Blocked fallopian tubes diagnosis – ask your team about the FemVue Test

Getting a blocked fallopian tubes diagnosis isn’t always straightforward. 

In fact, blocked tubes are a common silent fertility factor, which can leave us to contend with unexplained infertility while we wait for more answers.

For reliable tubal factor infertility information and family-building help, our go-to right now is Femasys. Check out our library of support resources created together with their expert team, including our blocked fallopian tubes 101 on the symptoms, causes, and treatment options. Plus, is it possible to get pregnant with blocked fallopian tubes? We answered this one, and many more most-searched questions, in our recent Q&A.

Today though, we’ll cover the steps you can take to rule out or confirm a blocked fallopian tubes diagnosis, and spotlight how the FemVue test by Femasys can help you get that clarity, sooner.  

Let’s get started.

How do I know if my tubes are blocked?

Blocked fallopian tubes can occasionally cause unusual pelvic pain. However, most of us with blocked tubes won’t experience any symptoms at all and only realize when we start trying to conceive and have difficulty getting pregnant. 

Because testing for blocked tubes so often gets left out of baseline fertility assessments, we might face longer wait times for answers and next steps or even be left labeled with an unexplained infertility diagnosis. 

Conception happens in our fallopian tubes. So getting clued up on the different fallopian tube test options and procedures from the get-go is key to advocating for yourself, and moving things forward with your doctor.

Understanding fallopian tube test procedure and options

If you’re looking to rule out or confirm blocked fallopian tubes, ask your healthcare provider about testing options early on.

They may recommend one of several fallopian tube test procedures to help determine if there are any obstructions preventing the egg from traveling from your ovaries normally.

Here’s what to know about your options.

Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)

When checking for blocked fallopian tubes, the common approach is to use a hysterosalpingogram (HSG), which is essentially a specialized X-ray of your fallopian tubes.

In this procedure, your doctor will inject a contrast dye into your uterus and fallopian tubes. This dye highlights the area, allowing any blockages to be seen clearly on the X-ray.

Referrals to radiology can be expensive, and it often takes some time to receive your results, adding more unwanted wait time to your fertility journey. Also, an HSG will expose your pelvis to radiation and there’s a small chance of an allergic reaction to the iodine-based dye.

Laparoscopy and dye

Depending on how far along your fertility journey you are, you might also be offered a diagnostic surgical procedure called laparoscopy and dye.

This procedure lets your doctor look at your pelvic anatomy, particularly your fallopian tubes. It can be a good option if your doctor suspects endometriosis, and may identify other silent conditions associated with infertility too. 

A laparoscopy and dye test is invasive and won’t be right for everyone. You’ll have to contend with the cost of referral, the need for general anesthetic, and in rare cases, even potential surgery-related complications.

FemVue Test with ultrasound

FemVue is a more natural and budget-friendly option for testing and diagnosing blocked fallopian tubes – without the need for referrals or surgery.

The test can be carried out by your gynecologist, and they’ll start by using a vaginal ultrasound probe to examine your anatomy internally.

After cleaning your cervix, they will insert a thin balloon catheter into your uterine cavity. A gentle saline solution with natural bubbles created by FemVue is then delivered to check if your tubes are open or blocked.

When should we ask about the FemVue procedure?

The earlier, the better! Ask your provider about FemVue early on,  if;

• You’re actively trying to conceive
• You’ve been diagnosed with endometriosis 
• You’ve had a previous pelvic infection
• You’ve had an ectopic 
• You’re older and want a general fertility MOT for future planning

If you’re currently or were recently pregnant, you shouldn’t have the FemVue procedure.

Are there any FemVue procedure side effects?

You may experience mild or moderate uterine cramping during the test.

Your doctor may advise you to take medications used for menstrual cramps to reduce discomfort.

When are the FemVue test results available? 

The results of the test are available immediately, letting you discuss possible next steps with your doctor during the same visit, and saving you money, and time.

Getting a blocked fallopian tubes diagnosis – your options and next steps

If one or both of your fallopian tubes are blocked, this is often referred to as tubal factor infertility. This diagnosis absolutely doesn’t have to mean a hard stop on your fertility, though. 

Knowing what’s going on in your body can open up new ways to approach your family-building journey, as well as being a starting point to discuss cost-effective, non-invasive treatment options with your doctor, before jumping into a round of IVF.

And you might have more options than you think. For example, FemaSeed – a brand new fertility solution also created by the Femasys team – requires at least one open fallopian tube, and uses a completely non-surgical process called intratubal insemination (ITI) to deliver sperm directly into the tube.

Want to learn more about testing? Find out more about the FemVue procedure, and use the handy locator tool to find a practice near you. 

Already had your fertility workup? You can also read up on the groundbreaking FemaSeed treatment solution – now FDA cleared, with regulatory approvals in Europe and Canada!