. After the dye is injected, the process of X ray will begin. The practitioner will take images of your uterus.
5. If the dye moves freely filling the uterus and moving across the length of the tube, there are no blockages in the fallopian tube. Otherwise, there are blockages in the fallopian tube.
6. The practitioner might repeat the X Ray again to confirm.
7. The process is generally painless but might cause slight discomfort or cramps. You can talk to your doctor about the possible medications required.
8. The procedure takes about thirty minutes.
CAUSES OF FALLOPIAN BLOCKAGE:
The body of every woman varies and so do the symptoms. Here are some probable causal factors of fallopian blockage:
1. Previously detected Sexually transmitted disease (STD) like chlamydia or gonorrhoea.
2. Past cases of abortions, miscarriages, etc.
3. Severe uterine infections.
4. Any abdominal surgeries performed in the past.
5. History of pelvic infections can result in fallopian blockage.
6. Any surgery involving the reproductive organs.
7. Endometriosis.
SIDE EFFECTS AND SAFETY:
There are no major side effects of the Tubal Test except some physical ones like:
1. Physical discomfort while the insertion of tubes.
2. Abdominal cramps caused by the activities inside the uterus. These cramps are similar to the ones that you experience while you are on your periods.
3. Risk of infection. Although, it is extremely uncommon to develop one.
4. You might get a fever in the days following the procedure. It is completely normal. However, if the fever persists, contact your doctor right away.
5. Vaginal discharge or spotting.
6. Vaginal bleeding resembling periods.
Apart from these side effects, the procedure is completely safe to administer.
