Dear Professor Winston,
A couple of years ago I was diagnosed with damaged tubes … they are all bendy, and we were told we had minimal chance of getting pregnant. We were also told that IVF was the best option, and as it was only a ‘transport’ issue should be successful. I have since had three failed rounds of IVF.
I then got pregnant naturally but miscarried at eight weeks – during all early scans though, we could only ever see a sac, nothing in it.
I’m not sure where to turn next – have you heard of this? Or can you offer any advice? Thanks A.
Dear A,
Firstly, I am not sure what is meant by ‘all bendy’.
But, overall, I am afraid this is not a totally unusual story. Obviously if you got pregnant, your tubes must be open and there question is – is this ‘damage’ you’ve been told about real, due to infection, some adhesions, or possibly some congenital condition?
I think if I were you I would get very fully investigated, including a laparoscopy (and ask them to to take detailed photos – this really is an important record and should be standard). One of the issues might just be that you are at risk of an ectopic pregnancy. Don’t worry about this but it is a good justification for a laparoscopy under the NHS if at all possible. Also, if you had been my patient I would have done an hysterosalpingogram as well because really accurate knowledge of tubal patency and the inside of the uterus is important.
Hope this is helpful
Robert Winston