Authors: Utoo Bernard Terkimbi, Mohammad Hameed
Background: Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is an important procedure in the evaluation of female factor infertility. Morphological abnormalities of the Fallopian tubes are detected through this radiological test.
Objective: This study was designed to assess the pattern of tubal abnormalities on HSG and the relationship between tubal abnormalities and select risk factors in women that were undergoing evaluation for infertility in Makurdi.
Material and Methods: This was a prospective study conducted at a private radiology imaging diagnostic center in Makurdi. Data and radiology reports from 239 women who presented to the facility for HSG with infertility as indication for the procedure were entered into a well-structured researcher administered proforma. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Chi-square was used to test statistical significance at 95% CI with P-value set at <0.05.
Results: HSG findings of the 239 patients studied showed that, 53.7% had normal tubes bilaterally while 46.4% had one defect or the other. Among the various degrees of tubal anomalies; bilateral non patent tubes was commonest (15.5%). Then right hydrosalpinx (8.4%), left hydrosalpinx (7.5%), unilateral left tubal occlusion (5%), unilateral right tubal occlusion (3.3%) and other minor but combined degrees of abnormalities. Women who had multiple sexual partners had more tubal abnormalities (10.1%) compare with those that had single sexual partners (5.4%). This was statistically significant (P=0.014). There was also a statistically significant relationship between prior sexually transmitted disease (STD) and tubal abnormalities on HSG (STD> 6 months, P=0.004; STD <6 months, P<0.001).Similarly, those who did not use barrier contraceptives during their sexual relationships had more tubal abnormalities (P=0.005).
Conclusion: Abnormalities of the tube were 46.4%. Tubal abnormalities were significantly related to unprotected sex, multiple sex partners and history of STD. Sex education and modification of sexual lifestyle will help protect fertility of women.
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