Has anyone else been told to consider having tubes taken away before IVF?

[joanne81]

I had a laparoscopy done in 2010 it showed tubal blockage and adhesions also adherent ovaries, in 2011 i had a hsg done and this showed open tubes. When i saw my consultant last week i was told to decide wether to have my tubes removed before ivf as with them we have a 15% chance and without the tubes 30% chance, we also was told we only get one go at ivf. I have to make a choice in the next few days but im not sure what the best way to go, has anyone else been in this situation? All advice would be very welcome

[Saz_S]

This is a tiugh one.. The things we ladies have to go through..

I am not in that situation, although myself have had tubal surgery and mine was also succesful, they stayed open.

I can only point out to you that once you have your tubes removed you would always need an ivf procedure, now i suppose it depends on what chances dr gave you for natural conception. Also consider the cost implications of ivf as i have a friend who was given 1 round free and then had to pay for the rest. Its a horrible world were in and support is limited.

Im sorry i couldnt help further but i suppose what im saying is weigh up the options carefully.

Good luck....

Saz

[joanne81]

Thank you for your advice, we've not been told very much really we dont know our chances of natural conception although we've tried for over 10 years without any luck. On the money side of things we're not in a postion to pay for ivf treatment which makes it even harder we was told the pct for our area will only pay for one treatment no matter what. Im trying to be realistic but when i think iv made my decision something else pops into my head its so confusing and the support is limited as you say. Im trying to get a second opinion but thats easier said than done!! thank you again

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi Joanne81

Obviously, you need to have the reasons for removal of your tubes fully explained to you before making any decision.

There is a condition called “hydrosalpinx”. When a woman suffers with it, IVF would be indicated, as explained. When translated, it simply means water in the tube! Fallopian tubes have a natural lubrication in them to allow sperm to swim and the egg to travel down. Occasionally, the end of the tube(s) called “fimbriae” stick together. This then blocks the “exit” for excess fluid to escape. There is then only one way out for this fluid and that is through the womb end of the tube. Many consultants now believe that this excess of fluid can prevent implantation of a developing embryo, as it can be “washed” out. Because of this the tube is often dealt with in one of three ways prior to treatment. The whole tube can be removed, the end section (blocked) end can be removed, or the blocked end can sometimes be opened up to allow for drainage, by cutting a “cross” in the end and stitching each corner back to allow an egg to get through and natural drainage. Your consultant/doctor will explain which option he/she feels would be best for you.

Unfortunately, Joanne81, there are no other options for the condition, I wish there were. A more invasive operation on this tube – opening up the end, could also result in a couple of month’s recovery period. If the tubes are blocked by adhesions, then you are looking at complicated microsurgery to try and separate and unblock them – with no guarantee of success or length of time they stay unblocked, hence IVF.

I do hope this helps with the explanation, and wish you well with the outcome. Your consultant will best guide you as to which option will be best for you.

Diane Arnold

[joanne81]

Hi Diana, thank you so much for explaining this to me. Since i wrote on here iv had more info from my gp and consultant. Iv decide to go ahead with tube removal and i see the consultant again next week to sign the consent forms and go through everything. Again thank you this really helped me and my partner to make a decision.

[emmamariez]

i would also like to thank for advise as i am making the same discussion my self x