Join Dr. Ali Hodgkinson as she speaks with talented fertility specialist, Dr. Vanessa Tatham, to peel back the layers of Tubal Factor Infertility (TFI). TFI is one of the most common causes of female infertility, accounting for 25% to 35% of cases.1
In this episode, you will learn:
What is TFI: An explanation of the fallopian tube's vital, active role and how a blockage prevents the egg and sperm from meeting.1
Common Causes: The main players, including Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) (50–60% of damage) and Endometriosis (10–15%), as well as the impact of prior surgeries and ectopic pregnancy.1
Diagnosis and Testing: A breakdown of how to raise suspicion for TFI during a patient history and the investigative path, from a general pelvic ultrasound scan to more specialized tests like the HyCoSy and fertile-oscopy.1
Management Strategies: When to consider preserving the fallopian tube (e.g., opening an extrinsic blockage with laparoscopy) versus when removing the tube (e.g., when it contains embryotoxic fluid for an IVF candidate) is the better path.1

Dr. Tatham's key take-home message for GPs is to follow their suspicion: if a patient's cycle and sperm tests are fine but they're still not conceiving, they should investigate TFI early to avoid unnecessary delays in a couple's assisted fertility journey.1
Dr. Tatham has appointments in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, including Wollongong Day Surgery and Wollongong Private Hospital. She specializes in general gynecology, chronic pelvic pain, female sexual dysfunction, and has a particular interest in endometriosis. GPs can find more information or refer patients via the website: drtatham.com.au.1

Join Dr. Ali Hodgkinson as she speaks with talented fertility specialist,&nbsp;Dr. Vanessa Tatham, to peel back the layers of Tubal Factor Infertility (TFI).&nbsp;TFI is one of the most common causes of female infertility, accounting for 25% to 35% of cases.<a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1GmQXv36SXm8vcCPF6FFIFlGRUTZUx_MN" aria-label="Jump to source 1" data-link-preview-anchor="true">1</a> In this episode, you will learn:
<ul>
<li>What is TFI:&nbsp;An explanation of the fallopian tube's vital, active role and how a blockage prevents the egg and sperm from meeting.<a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1GmQXv36SXm8vcCPF6FFIFlGRUTZUx_MN" aria-label="Jump to source 1" data-link-preview-anchor="true">1</a></li>
<li>Common Causes:&nbsp;The main players, including Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) (50&ndash;60% of damage) and Endometriosis (10&ndash;15%), as well as the impact of prior surgeries and ectopic pregnancy.<a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1GmQXv36SXm8vcCPF6FFIFlGRUTZUx_MN" aria-label="Jump to source 1" data-link-preview-anchor="true">1</a></li>
<li>Diagnosis and Testing:&nbsp;A breakdown of how to raise suspicion for TFI during a patient history and the investigative path, from a general pelvic ultrasound scan to more specialized tests like the HyCoSy and fertile-oscopy.<a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1GmQXv36SXm8vcCPF6FFIFlGRUTZUx_MN" aria-label="Jump to source 1" data-link-preview-anchor="true">1</a></li>
<li>Management Strategies:&nbsp;When to consider preserving the fallopian tube (e.g., opening an extrinsic blockage with laparoscopy) versus when removing the tube (e.g., when it contains embryotoxic fluid for an IVF candidate) is the better path.<a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1GmQXv36SXm8vcCPF6FFIFlGRUTZUx_MN" aria-label="Jump to source 1" data-link-preview-anchor="true">1</a></li>
</ul>
Dr. Tatham's key take-home message for GPs is to follow their suspicion: if a patient's cycle and sperm tests are fine but they're still not conceiving, they should investigate TFI early to avoid unnecessary delays in a couple's assisted fertility journey.<a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1GmQXv36SXm8vcCPF6FFIFlGRUTZUx_MN" aria-label="Jump to source 1" data-link-preview-anchor="true">1</a> Dr. Tatham has appointments in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, including Wollongong Day Surgery and Wollongong Private Hospital.&nbsp;She specializes in general gynecology, chronic pelvic pain, female sexual dysfunction, and has a particular interest in endometriosis.&nbsp;GPs can find more information or refer patients via the website:&nbsp;drtatham.com.au.<a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1GmQXv36SXm8vcCPF6FFIFlGRUTZUx_MN" aria-label="Jump to source 1" data-link-preview-anchor="true">1</a>

Hosted by Genea Fertility GP, Dr Ali Hodgkinson, Fertility in General Practice is a dedicated podcast series designed exclusively for General Practitioners with a special interest in women’s and men’s fertility, reproductive health, and wellbeing. Dr Hodgkinson is joined by a different Genea Fertility Specialist each episode to unpack key topics in fertility care within the GP setting. Together, they explore practical, evidence-based approaches to managing common and complex reproductive health concerns — from pre-conception counselling and early fertility assessment to male factor considerations, cycle management, early pregnancy care, and more.Created as a learning resource for busy practitioners, this series delivers clear, clinically relevant insights that support GPs in navigating fertility conversations, enhancing patient care, and strengthening collaborative pathways with fertility specialists.Whether you’re deepening your expertise or seeking up-to-date guidance on best practice fertility management, Fertility in General Practice provides the knowledge, clarity, and confidence to better support your patients on their reproductive health journey.

Hosted by&nbsp;Genea Fertility GP, Dr Ali Hodgkinson,&nbsp;Fertility in General Practice&nbsp;is a dedicated podcast series designed exclusively for General Practitioners with a special interest in women&rsquo;s and men&rsquo;s fertility, reproductive health, and wellbeing. Dr Hodgkinson is joined by a different Genea Fertility Specialist&nbsp;each episode to unpack key topics in fertility care within the GP setting. Together, they explore practical, evidence-based approaches to managing common and complex reproductive health concerns &mdash; from pre-conception counselling and early fertility assessment to male factor considerations, cycle management, early pregnancy care, and more.Created as a learning resource for busy practitioners, this series delivers clear, clinically relevant insights that support GPs in navigating fertility conversations, enhancing patient care, and strengthening collaborative pathways with fertility specialists.Whether you&rsquo;re deepening your expertise or seeking up-to-date guidance on best practice fertility management,&nbsp;Fertility in General Practice&nbsp;provides the knowledge, clarity, and confidence to better support your patients on their reproductive health journey.

Fertility In General Practice

Hosted by Genea Fertility GP, Dr Ali Hodgkinson, Fertility in General Practice is a dedicated podcast series designed exclusively for General Practitioners with a special interest in women’s and men’s fertility, reproductive health, and wellbeing.

Dr Hodgkinson is joined by a different Genea Fertility Specialist each episode to unpack key topics in fertility care within the GP setting. Together, they explore practical, evidence-based approaches to managing common and complex reproductive health concerns — from pre-conception counselling and early fertility assessment to male factor considerations, cycle management, early pregnancy care, and more.Created as a learning resource for busy practitioners, this series delivers clear, clinically relevant insights that support GPs in navigating fertility conversations, enhancing patient care, and strengthening collaborative pathways with fertility specialists.Whether you’re deepening your expertise or seeking up-to-date guidance on best practice fertility management, Fertility in General Practice provides the knowledge, clarity, and confidence to better support your patients on their reproductive health journey.

Hosted by&nbsp;Genea Fertility GP, Dr Ali Hodgkinson,&nbsp;Fertility in General Practice&nbsp;is a dedicated podcast series designed exclusively for General Practitioners with a special interest in women&rsquo;s and men&rsquo;s fertility, reproductive health, and wellbeing.
Dr Hodgkinson is joined by a different Genea Fertility Specialist&nbsp;each episode to unpack key topics in fertility care within the GP setting. Together, they explore practical, evidence-based approaches to managing common and complex reproductive health concerns &mdash; from pre-conception counselling and early fertility assessment to male factor considerations, cycle management, early pregnancy care, and more.Created as a learning resource for busy practitioners, this series delivers clear, clinically relevant insights that support GPs in navigating fertility conversations, enhancing patient care, and strengthening collaborative pathways with fertility specialists.Whether you&rsquo;re deepening your expertise or seeking up-to-date guidance on best practice fertility management,&nbsp;Fertility in General Practice&nbsp;provides the knowledge, clarity, and confidence to better support your patients on their reproductive health journey.