Patient's question:
When is the most suitable time for tubal hydrotubation? After hospital examination, it is suspected that the fallopian tubes are blocked.Doctor's answer:
Traditional hydrotubation has long been phased out by the World Health Organization due to its high rate of false negatives and inability to accurately determine the specific site of pathology. Our hospital has repeatedly emphasized the need to ban its use. The reason for its continued use is due to traditional beliefs, and it may also be that the hospital lacks contrast imaging equipment. Frequent hydrotubation can potentially cause infections and tubal hydrops. Simple hydrotubation cannot accurately assess the condition of the fallopian tubes and may yield false positives, such as hydrops of the fimbriae or tubal leakage, which cannot be diagnosed. It fails to provide a precise localization of whether the tubes are open or blocked, misleading both patients and doctors. Therefore, simple hydrotubation has been abolished by the World Health Organization. The best diagnostic method is digital dynamic tubal iodine contrast imaging. This technique not only holds diagnostic significance for infertility but also offers certain therapeutic benefits. It involves the continuous infusion of contrast medium through a latex bivalve catheter into the uterus, allowing dynamic observation of the uterine, tubal, and pelvic images. Patients can immediately see their uterine and tubal conditions, and the images are recorded electronically for preservation. The diagnostic accuracy rate of this imaging method is high, with 27% of patients with tubal blockage becoming pregnant solely after the procedure. Before the examination, pain-relieving and spasm-relieving agents are administered to reduce pain and prevent false blockages caused by tubal spasms. Some individuals may experience mild abdominal pain and slight bleeding for about a week after the imaging. Adverse effects are unlikely to occur if strict disinfection and standardized procedures are followed. During the bleeding period, sexual intercourse is prohibited. Contraceptive measures should be taken during the month of intercourse. The examination should be avoided during the menstrual period, with the optimal time being 3-7 days after menstruation has ended.