A New Safe Method for Checking Tubal Patency Introduced at Ichilov
At the Women's Health Center 'Liss', part of the Ichilov Medical Complex, a new advanced method called HyFoSy (Hysterosalpingo Foam Sonography) has recently been adopted to assess tubal patency. Its main advantages include the absence of radiation exposure, painlessness, and high accuracy.
Almost one in three women experiencing difficulties with natural conception are found to have unilateral or bilateral blockage of the fallopian tubes, which can be partial or complete. This is one of the most common causes of female infertility worldwide. Therefore, women who have not achieved pregnancy after a year of regular sexual activity are primarily recommended to undergo a tubal patency test.
Until recently, radiological examination of the uterus was used to assess the condition of the tubes. To enhance image clarity, a contrast agent was introduced into the organ, after which a series of X-ray images were taken from different angles. However, this method had several significant drawbacks. Firstly, during the procedure, the cervix and body of the uterus had to be dilated with instruments, causing pain and discomfort for the patient. Secondly, women received a dose of radiation.
In contrast, the new method for assessing tubal patency – HyFoSy – is based on ultrasound examination, thus eliminating radiation exposure to the female reproductive system. The procedure is completely painless, does not require anesthesia or sedation, and is performed on an outpatient basis. Instead of a contrast agent, a special ExEm gel based on organic cellulose is used, which significantly enhances image quality.
As noted by the senior consultant of the ultrasound diagnostics department at the Women's Health Center 'Liss', HyFoSy allows for the assessment of not only the fallopian tubes but also the ovaries and the uterus itself within a single procedure.
How the Examination is Conducted Using the New Method
The examination is conducted in the first phase of the menstrual cycle. First, the specialist performs a transvaginal ultrasound examination to check the position and structure of the uterus and its appendages. Then, a flexible catheter is introduced through the cervix, through which foam, created by mixing the ExEm gel and a special solution included with it, is delivered into the cavity.
Subsequently, the doctor observes the movement of air bubbles in the uterus and fallopian tubes using a transvaginal sensor. In the case of tubal patency, the foam will pass through the tubes into the abdominal cavity and safely dissolve there within a day. If there is a blockage, the foam will not be able to pass through the tubes and will leak out through the vagina within the next few hours.
The results of the test will be known immediately, whereas with radiological examinations, patients often have to wait several days for the interpretation of the images. The duration of the procedure, including the doctor's consultation, is about half an hour.
In addition to the obvious advantages, the new method has another pleasant bonus. According to statistics, one-fifth of patients who undergo the examination and are found to have unobstructed tubal patency become pregnant within the first three months after the procedure.