HSG before IVF?

Married071709

Is an HSG really necessary before an IVF cycle?  The RE wants me to have one but DH and I are wondering if it's really worth spending $850 on.  My tubes have been open and with the previous 3 HSG's (1 normal and 2 during laproscopys).  My SIS was normal also.

Thanks!! 

  

psychmusetls

I wouldn't think so.  When it came time that they'd want to re-do the HSG, we'd been doing IVF so they opted for a hystosonogram (before 2nd IVF) and then later a hysteroscopy (after 3rd IVF's first FET) since the ute is what's important.  I would discuss with your RE if they suggest a test that might be more worth your money or if they think it's safe to progress to IVF without.  GL!

arbutusbride

Why so many HSG's? Has it been a while in between the others?  Is there a way your GYN can order it so it could be covered by insurance?

jessican08

Having an initial HSG, sure. But if you've had 3 already and they're all fine...I'm at a loss as to why they would want you to have another one.

KaliChick

A dirty lurker here ... but to quote my RE ... "we aren't dealing with your tubes in IVF so it's not that important if they are blocked or not."  We did do the mock transfer where he looked at my ute and looked at the openings to the tubes.  He said if they were "too open" that would be more of a problem than if they were blocked.  I wouldn't opt for another one.

mama_cito95

KaliChick:

A dirty lurker here ... but to quote my RE ... "we aren't dealing with your tubes in IVF so it's not that important if they are blocked or not."  We did do the mock transfer where he looked at my ute and looked at the openings to the tubes.  He said if they were "too open" that would be more of a problem than if they were blocked.  I wouldn't opt for another one.

Agreed.  HSG makes sense before your first IVF to determine if IVF is necessary, but another HSG for IVF after already having done 3??  What for?  What does a blocked tube have to do with IVF?  like KaliChick stated, IVF does not deal with the tubes.  Sounds like an unnecessary test and unnecessary added cost.  You should ask your RE why he is ordering this.   

kathrynlo

A dirty lurker here too... Just to give you a different opinion on the whole thing, keep in mind my situation is a little different. My new RE recommended a 2nd HSG due in part to my ectopic and my failed IUIs after my ectopic and lap. He is afraid that my remaining tube could be blocked, damaged, or filled with fluid and if that is the case, I will need removal prior to IVF. He actually told me that a blocked, damaged or fluid filled tube can hinder implantation during IVF.

He gave me a great comparison - say you bought a gorgeous piece of land, and you want to start a farm with vegetables. If you have a polluted pond nearby, that is going to hinder your chances of a successful farm. If your tubes are "polluted" it could hinder your chances of a successful IVF.

 Edited: wording

bandwife928

I'll complete the lurker trifecta. I had to have a second before starting this cycle. The doctor explained to me that they could look at structural things other than tube issues. Yadda, yadda. I used a pay-as-you-go diagnostic lab for both HSGs and paid less than $200 each. Are there any such places near you?

Married071709

Thank you all, for both perspectives.  I will question her more as to why she thinks I might need one.  We are unexplained at this point and as far as we know all my parts look good.  I've had 2 laps, 3 HSG's, 1 SIS and a few other things.  Thanks again!!