Shocked to be here

[sunflower.mama]

So we've been trying for a year for #3 to no avail, went in and had an HSG yesterday and found out one of my tubes is blocked. I asked about trying clomid for a few months and their attitude was go straight to IVF. Our kids were conceived on first and second tries respectively. Have you heard of tubes getting blocked after childbirth? This is such a shock to me. All of a sudden I am not sure if we should go "to the mats" for #3 the way people (understandably) do for their first kids. I was kind of hoping for a more natural progression here.

[Spring Lily]

Your tubes can definitely get blocked after a pregnancy. My RE had me do an HSG after pregnancy for that same reason.

However, this is based on one HSG, right? It's common for tubes to spasm during HSGs, and considering you already have had 2 pregnancies, it's possible that could be happening. I'd ask the RE about that and why s/he thinks it's definitely blocked.

Also, IVF may be what they recommend as having the best success rates, but many people have gotten pregnant with a blocked tube just doing IUIs. If you're not ready for IVF and there are no reasons for NOT doing a clomid cycle, I don't see why you couldn't, especially if you are self-pay. Talk to your RE about trying a couple clomid + IUI cycles and see how that goes, then re-evaluate about the next step. IUI might be more than you're ready for, but when clomid is involved it really is the best way to go for most people. Clomid tends to work best for women who are not ovulating, so don't be surprised if the RE suggests trying injectible meds instead of clomid.

ETA: Is this a private clinic you're going to? Have you looked into their reputation? Some clinics out there really are money driven and do push people towards IVF sooner than other places would, so I'd look around online for more opinions on the clinic if any of this sounds like it fits.

[luckymamato2]

I would also not jump to IVF over one blocked tube. If your dh also has issues I would consider it but I think you should do/insist on what you're comfortable with. They make alot more money doing IVF than clomid/BMS and IUIs.

[Court]

I've been wondering about this same thing. I want to do a HSG to make sure there are no blockages. We're TTC #3 for a year, albeit, new husband with sperm issues. But I was totally wondering if childbirth or whatever could cause scar tissue in there, or ??? Can anyone elaborate on what causes blocked tubes after having children? (sorry to hijack)

[sunflower.mama]

I have been thinking about this a lot today. The tube that was clear took a min or so to get dark...I wonder if it may have been blocked too and the HSg busted it open...which could give me a real fighting chance going forward. I wonder whether endometriosis, (sp?) which I was diagnosed with before children, might have caused buildup? It has been 3 years since I had dd and only one year of that I was on BCPs.
My personal issue here is twofold. DH is not as gung-ho as I am about #3, so I haven't even broached the subject of IVF with him. I am afraid he will think this is nature's way of telling us we're done. Maybe it is! I certainly wonder whether society's health care resources would be served by allowing us to have a third when some still need a first, kwim? It somehow doesn't feel fair. I feel like we are pushing our luck as it is. But going on clomid wouldn't feel as much like we are "wasting" resources. Thanks for your comments. I *think* DH is OK since we got pregnant so quick the other two times. As above, I am not about to broach a SA with him - at least until I have a consult with a RE which is scheduled for 10/2.

[sunflower.mama]

Oh and to answer springlily's question, it's not a private clinic, it's a large urban teaching hospital, and the GYN who did the hsg and suggested I go straight to IVF also suggested I immediately make an apt with a RE in another group at the hospital, so I doubt she'd stand to benefit from my course of treatment, although I don't know....

[Spring Lily]

So this was a regular OB/GYN that told you that? Not an RE? That is not for the gyn to say. The RE is the one who gets to look at your test results and current research, and then make that call. I would try not to put too much stock in an OB's guess about what the RE will think. If it was just the OB who did the HSG for you guessing about your possible treatment, I would put that out of your mind.

When you go in to have an appointment with the real RE, bring a list of questions with you that should cover all this. Ask about the possibility of blockage versus a spasm in the tube. Ask about recannalization and if that's a good or bad option. Ask if clomid is a good choice for you in comparison with femara. How many cycles of those are recommended before trying something new? Why? Ask about doing IUIs, what would happen if you only develop follicles on the "blocked" side? Would the cycle convert to timed intercourse or would the RE suggest you try the IUI anyway?

[justimaginelove]

Have you considered natural options for your blocked tube, endometriosis?

There are many options out there, they do take time, consistency and patience, but in the end are far more beneficial for your body long term.

Endometirosis can cause scar tissue build up.

You may want to learn about-

Self Fertility Massage
Fertility Enzyme Therapy
Castor Oil Therapy
Herbs to fight inflammation and to increase blood flow to ovaries and uterus

If you would like to learn more I can be reached at [e-mail]

Best Wishes!

[lifeguard]

When we tested they had a hard time getting a clear shot of my second tube. They said they could retest but my doc wasn't concerned saying that you only need one tube to conceive.

[Kuntry_Gurl78]

Hsg

Hello, Katherine. I totally agree with the other wonderful ladies on the board. I have also heard about spasms causing the tubes to look blocked...also I have heard about the dye knocking loose some of the debris and women getting pregnant immediately after the HSG! I will have my first HSG in October, if it's not God's timing for us to be pregnant by then. I pray that you will get good news from your RE and get a good plan for becoming pregnant! I will be sure to keep you updated about my future tests!

God bless you!
TAM