HSG or Saline Sonogram

chicagobride_07

Before I chose an RE, I went to two to see who'd I'd like to work with better.  Both wanted to standard testing but one insisted on a saline sonogram or HSG prior to starting treatment (every patient they treat has one regardless of hx); the other started IUIs without it.

Is this something I should absolutely be asking for? I've talked to a few girlfriends with kids and both had successful pregnancies without this.  However, none of them have dealt with infertility either. 

Of course, there is no way of me knowing for sure, but I am fairly certain that my inability to conceive is due to my age/DOR as opposed to an issue with my tubes or uterus. 

I've had a ton of ultrasounds and they've always been normal; but I understand that the saline sonogram is something different.  I am trying to avoid doing this unless I absolutely need to due to the expense (and the pain) factor.

MelleTX

If your insurance company will cover the cost of the diagnostic tests, then definitely do them. 

I had my HSG and SHG done in the same month and both were relatively painless. The HSG was uncomfortable but it was over very quickly. 

The HSG will check for blockages in your fallopian tubes which is a must before you start fertility treatments, in my opinion. There are also studies that suggest your are more likely to conceive in the months following an HSG because the tubes are clear and the cilia are standing up on end and make it easier to move the egg along.

The Saline Ultrasound will check for polyps or tumors in your uterus that would not be seen on a regular ultrasound. The saline checks for displacement.

I had a repeat SHG today because I am starting IVF and it has been over a year since my last one. It was more uncomfortable that last time, but my anxiety levels are heightened because I am anxious to get started.

I know it is tough to think about putting off treatment for another month while you have more tests run, but in the end they are worth it. Unfortunately, there is a lot of hurry up and wait in the beginning, but once you get started on a treatment path, you will be surprised how quickly it all goes.

Best of luck to you.  

Abeille

IMO it's a critical test before starting any IF treatments.  If you don't know if your tubes are clear you could be wasting a lot of time, money and heartache if you pursue treatment.

I had the HSG. One tube was blocked, but my RE cleared it by increasing the pressure he used to inject the dye. Not everyone is that lucky and it would have limited my treatment options if that tube had remained blocked.

owlprof

Is the dilemma whether to have (1) an HSG or (2) a saline sonogram?  Or is the dilemma whether to (1) have HSG or saline sonogram or (2) go straight to IUI?  If it is the former, I can't offer any advice as I've only had an HSG.  If it is the latter, I echo the other ladies.  I would think it is important to get a test to see if your tubes are clear.  Otherwise, if your tubes are blocked,  it seems that there wouldn't be much chance of success with an IUI, as the egg still has to make its way to the uterus. 

As for the cost  issue:  I personally think it is worth the cost to avoid wasting money on an IUI that doesn't have a chance of working because of a blockage.  Of course, there is a good chance that your tubes are clear, but (to me, at least) that would be important to know.  (and I would imagine a doctor could use that information to get closer to a diagnosis).  As for the pain:  I was very nervous, but the actual procedure wasn't that bad.  I probably made it worse because I was so anxious.  If that is a concern, you could always ask your doctor for a painkiller.

I hope this is helpful! Good luck!

10-4LilBuddy

I did a repeat HSG on CD10 and still did a IUI on CD16 last month.  You don't have to be out for an entire cycle.  HSG is expensive but I talked the radiology lab into cutting the price because I paid in full out of pocket (I think they took 40% off).  I'd do an HSG if I were doing IUI because you need clear tubes.  For IVF, no need because you are bypassing that area.

I did a saline sonogram too but that's because they saw something on the HSG in my uterus.  Turned out to be a shadow, so no treatment needed.

Good luck.

mtlaurel

The HSG is expensive, but may be covered by insurance as a diagnostic. I think it is critical to have done prior to treatment. What's the sense in doing an IUI, if your tubes are blocked?

I've only done SHGs in preparation for IVF, so you might not need to do it prior to IUI. However, that test is not as expensive, and again may be covered by insurance as a diagnostic, so I don't see a reason not to. Everyone is different, but I think most would agree that the anxiety surrounding the tests is worse than the brief physical discomforts of either. Good luck.

tst1998

I didn't actually do either before starting treatments, but it was a well informed risk on my part. We had no reason to think we had a tubal problem (no history of STDs, no symptoms of endometriosis), and we have no insurance for anything IF related. It was cheaper to try a few IUI's, and hope for the best than to do the HSG. After 2 failed IUIs we did do the HSG, and as expected, it was fine.

We only did the saline sonogram before IVF. I don't think that's a critical test, unless you are planning on doing IVF. I think most people would agree that the HSG should be done before embarking on any expensive treatments. I was willing to gamble, but only because we didn't have insurance and I was hoping to get lucky. If we had had insurance coverage for diagnostics, I would have done whatever tests they recommended.

chicagobride_07

Thanks for the feedback, ladies- I'll talk to my RE about this. 

versace1008

I have done both, my OB had me do the HSG for any blockages and then my RE made me do the Saline Sonogram bec thats protocol for them...but my obgyn did the saline for me since I couldnt get in to the RE's office to get it done, but she did ask me why they want done since the HSG was clear and I am said thats their protocol.... The Saline Sonogram is not painful at all...the HSG is uncomfortable...but it doesn't hurt that much...