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Conception > Sterility/infertility

Hysterosalpingography (HSG).

Hello,
My doctor wants me to have a hysterosalpingography, as the result of my chlamydia test was borderline, which might point to an old infection. I had a 4cm cyst removed three years ago and had appendicitis a month later. The operation itself went well and my follow-up examination a month later did not show up any problems.
I want to know exactly what this procedure will involve. Will is hurt? If they find anything, will I need to have another operation, or will they be able to clear it up with medication? Could my cyst have caused the infection? Is this why I haven't been able to conceive since I stopped taking the pill 18 months ago? Should the infection have been picked up during a smear test? I would also like to know what my chances of having a baby are now.
Many thanks.


The idea of another examination must be worrying for you.
A hysterosalpingography (HSG) involves injecting special fluid into the uterus and fallopian tubes, so their size and shape can be seen more clearly during an X-ray. It may be a little uncomfortable, but it shouldn't be painful. If you are not on the pill, it is normally done within two weeks of the end of your period and will help the doctor to see if there is any scarring to your fallopian tubes as a result of your infection, or if there is anything else which may prevent you from conceiving.
If they find that your tubes are blocked, there are many ways of rectifying the problem, which you should discuss with your doctor.
There are many reasons why a woman's tubes may become blocked, normally it is down to inflammation of the membranes, which causes a blockage.
Chlamydia and other STDs and infections often cause inflammation, but they would not have shown up on your smear test.
Testing for other infections involves taking different samples and testing in a different way for each one, the easiest way of doing this is a blood test.
If you find that both of your tubes are still blocked after treatment, unfortunately you will not be able to conceive naturally, but discuss this with your doctor should the problem arise.


Other answers from our experts...
Period or spotting in early pregnancy?
Chances of pregnancy following artificial insemination.
Homeopathy to stimulate ovulation.

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Latest… 08/11/2009
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