Fertility • April 13, 2011

Examination of the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes when investigating involuntary infertility

Terje Sordal

Fertility specialist dedicated to helping patients expand their family and stay informed through evidence-based insights.

As part of the investigation of involuntary infertility, we normally investigate whether there is something wrong with the uterine cavity or if there is something wrong with fallopian tubes.

The way we examine this here at Medicus is that we use ultrasound. This is a good way to do it as the examination only takes a few minutes, is almost completely painless and you get the results right away. Some clinics also use something called hysteroscopy and laparoscopy (keyhole surgery), and this is a more extensive examination that is done under anesthesia.

Below you can see a video showing the survey:

COMMENTS · 61

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Stine Dec 23, 2020

Hi! I got an infection after an abortion I had in November. After the antibiotic treatment I am experiencing occasional stabbing pains in the lower left side of my abdomen, and I am afraid that the infection has damaged my fallopian tubes. The gynecologist has said that the infection is gone, but said I have to wait and see if I manage to get pregnant to know if it has done any damage.
My girlfriend and I are planning to get pregnant this summer, but I can't live in the dark until then. Is a contrast scan something you would recommend I do now, even though we don't try to get pregnant for another 6 months?

1 answer SVAR
- Find Tysland Johnsen Jan 10, 2021
  
  Hey!
  
  Basically, it takes a lot for the fallopian tube function to suffer permanent damage after an infection, so your gynecologist is probably right, and a contrast examination therefore seems a bit unnecessary yet. However, it is also unnecessary for you to go around with such thoughts and uncertainty in everyday life, so if you are pondering this a lot, I think you should check this - and you will get it clarified.
  
  Good luck!
  
  SVAR
Marie February 04, 2020

Hi, I have an appointment for a laparoscopy at a public hospital. I really want to avoid surgery, and I am wondering if the ultrasound examination you are doing is a good alternative to laparoscopy. Will the ultrasound examination you are doing be accepted by the public instead of laparoscopy, so that we can move forward with the process? All our tests are completely normal, and they have found nothing wrong with any of us so far.

1 answer SVAR
- Find Tysland Johnsen February 06, 2020
  
  Hey!
  
  Now I don't know why laparoscopy was decided in your case, but ultrasound will probably never be a good alternative to laparoscopy, regardless of the reason. Another advantage of laparoscopy is that you can also take biopsies (tissue samples), or possibly remove smaller structures if there is a reason to do so. I think you should trust what your doctor and your clinic have decided. Good luck!
  
  SVAR
Jeanette July 15, 2019

Hey!
I had my fallopian tubes examined in April 2016.
I got pregnant naturally in June 2016 and everything went well.
Got pregnant again in August 2018 but lost. Now we are trying to get pregnant again but without success.
Wondering if I should have another examination of the fallopian tubes?

I am 37 years old.
Fsh 13 (day no. 2)
Amh 15

Thanks in advance!

1 answer SVAR
- Find Tysland Johnsen July 18, 2019
  
  Hey!
  
  If there were normal findings during the examination of the fallopian tubes in 2016, and there has been no risk factor for fallopian tube damage since then (pelvic infection, ruptured appendix), it must be assumed that the fallopian tubes are functioning completely normally. Spontaneous pregnancy in August 2018 also confirms this. There is therefore no reason to have the fallopian tubes examined again.
  
  If you have been trying to get pregnant for a long time without success, you may want to consider having a thorough check-up at one of our clinics.
  
  SVAR
Betina Jun 06, 2018

Hello. This passage examination, can you take it in Trondheim?
and what does it cost?

SVAR
Therese shouted March 09, 2017

Hi, I'm a 32 year old girl, got pregnant 2 times out of 3 attempts in 2016 but lost 2 times. It's coming up to week 5.6 when the heart is about to start beating but then it goes wrong. I have mild endometriosis and had it removed in the summer of 2015. I got pregnant easily after that 2 times out of 3 attempts. I've read on the net that blood thinners can help when I lose. I wonder why it only comes up to week 5.6 and then it stops??? I hope for an answer.

1 answer SVAR
- Terje Sordal April 10, 2017
  
  It is true that sometimes Prednisolone or blood thinners can help those who miscarry frequently, depending on the cause of the miscarriages. In most cases, the miscarriages are due to genetic defects in the embryo that caused it to stop developing. It is possible to take tests to check whether you need additional treatment to be successful or whether you should just wait until you have the right, normal embryo that will continue to grow and divide and lead to a child.
  
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See. September 27, 2016

Can I have blocked fallopian tubes after an abscess due to chlamydia. Was very sick with crp of 300 and hospital with surgery for abscess. Now want a baby, have tried with pergotime for 3 months and without for 1 year. Time is running away from me a bit. I am 38 years old. Greetings frustrated.

1 answer SVAR
- Terje Sordal March 22, 2017
  
  Hi Sj.
  I would definitely suggest an examination of the fallopian tubes to check if they are normal or damaged after the infection. This can be done with ultrasound with contrast for the fallopian tubes or by laparoscopy with blue dye.
  
  SVAR
Johanna Aug 25, 2016

Hey,

We are a couple who are going to have a hysteroscopy. We are going to have IVF in Denmark. One of us has a fibroid that needs to be removed, what will be the price of this type of surgery?
and the other one has a heart-shaped uterus. here we would check the lining and possibly operate. what is the price for that?

1 answer SVAR
- Terje Sordal September 19, 2016
  
  Hello Johanna
  You should consider having uterine fibroids and uterine septa done at a public hospital that offers such examination and treatment, otherwise it will cost you dearly. Check the prices at private hospitals that can offer hysteroscopy and hysteroscopic surgeries.
  
  SVAR
Julia Jun 08, 2016

Hi, what is the waiting time for such an examination and what is the price (Oslo). Have tried 5 inseminations (donor sperm, Denmark) without pos results - is it possible to do such an examination? Is on the public waiting list, but we might consider trying a few more inseminations if everything seems to be working. Have no indications/risk factors that would indicate blocked fallopian tubes.

1 answer SVAR
- Magnus Finset Sørdal Jun 14, 2016
  
  Hi Julia. With us you can get such an examination without waiting time in both Trondheim and Oslo. If you are just going to do this examination, it will normally cost 1500,- for the examination (20 min) and about 1.000 for the equipment (contrast fluid and catheter). We always do this type of examination during an examination, it is especially important if you are going to do insemination. Just call us to make an appointment!
  
  SVAR
Anonym May 18, 2016

Hey,

I had a cyst removed from my right ovary 3 weeks ago and was told that the fallopian tube on the right side was blocked. I have also been diagnosed with PCOS. My cycle is very unstable. We have been trying for almost 9 months without contraception. And I am 26 years old.
Do I still have the possibility of getting pregnant?

1 answer SVAR
- Terje Sordal Aug 29, 2016
  
  Hi Anonymous
  Based on what you're saying, I would probably recommend that you go for IVF. It will address both blocked fallopian tubes and PCOS. It's not as "scary" as it may sound.
  
  SVAR
Jan 16, 2016

Hello.

Is it possible to check your fallopian tubes without being a registered partner?

Is it likely that the fallopian tubes can be blocked due to a chlamydia infection that lasted 3 weeks? By the way, I have 1 child from before who was on the 3rd attempt. This was 2 years after I had chlamydia. He is 4. Been trying for almost 1 year now with a new man. All hormone tests are good for me. The man had somewhat reduced quality. I am 23 years old, the man is 37.

2 answer SVAR
- Jan 16, 2016
  
  Forgot to say that the GU examination shows normal ovaries and uterus. The endometrium after a cycle with pergotime was 7 mm. I assume it is thicker in cycles without, as I have heard pergo can have a negative effect on the lining.
  
  1 answer SVAR
  - Terje Sordal February 05, 2016
    
    Hello Lisa
    So good. Have you had your uterine cavity and fallopian tubes checked as well? It is true that Pergotime (clomiphene citrate) can cause a thinner uterine lining because it is an estrogen receptor blocker. In the uterine lining, there are also estrogen receptors that have reduced sensitivity and thus a thinner endometrium. However, it is still the case that Pergotime / clomiphene citrate is the preparation that has helped most people with ovulation problems to get pregnant!
    
    SVAR
- Terje Sordal February 05, 2016
  
  Hello, Isa.
  With us, anyone who is concerned that something is wrong can have their fallopian tubes checked. A chlamydia infection can damage the fallopian tubes if it spreads up to the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes. The fact that you became pregnant with the child so quickly suggests that the fallopian tubes are functioning normally. If your partner has reduced sperm quality, that alone may be the reason why it takes a little extra time.
  
  SVAR
Liv Dec 06, 2015

Hi! We are now trying for number 3. Have been counting days and taking ovulation tests since May 2015, they are positive, but nothing fertilization happens. It took a while to get pregnant with the other two children too (tried for 9 months and 1 year). Had an ultrasound in September and the gynecologist couldn't see anything wrong and said everything was fine. I'm just starting to wonder if maybe my husband has a bit of poor sperm quality? It's a bit strange that we have regular intercourse around ovulation, but that it takes so long before fertilization happens..? I'm 32 years old, physically active and slim.

2 answer SVAR
- Liv Dec 06, 2015
  
  Forgot to write that I have a regular cycle (25-29 days), and two previous children were KS.
  
  SVAR
- Magnus Finset Sørdal Dec 22, 2015
  
  Hello Life
  It's probably time for an examination. Then the man will have his sperm quality checked, you will have your hormone levels checked throughout a cycle, the uterine cavity and the fallopian tubes. After the examination, you will probably have a clearer picture of whether this could be a limiting factor when it comes to getting pregnant again. If you want this with us, you can send patient information then we will contact you!
  
  SVAR
Anonym November 19, 2015

Hey,
I have just had an ultrasound examination with contrast of the fallopian tubes at a gynecologist in connection with a fertility study. I have read that with an X-ray with contrast, antibiotics should be given to prevent infection. Is this different with an ultrasound examination or has it been omitted? This was never mentioned in connection with the examination, and now I am a little unsure whether it was perhaps forgotten. I am anxious about infection now in the middle of trying and perhaps IVF treatment. The conditions were otherwise completely normal from what they saw during the examination.

Thanks in advance for your answer!

1 answer SVAR
- Terje Sordal Dec 22, 2015
  
  Hi Anonymous
  We do not use antibiotic prophylaxis for this type of examination. We wash thoroughly before inserting the catheter into the uterus, in the same way as we do when inserting IUDs.
  
  SVAR
Anonym Dec 17, 2014

My wife has now had her fallopian tubes examined using laparoscopy. It turns out that one fallopian tube is completely blocked and the other is partially blocked. I was told that the next step was IVF. Is there any chance of opening the fallopian tubes again?

1 answer SVAR
- Terje Sordal Dec 25, 2014
  
  Hi Anonymous!
  
  The possibility may be present, but the result will probably be poor. After such an operation, you must expect an observation period of 2 years to know for sure whether the operation was successful or not. Previously damaged fallopian tubes in any case increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy. Therefore, I believe that the advice that the next step should be IVF is professionally correct.
  
  SVAR
Anonym September 16, 2014

Hey,
My partner and I have been trying to have a baby for a year. I am 35 years old. Yesterday I had a laparoscopy and was diagnosed with completely blocked fallopian tubes that the doctor was unable to open. I was told that the next step is test tubes - and also the only chance for me to get pregnant. I am now so desperate and afraid that I will never experience becoming a mother. Can you tell me anything about the chances of success? My partner's sperm quality is very good. I have enough eggs, but I haven't received a response on the quality yet.

1 answer SVAR
- Terje Sordal October 14, 2014
  
  Hi Anonymous
  Test tube is a great opportunity to have children for women with blocked fallopian tubes. It was actually for women with such problems that this treatment was created. It is good that your partner has normal sperm quality. Your age is still reasonable. Assuming normal ovarian function (FSH) and capacity (AMH) in you, the chance of having children with test tube treatment should be high!
  
  SVAR
Rita September 04, 2014

Hey
I was wondering if I was put on a contrast bag exam but could I have an ultrasound exam like you have here instead?
Thanks for the answer.
Regards: Rita

1 answer SVAR
- Terje Sordal September 08, 2014
  
  Hello Rita
  We perform several types of ultrasound examinations, with and without contrast. If we want to examine the uterine cavity for polyps or adhesions and check whether the fallopian tubes are open or blocked, we must use contrast. We perform such examinations when we evaluate couples for infertility.
  
  SVAR
Tya March 05, 2014

Hey!

It's been 5 weeks since I had an examination with you, an ultrasound of the uterus and fallopian tubes with contrast fluid. It was day 11 of my cycle, and since then I haven't had a period. I've taken pregnancy tests that show negative results. Could the examination have disrupted my cycle?

1 answer SVAR
- Terje Sordal March 31, 2014
  
  Hello Tya
  There should be no reason why examination of the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes should affect the cycle. The cycle is controlled by an area of the brain called the hypothalamus.
  It is not affected by what we use in this examination. However, it can be affected by stress, changes in body weight, hormonal changes (PCOS) and sometimes by conditions that we cannot say for sure what they are. Hope you are on your cycle again now.
  
  SVAR
Lisel Jan 23, 2014

Hey

My husband wants to refertilize so we can have children. I am 43 years old and will receive hormone supplements as a little help. Beforehand, I was supposed to examine the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. This was done with an internal ultrasound, not laparoscopy. Everything was fine, and nothing indicated that I would not be able to get pregnant. But before we spend money on refertilization, would it still be better to have a laparoscopy examination? I have three healthy children from before and the youngest is 7 years old. With the exception of levaxin, I do not take any medications.

1 answer SVAR
- Terje Sordal Jan 27, 2014
  
  The result of the refertilization will depend on how long the man has been sterilized and how good the sperm quality was at the time. If the sperm quality was normal and the sterilization was done a few years ago, the result may be good. A 43-year-old woman will always have reduced egg quality and most often have a reduced number of eggs in the ovaries. The fact that the ultrasound examination showed normal conditions sounds good. I assume that the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes were examined with adapted ultrasound contrast. Laparoscopy is not normally necessary to clarify the conditions if a contrast ultrasound examination was performed. A blood test to examine AMH - the value will tell you how many eggs you have available. A blood test to examine FSH and estradiol early in the cycle (cycle day 1) will tell you something about the egg quality. High FSH and low AMH will be a bad starting point, but the chance may still be there. Retrieving sperm cells from the man's testicles and in vitro fertilization with microinjection (ICSI) may be an alternative if the conditions are otherwise suitable.
  
  SVAR
Idun Sofie May 14, 2013

Hi! I had an ultrasound with contrast of the uterus and fallopian tubes, it turned out that everything was normal/fine. But I wonder if this examination is also good enough to detect endometriosis?

1 answer SVAR
- Terje Sørdal (gynecologist and responsible physician) May 16, 2013
  
  Hello Idun Sofie
  This examination is not good enough to detect endometriosis, other than in the ovaries, endometriomas. To detect endometriosis in the peritoneum, a laparoscopy must probably be done, a far more extensive and demanding examination. The value of detecting peritoneal endometriosis may well be debatable. If IVF is relevant, pretreatment with a GnRh agonist will suppress the endometriosis activity in the peritoneum until the actual treatment takes place.
  
  SVAR
Magnus Sordal Jun 24, 2011

Hi Fawzia.

Simply contact us on 73 87 14 80 and you will speak to our IVF staff who can give you information about what we can possibly help you with.

SVAR
fawzia albaka Jun 24, 2011

Hi, I want to know if it is possible for me to do IVF and when can I do it. I am 44 years old. Thank you.

SVAR
Magnus Sordal Jun 03, 2011

Hi again EMB. It is true as said that the water scan above is what you call HYS.

SVAR
EMB Jun 03, 2011

It's possible I've missed some details in the videos, but aren't they exactly the same? I thought there would be bigger differences since they are two different studies.

SVAR
Magnus Sordal Jun 02, 2011

Hi Ingrid! First of all - thank you for your nice feedback! We are currently redesigning the website and hope it will be even better after that :)

Regarding your question, it is difficult for us to say whether this can be required of your hospital, but what you can ask is whether they accept the results of an examination of the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes with ultrasound contrast as a substitute for keyhole surgery. If they do this, you are welcome to come to us to have this examination performed. If so, call us on 73 87 14 70 to arrange an appointment.

SVAR
ingrid Jun 02, 2011

Forgot to say that you have a very informative and explanatory website:) It's not easy to know everything about this process, and it's nice to have such great and detailed information!!! Do you have a clinic in the Oslo area too? Best regards, Ingrid

SVAR
ingrid Jun 02, 2011

Hey!
I have been examined at the National Hospital and referred to Ullevål for a keyhole operation to check the fallopian tubes and uterine cavity with contrast fluid before insemination. However, I am terrified of anesthesia, but they have not told me about the examination you are doing with ultrasound. As far as I know, they have not found anything wrong through the other tests I have taken. Can I be required to take the examination with ultrasound? Maybe take it at your place and then return to the National Hospital again? Best regards, Ingrid

SVAR
Magnus Sordal May 26, 2011

Hey EMB! One of the doctors, Terje, asked here now.

The water scan that you see in the video above (video no. 2) is what we often call HYS here.

SVAR
EMB May 23, 2011

Hey!
Is this survey the same as HYS? What is the difference?

SVAR
Magnus May 19, 2011

Hi Anna. It's a bit difficult to understand what you mean, but if you are in Tromsø for an examination/treatment I recommend calling them.

If you are in contact with us, it is best to call us to clarify any progress.

The blog is best suited for asking questions about assessment and treatment in general.

Hope you understand :)

SVAR
May 18, 2011

Anna. Hi Magnus, I have applied again from 30.12.2010. and so long to wait I have applied for IVF Tromsø, and will be finished with everything that is blood tests and examination of the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes, new in April I will have to wait so long again?

SVAR
Magnus Sordal May 18, 2011

Hi Anna. With us, this doesn't take very long as we don't have any waiting lists. If the conditions are right, you can normally start when your cycle allows.

SVAR
May 17, 2011

Anna, hey, it takes a long time to wait until the man is ready, but step 5 to get into IVF?

SVAR
May 17, 2011

Anna Karine, thank you for your kind reply.

SVAR
Magnus Sordal May 06, 2011

Hi Fawzia,

You can contact us by phone at 73 87 14 80. There you will meet our IVF coordinators who can help you with any questions you may have!

Magnus

SVAR
fawzia al baka May 05, 2011

Hi, I am 44 years old. I have a 10-year-old boy and a 4-year-old girl. I gave birth to them with IVF. I want to get pregnant.

SVAR
Magnus Sordal April 27, 2011

Hi Anna Karine. I have spoken to doctor Terje Sørdal about your question. We are a little unsure what you mean by the question, but if the question is whether it is possible to get pregnant with assisted fertilization if your fallopian tubes are blocked, the answer is yes.

You can also get pregnant naturally if only one of your fallopian tubes is blocked, but you should expect it to take longer than usual.

SVAR
Anna Karine April 27, 2011

Hi, is it possible that if a man doesn't have fallopian tubes or if they are blocked, there is a chance he could get pregnant?

SVAR
Magnus April 21, 2011

Hello Anonymous.

First of all, we would recommend that you conduct a complete investigation, and not just this survey.

That said, if you wish, you can easily call us on 73 87 14 70 when we reopen after Easter to book an appointment for just this examination.

Still a peaceful Maundy Thursday :)

1 answer SVAR
- Ekaterina Dec 30, 2013
  
  Hi! I don't know if this blog is still working, but I'll try anyway. :)
  After a contrast fluid examination at your clinic, I was told that my fallopian tubes were blocked. We then went for IVF and after 3 unsuccessful attempts, I received a referral from you for laparoscopy to check if it is possible to "reopen" the fallopian tubes. The surgery is expected in January/February. While I am waiting for that, we tried another IVF attempt without success again. Then we wonder if I need a hysteroscopy in addition to check if it is the lining that is causing the embryos not to attach. Then I wonder if I need a new referral with a new waiting period and a new surgery or if it is possible to "extend" my laparoscopy referral and have a hysteroscopy at the same time as the laparoscopy?
  
  1 answer SVAR
  - Terje Sørdal (physician in charge) Dec 31, 2013
    
    I must say that at this time I do not know who you are or who at our clinic referred you for tubal surgery. I assume that both the uterine cavity and the fallopian tubes were tested at our clinic. If the uterine cavity was normal (HYS), I do not think hysteroscopy will provide any further information about whether the uterine lining is "receptive". If you are waiting for tubal surgery, I do not think hysteroscopy can be done at the same time, but if you are "just" going for laparoscopy, it can be done in the same examination.
    
    SVAR
Anonym April 21, 2011

Hi! Is it possible to have such an examination even if you are not for examination? I want to get pregnant, have been trying for two years without success, had a chlamydia infection many years ago, which was treated late, I think the reason I have not yet become pregnant is this infection (blocked fallopian tubes).

SVAR

Examination of the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes when investigating involuntary infertility

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