QuestionGreetings doctor,
I have only one tube patent (left). My query is what are the chances of conception in case the ovulation/mature follicle is developed in the right side ovary?
Is it true or myth that conception will only take place if ovulation takes place on the SAME side as the patent tube?
I'm very thankful for your time and response.
Thanks and seasons' greetings
Priya
AnswerHello Priva from India,
Pregnancy can certainly occur from the opposite side of the patent tube. When ovulation occurs, it does not go directly into the tube. Rather, it falls into a space behind the uterus called the culdesac. The fluid surrounding the egg within the follicle rushes out at ovulation, taking the egg with it. This fluid fills the culdesac, which is like a little bowl. The fimbriated ends of the tube hang into this bowl and by fluid motion the egg contacts on tube or the other (or not). Certainly if it contacts the blocked tube, then pregnancy will not occur, but it has an equal chance of contacting the good tube. So that's the good news.
The bad news is that if one tube is blocked, that does not mean that the other tube is normal. Whatever caused the damage to the bad tube could also have affected the good tube, but not severe enough to cause blockage. It still could have damaged it enough so that it does not function. Usually an ascending infection from the uterus into the tube is what damages tubes and can get into both tubes. So the chances of natural pregnancy are significantly reduced.
In this case, I counsel my patient to go directly to IVF, although there is a small chance of pregnancy with less than IVF. IVF is the treatment of choice and more efficient.
Sincerely,
Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com
Monterey, California, U.S.A.
for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on facebook and twitter with me at @montereybayivf
