Tubal Blockage and Ovulation Issues in Pregnancy

Q: Tubal Blockage and Ovulation Issues in Pregnancy

Hello： The obstetrician-gynecologist will schedule regular follow-up visits based on the regularity of your menstrual cycle and whether you have taken ovulation medications as part of infertility treatment. <br>This is to monitor the growth of your follicles and assist in increas

Tubal obstruction issues in pregnancy?

Hello Doctor: My menstrual cycle is as follows: 2/16, 3/18, 4/17, with a 6-day period.
Two months ago, I underwent a hysterosalpingography, which showed a blockage in the left fallopian tube (at the distal end), while the right side is normal.
I would like to ask the doctor: (1) When should I go to the obstetrics and gynecology department to check for follicles? Can the size of the follicles determine when ovulation occurs? (2) If ovulation occurs on the left side and the right side does not, is it impossible to conceive that month? (3) After intercourse, if I get up and move around, will it affect conception? (4) I had examinations on 3/25 and 3/28 at two different obstetrics and gynecology clinics, and both doctors informed me that ovulation was occurring on the right side, but the egg was not mature.
The second doctor asked me to return for a follow-up on 4/1.
However, after the examination on 4/1, the doctor said, "There is no egg on the right side." What circumstances could lead to such discrepancies?

Niming, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2011/04/18

Dr. Dong Yuhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello: The obstetrician-gynecologist will schedule regular follow-up visits based on the regularity of your menstrual cycle and whether you have taken ovulation medications as part of infertility treatment.
This is to monitor the growth of your follicles and assist in increasing the chances of conception.
If your left fallopian tube is blocked but the right one is functioning normally, there is still a chance of becoming pregnant.
I would like to know if you have ever been pregnant.
If you have been trying to conceive for over a year without success, it is advisable to seek help from a specialist in reproductive endocrinology and infertility.
Thank you.

Reply Date: 2011/04/18

More Info

Understanding tubal blockage and ovulation issues is crucial for women trying to conceive. Based on your situation, let’s address your questions systematically.

1. When to Monitor Follicle Development: It is typically recommended to monitor follicle development through ultrasound around the middle of your menstrual cycle, usually between days 10 to 14, depending on your cycle length. This is when follicles are expected to grow and mature. The size of the follicle can indicate when ovulation is likely to occur; generally, a mature follicle is around 18-24 mm in diameter. Your healthcare provider can guide you on the best timing for these ultrasounds based on your specific cycle.

2. Ovulation and Conception Possibility: If ovulation occurs from the left ovary, and that side has a blockage, it is indeed possible that conception may not occur that month. The egg released from the left ovary would not be able to travel through the blocked tube to meet sperm. Conversely, if ovulation occurs from the right ovary, which is normal, conception could still be possible if sperm is present in the reproductive tract.

3. Impact of Activity After Intercourse: After intercourse, it is generally advised to lie down for a short period to allow sperm to travel towards the egg. However, light activity afterward is unlikely to significantly impact the chances of conception. The sperm can swim against gravity, and the majority will reach the cervix and enter the uterus regardless of immediate post-coital activity.

4. Discrepancies in Follicle Monitoring: Variations in ultrasound results can occur due to several factors. First, the timing of the ultrasound is critical; if the ultrasound is performed too early or too late, it may not accurately reflect the status of the follicles. Additionally, the quality of the ultrasound equipment and the experience of the technician can also lead to differences in results. Hormonal fluctuations can also affect follicle development, leading to variations in what is observed at different times.

In your case, it’s essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider. If you have concerns about the accuracy of the ultrasound results or the implications of the blocked tube, consider seeking a second opinion or discussing further diagnostic options, such as hormone testing or a repeat HSG (hysterosalpingography) to reassess the status of your tubes.

Furthermore, if you are experiencing difficulty conceiving, it may be beneficial to explore fertility treatments. Options such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be considered, especially if the blockage is significantly impacting your chances of natural conception.

Lastly, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and managing stress, can positively influence your reproductive health. If you have any underlying health conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid issues, addressing these with your healthcare provider can also improve your chances of conception.

In summary, understanding your reproductive health, monitoring ovulation, and addressing any blockages are key steps in your journey toward conception. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice and support.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Tubal Blockage: Treatment Options and Success Rates

Dear Dr. Jan, I am 35 years old and have been married for five years without becoming pregnant. Recently, I underwent a hysterosalpingography (HSG) at the hospital. The doctor reviewed the report and informed me that there were no issues, but after the nurse retrieved the X-ray ...

Dr. Zhan Deqin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1. It is inevitable that different specialties have variations in diagnosis and experience. The question you asked may arise because the reports of general X-rays are issued by radiologists, who may have less experience in distinguishing issues related to obstetrics and gynecolog...

Understanding Fallopian Tube Blockage: Causes and Solutions for Pregnancy

Dear Dr. Huang: I recently had one of my fallopian tubes removed, and after the surgery, I underwent a hysterosalpingogram, which revealed that the other fallopian tube is also blocked. This is truly shocking... because I want to have a baby! May I ask: 1. Why are both of my fall...

Dr. Huang Jianxun reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1. The most common cause of bilateral fallopian tube obstruction is infection. 2. Since this is the case, the only hope for conception is in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Understanding Low Basal Body Temperature and Tubal Obstruction in Infertility

Hello Doctor, my current situation is as follows: I have been taking ovulation medication for over six months in preparation for pregnancy. I have mild polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with an AMH level of 7.77. My husband's semen analysis is normal. Over six months ago, I u...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, it is possible that you are not ovulating, which is why you have low temperatures. You might consider taking ovulation induction injections to promote pregnancy, and there should be no need for a hysterosalpingography. Wishing you good health.

Understanding the Causes of Ectopic Pregnancy: Key Factors and Tests

Thank you, doctor, for answering my questions on November 2nd. I would like to ask again. After getting married, I have been using contraception, but in the second month of not using it, I experienced an ectopic pregnancy. Could this be due to blocked or inflamed fallopian tubes,...

Dr. Lin Zhaopei reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
If the fallopian tubes are blocked, pregnancy cannot occur. Ectopic pregnancies occur 80% of the time in the fallopian tubes, followed by the ovaries, the uterine cornua (the junction of the fallopian tubes and uterus), the cervix, and the abdominal cavity. Essentially, the fallo...