Checking Fallopian Tube Patency — What It Is and How to Prepare

The fallopian tubes are structures located between the ovary and the uterus. Normally, they allow the egg to pass freely into the uterine cavity and serve as the site where female sex cells are fertilized. Without them, the natural process of fertilization becomes practically impossible. So if problems are observed in how they function, reproductive health deteriorates significantly.

One of the most common problems is impaired tubal patency caused by the cavity filling with adhesions or fusion. Such a condition requires treatment, as it negatively affects not only reproductive function — it also promotes the development of inflammation and infections. To establish this diagnosis, clinics offer echohysterosalpingography. This examination makes it possible to visualize the internal lumen of the fallopian tubes and assess the degree of their patency. This procedure belongs to the group of ultrasound examinations.

Preparation required for the procedure

Before a doctor can perform this manipulation, it is necessary to make sure there are no contraindications. For this purpose, a number of additional tests are carried out:

• a vaginal swab — it is needed to make sure there are no infectious processes, because when contrast solution is introduced into the uterus, pathogens can be carried into the abdominal cavity;
• a pregnancy test — pregnancy is an absolute contraindication to the procedure.

The patient is also required to follow some mandatory rules:

• 2 days before the examination, stop sexual intercourse;
• one week before the procedure, stop using intravaginal treatment methods.

For better visualization, echohysterosalpingography is performed with a full bladder. Two hours before it, you need to drink about two liters of water and refrain from urinating.

Iodine is used as the contrast agent. If you are allergic to iodine-containing preparations, you must inform the doctor about this.

How the procedure itself is performed

Through a special catheter inserted through the vagina into the cervical canal, saline with a contrast agent in it is introduced into the uterus. Normally, it passes through the fallopian tubes and forms a contrast outline around the uterus in the abdominal cavity.

If tubal patency is impaired, there are several options:

1. The uterus takes on the shape of a layer. This indicates tubal obstruction within its walls.
2. The outline is formed only on one side. This is what unilateral obstruction looks like.
3. On ultrasound, both tubes are clearly visible as canal-like structures. This is what bilateral obstruction looks like.

Based on the results of the examination, it is possible to establish a diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.