Bubbles Could Revolutionize Fertility Tests

By Joel Lindsey

Researchers at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) have devised a new method for conducting ultrasound-based fertility tests on women that uses bubbles and a saline solution to determine whether or not a blockage exists in the patient’s fallopian tubes.

An X-ray hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is the traditional method for testing a woman for fallopian tube blockage. This technique, which introduces a dye into the uterus before generating an X-ray of the patient’s body, often causes extreme discomfort to the patient as well as possible allergic reactions to the dye, according to a press release published recently on UCSD’s website.

The technique being developed by university researchers attempts to avoid these complications by using a less invasive combination of saline, bubbles, and ultrasound technology.

“The traditional X-ray approach involves higher pressure and usually causes significant cramping as the dye is administered. The anticipated pain prevents some women from even attempting the test. Others cannot do the test because they are allergic to the dye,” said Sanjay Agarwal, director of fertility services in the Department of Reproductive Medicine at UC San Diego Health System. “Assessing the tubes for a blockage is a key component of the diagnostic workup in fertile couples, and not doing so because of pain or allergy is a real concern.”

For the new technique, doctors use a small catheter to deliver a mixture of saline and air bubbles into the patient’s uterus. As the bubbles flow into the fallopian tubes, they became highly visible under ultrasound, making it possible to see whether or not a blockage exists, and if so, where it is concentrated.

“The new approach is not only more comfortable for patients, it also uses saline, so the issue of an allergy does not arise,” said Agarwal. “We are also able to assess the cavity of the uterus at the same time — all without X-rays.”

Researchers involved with the project say that the test is ideal for women who have had a prior pregnancy and who are at low risk for tubal disease.

“Like the traditional X-ray HSG, the new test should be performed after the period has ended but before ovulation,” said Agarwal. “The fact that the patient can schedule this ultrasound-based test in the clinic and not in radiology prevents a delay in care and allows the patient’s physician to be more involved in the process.”

Image Credit: Bubbles. Ilena Gecan. 2007 CC BY-SA 2.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/