On Thursday I had my 'Ultrasound test of Tubal Patency using Levovist' test. Sounds complicated, well let me tell you... It kinda was. For starters I had no clue in what I was getting myself into. I knew that the Doctor would be doing an internal ultrasound but that was about it.
Here is a little about the test and why it is performed;
The reproductive organs in a female consist of the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes and the ovaries (see above diagram). The ovary produces the eggs which are fertilized in the fallopian tubes. The embryo then travels along the fallopian tube in the first few days of life and eventually attaches itself in the cavity of the uterus, growing into a full term baby. One of the common causes of infertility (inability to fall pregnant) is a blockage of the fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes are about 15cm long and arise from the upper uterus on both sides. The other end of the tubes has a wide opening which lies over the ovary to pick up the egg at the time of ovulation. The patency (openness) of the fallopian tubes can be confirmed by performing a tubal patency test with an ultrasound contrast medium called Levovist.
It should be noted that this test cannot detect mild endometriosis or adhesions in the pelvis.
How is the test performed?A fine catherer is inserted into the uterus to allow for the contrast to be injected close to the tubal openings in the uterus (see below for details).
Vaginal ultrasound examination is used to visualize the contrast as it passes through the uterus and into the tubes, and as it spills around the ovaries.
The most commonly used dye is a special ultrasound contrast agent (echo-enhancing agent) called Levovist. It is a suspension of galactose (a form of sugar) and palmitic acid, both of which occur naturally in the human body and therefore are non toxic. When shaken together they form tiny bubbles which are detectable by ultrasound. This substance is also non allergic.
Mum came with me to the Epworth Freemasons Day Surgery clinic and so to did Luca-zoid. He was my distraction.
I was nervous. The nurse took me through to the change rooms to put on a robe. 'Everything from the waist done must come off, then put one of these on'. She handed me a robe/dress... I had never seen these things before, they were great and it meant that I didn't have to wear one of those hospital gowns that have your butt out for everybody to see.
We went into the consulting room where the doctor would perform the test... When we began she whipped out her ultrasound tool. I couldn't help but laugh. The doctor looked at me and asked if I was alright. I think it was the nerves. I won't get into details about the test but it was confronting, a little sore and I will call it a NEW experience. The test took about 40 minutes and the doctor was able to tell me the results straight away....
I am fertile. My tubes have no blockage... yeahhhhh. Now for the next step.......
