Concerned About Tubal Blockage



Question:
hello i am 23 and married, i have had a very hard life, i was raped when i was young and acted out as a teen, i recently had a HSG done and found out my tubes were block well the doctor said my right tube is definitely blocked and that he was not sure about the left. i would want nothing else but to have a baby it will mean the world to me. i am graduating from college and this will be my final goal. i know i can't afford IVF, and i don't want to adopt, so please tell me how you can help.


Answer:
Hello Concerned from the U.S.,

You basically have two options:

1. You can assume that your left tube is open, normal, undamaged and functioning normally.
2. You can assume that whatever caused the right tube to be blocked, also damaged the left tube, albeit only partially, and the tube does not function.

If you assume # 1, then you can try to get pregnant naturally. You would have the same chances of pregnancy with one tube so you should be able to get pregnant within 12 months (85% per year in your age group). If you don't get pregnant after 12 months of trying, then you will have to change your assumption to #2.

If you assume # 2, then the only option you have is to do IVF because tubes cannot be repaired or transplanted at this time, and are absolutely essential to get pregnant naturally. IVF works by bypassing the tube and performing all the functions that would occur in the tube, in the lab. In your age group in our center, you would have a 63% chance of pregnancy, and most reputable clinics are about the same rates.

I know that this is not necessarily what you wanted to hear, but it is the reality of the situation. In my position, I usually have to assume #2. Since you are so young, you have time to work with since your pregnancy rates will not be affected until you are 35. In the meantime, if you have to do IVF, you could begin saving up for the procedure (approximately $20K will be needed for one try), get a good job with good health car benefits that cover infertility/IVF, marry someone wealthy enough to afford IVF, or move to a mandated state such as Massachusetts where IVF is required in their health care coverage. These are alternatives that you could consider.

I hope this helps,

Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
http://www.blogger.com/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

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