For couples struggling to conceive, assessing tubal patency is often one of the first steps in understanding potential fertility issues. The fallopian tubes play an essential role in transporting the egg from the ovaries to the uterus.
Blocked or partially blocked fallopian tubes can be a cause of infertility, and early detection can help identify the most suitable treatments, such as IVF or laparoscopic surgery. At Klinik Casabrina, our doctors use modern methods to solve your fertility issues so you have no problems starting your family!
HyFoSy (Hysterosalpingo-Foam Sonography) is a modern, non-invasive procedure used to assess the patency (openness) of the fallopian tubes, an important factor in female fertility. Tubal patency tests help determine whether the fallopian tubes are blocked, which can prevent the egg from reaching the uterus, leading to difficulty in conceiving.
The HyFoSy test uses an advanced ultrasound technique combined with a specialised foam-based contrast solution to visualise the fallopian tubes in real time.
For women who are struggling to conceive, testing the fallopian tubes is often an essential step in fertility evaluation.
A tubal patency test using HyFoSy provides an accurate, comfortable, and minimally invasive way to determine whether the fallopian tubes are functioning properly. It is often recommended for women who have been trying to conceive for 12 months without success, or for those with a history of pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, or ectopic pregnancy.
When it comes to evaluating the health of your fallopian tubes, several types of tubal patency tests are available. Each test offers different methods to check if the fallopian tubes are open (patent) or blocked, a key factor in fertility. The three most common are Hyfosy, HSG (Hysterosalpingogram) and HyCoSy (Hysterosalpingo-Contrast Sonography).
HyFoSy offers several advantages over traditional tubal patency tests.
Most patients will find that the foam-based contrast used in HyFoSy is well-tolerated, resulting in fewer post-procedure side effects such as cramping or spotting compared to HSG. Choosing HyFoSy for your tubal patency test means opting for a safer, more comfortable, and efficient way to assess your fertility and take the next steps.
The HyFoSy procedure is simple. Before the procedure, your doctor will explain the process and answer any questions. The entire procedure usually takes around 15-30 minutes, after which you can return to normal activities.
No anaesthesia is required, though some patients may be advised to take mild pain relief beforehand.
A preliminary pelvic ultrasound is performed to examine the uterus and ovaries.
A small amount of foam-based contrast is gently inserted into the uterus via a thin catheter.
As the solution flows through the fallopian tubes, the ultrasound finds any blockages or irregularities.
After the procedure, you may experience mild cramping or light spotting, which should subside within a few hours. Your doctor will review the ultrasound images with you and discuss the next steps, depending on the results. If the fallopian tubes are found to be blocked, further treatment options, such as fertility medication or surgery, may be recommended.
Fallopian tubes can become blocked due to a variety of conditions that cause inflammation, scarring, or structural damage to the reproductive system. One of the most common causes is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), often resulting from sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia or gonorrhoea. PID can spread to the reproductive organs, causing inflammation and scarring in the fallopian tubes, making it difficult for eggs and sperm to pass through. Another major cause is endometriosis, where uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterus and around the tubes, leading to adhesions and blockages.
Surgeries involving the reproductive organs, such as procedures for ovarian cysts, fibroids, or ectopic pregnancies, can also result in scar tissue that blocks the fallopian tubes. Similarly, ectopic pregnancies, where a fertilised egg implants in a fallopian tube, can lead to damage and blockages. Uterine infections, particularly after childbirth, miscarriage, or abortion, can spread to the tubes and cause scarring, while fibroids near the fallopian tubes can obstruct or change their structure.
In some cases, women may have a condition known as hydrosalpinx, where the tube fills with fluid due to infection or scarring, creating a blockage. Less commonly, women might be born with congenital defects that cause abnormalities in the fallopian tubes. Early detection and treatment of these issues are important for preserving fertility and can involve surgical repair or assisted reproductive techniques like IVF.
With tubal patency tests, you can effectively check for blockages.
A woman with blocked fallopian tubes may have difficulty getting pregnant naturally, but it depends on the extent of the blockage. If both fallopian tubes are fully blocked, sperm cannot reach the egg, and natural conception is not possible. However, if only one tube is blocked or partially blocked, there may still be a chance of pregnancy, as the open tube could allow for fertilisation.
In most cases, a woman’s eggs alternate between the two ovaries during ovulation. This means one month the left ovary might release an egg, and the next month the right ovary would take its turn. However, this is not always strictly alternating. Ovulation can occasionally occur multiple times from the same ovary in consecutive cycles, or both ovaries could release eggs in the same cycle, though this is rare.
When both tubes are blocked, assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilisation (IVF) can bypass the fallopian tubes, offering a viable option for conception. Treatments like surgery to remove blockages may also be considered, depending on the cause and severity.
During the HyFoSy procedure, a small amount of foam is introduced into the uterus through a thin catheter. Ultrasound technology is then used to track the flow of the foam through the fallopian tubes. If the foam passes through both tubes, they are considered open and unobstructed. If not, the tubes may be blocked.
Most women experience mild discomfort during the procedure, similar to period cramps. The procedure is typically well-tolerated and quicker than other tubal patency tests. Any discomfort usually subsides shortly after the test.
The procedure itself usually takes around 15–20 minutes. Including preparation and recovery time, the entire process can be completed within 30–45 minutes.
Yes, HyFoSy is considered a safe procedure with minimal risks. Side effects, if any, are usually mild and may include cramping or slight spotting for a day or two. Serious complications, such as infection, are rare.
HyFoSy is usually performed in the first half of a woman’s menstrual cycle, after menstruation but before ovulation, to avoid interfering with an early pregnancy and to ensure clear imaging results.
Yes, many women who have undergone HyFoSy successfully conceive naturally after the test. In some cases, the test may even “flush out” minor blockages, increasing the chances of pregnancy.
Side effects are rare and typically mild, including slight cramping, spotting, or discomfort. In very rare cases, an infection could occur, but this is uncommon.
Most women can resume normal activities immediately after the procedure. Some may experience mild cramping or spotting for a day or two, but this usually resolves quickly.
While HyFoSy is primarily used to check for blocked fallopian tubes, it can also provide insights into the structure of the uterus, potentially revealing abnormalities like fibroids, polyps, or uterine adhesions.
Your doctor may recommend taking an over-the-counter pain reliever (like ibuprofen) before the procedure to help minimise discomfort. You should also inform your doctor if you suspect you could be pregnant or if you have a history of pelvic infections.
If HyFoSy reveals blocked tubes, your doctor may recommend further testing or treatment options, including fertility treatments like IVF (in vitro fertilisation) or tubal surgery, depending on the severity of the blockage.
The results of HyFoSy are usually available immediately after the procedure since the ultrasound images provide real-time data on the flow of the foam solution through your fallopian tubes.
If you’re looking for a reliable and non-invasive way to assess your fallopian tube health, our HyFoSy tubal patency test can give you the answers you’re looking for. Contact Klinik Casabrina today to schedule your consultation and take the next step in your fertility journey.
Klinik Casabrina is a women’s and children’s healthcare clinic in Seremban, Malaysia. We provide specialized services such as gynecology check-ups, antenatal and postnatal care, and more.
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