Silvia Azaña, an embryologist at inviTRA, explains in this video how female infertility due to tubal factor is diagnosed:
In most cases, problems in the fallopian tubes don't cause symptoms that the woman can perceive. Therefore, tubal factor is often diagnosed when a couple has been trying to conceive for some time without success and proceeds to have a fertility study.
The permeability of the fallopian tubes can be evaluated through the following diagnostic tests:
- Ultrasound: It is performed routinely in the gynecology office. But this test is only capable of detecting a large hydrosalpinx.
- Hysterosalpingography: It is the most commonly used test to check the permeability of the fallopian tubes. It consists of introducing a contrast liquid through the cervix to observe its path toward the tubes as X-ray images are taken. If there were any obstruction in the tubes, the contrast liquid would get trapped and be seen in the images.
- Hysterosalpingo-sonography: This test is similar to the previous one, but a saline solution or a gel is introduced through the cervix instead of the contrast liquid. Additionally, in this case, the use of X-rays is replaced by ultrasound.
- Laparoscopy: It is a surgical intervention in which, under general anesthesia, small incisions are made below the patient's navel. This allows for the insertion of a small camera to observe the fallopian tubes, as well as their relationship with the rest of the structures in the pelvic cavity. Usually, a laparoscopy is not performed solely for diagnostic purposes, but also surgically to correct any possible alteration found. Because of this, laparoscopy is usually only done if endometriosis, some adhesion, or another issue that can be surgically fixed right then and there is suspected.
