HyCosY, HSG or nothing

Hi,

I had an ectopic in July, treated with Methotrexate. I only have my right tube and ovary (left side has always been absent). After being told by the NHS to try for another six months as I’ve managed to get pregnant this year (even though it ended up as an ectopic), and then being told by a private consultant that I have a lower than expected ovarian reserve, I’ve booked privately to have a HyCosY next week, with a consultant who specialises in tubal health.

Anyways I was wondering if,

a) anyone had had a HyCosY and if so did they think it had been worth it

b) been advised that a HSG was the better option

c) not had any tubal investigations

I’m constantly clutching at any information that might make the uncertain slightly less uncertain :frowning:

Thanks, Liz

Hi Liz_1980,

I’m so sorry to hear all that you have been through. Even though ectopic pregnancy can not be prevented, I can relate well to wanting to explore all avenues and get as much information as possible. I don’t have personal experience with HyCosY or HSG, and in the cases of my two ectopics the diagnosis was ‘bad luck’ and no follow up tests were recommended.

While I’m not medically qualified and can not comment on your specific history, I wanted to share some information from the Trust on HSG tests. As you may know the hysterosalpingogram (or HSG) looks at the uterine cavity and shape and patency of the fallopian tube(s). However, an HSG test is not 100% accurate and doctors prefer not to use a HSG test unless they really need to. For example, if the fallopian tubes go into spasm during the test, they can appear blocked even though this isn’t the case. Also, the test cannot determine what the internal villi of the tube look like. Furthermore, it is an invasive test and there is a small chance that it can cause infection of the fallopian tubes hence doctors’ preference to only perform the test when it is unquestionably required.

We have a bit more information here, under the heading “Testing”: https://www.ectopic.org.uk/patients/trying-to-conceive/

I know these decisions are hard, and speaking with your doctors for their recommendations are incredibly important.

With good wishes,

Michele


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Hiya…

I’m probably a little late to reply now… I had a HSG x-ray recently and paid privately to have it done for my own peace of mind. I had an ectopic in August this year, treated with methotrexate. The only factor I had was previous appendicitis, and my ectopic was on my right side. I suspected my tube was damaged and blocked from the appendicitis but wanted to be sure so IF another ectopic occurred then I could make a more ‘calculated’ decision between MTX again or surgery to remove a bad tube…

Anyway, I had the HSG and my tubes are shown as clear… no blockages!!

Hope yours goes okay xx