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Several investigative methods are available for assessing tubal function. X-ray assessment of the tubes is commonly used. Special dye that appears white on an X-ray is injected through the cervix. An X-ray is then taken and the outline of the womb and tubes will be seen. If the dye is seen spilling into the abdomen, then the tubes are open. This test will also check if the womb is normally shaped. Ultrasound can also be used in a similar way to determine if your tubes are open. However, you should know that even if the tubes are open they may not necessarily function normally. For example, the lining of the tube may have been damaged by infection in the past, so preventing normal transport of the egg down the tube to the womb.

If there is the possibility that you have endometriosis as well as a fertility problem, then diagnostic laparoscopy is considered by many gynaecologists as the method of choice. During the procedure, which usually requires general anaesthesia, a laparoscope (a telescope-like instrument) is inserted into the abdomen through a small cut, usually below the navel, so that the surgeon can view and assess the womb, fallopian tubes and ovaries. Blue dye is injected through the cervix using an instrument placed in the cervix through the vagina. The dye flows through the womb and fallopian tubes and, if the tubes are open, spills into the abdomen. Through the laparoscope, patches of endometriosis appear like blue or black spots and sometimes scar tissue and adhesions are seen.

As infection is the most common cause of tubal damage. Your doctor may suggest a test to look for evidence of past or current infection that might be affecting the tubes.