The TUHSY Method: “T”
By Dr. Aimee Eyvazzadeh, aka The Egg Whisperer, board certified OBGYN, specializing in infertility and reproductive endocrinology
“T” in TUSHY stands for tubes (the fallopian tubes). In a tubal evaluation, a small amount of nontoxic dye is pushed through the uterus and tubes in order to determine if the tubes are open.
What are fallopian tubes?
These are the thin tubes where fertilization occurs. There is one on either side of the uterus. They enable the passage of the embryo into the uterus and serve as the embryo transport system.
Why should you get them checked?
If you are having trouble getting pregnant, your fallopian tubes could be obstructed, which means the egg can’t travel down the tube. This is known as “tubal factor infertility” and can occur in one or both tubes. It’s the cause of infertility in 40% of women because it doesn’t usually present with symptoms. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is the most common cause of blocked fallopian tubes. PID is usually the result of a sexually transmitted disease, but not always.
Other reasons your fallopian tubes are blocked:
- Endometriosis
- A history of a ruptured appendix
- A history of abdominal surgery
- A previous ectopic pregnancy
- A prior surgery involving the fallopian tubes
What you can do if they are blocked?
If you have one tube open, you may still be able get pregnant. In this case, fertility drugs can help increase your chances of ovulating on the open side. If both tubes are blocked, this isn’t an option. In this case, laparoscopic surgery may help to open the tubes. Another possibility is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
Next time, we will discuss the “U” in the TUSHY Method. Stay tuned!
