Clearing the Way for Conception
A hysterosalpingogram is essentially an X-ray of the uterus and connected reproductive processes. By injecting dye into the cervical canal, doctors can observe where, if any, complications may be present in the woman's reproductive system. The dye should naturally spill out into the abdominal cavity via the fallopian tubes; if it doesn't, doctors can investigate the fallopian tubes and discover the source of the problem.
Hysterosalpingograms are used in the work-up of women who are infertile, and are useful to diagnose uterine malformations and tubal occlusions. The intimidating name literally means "a picture of the uterus and fallopian tubes", and is occasionally abbreviated to HSG.
Who Might Need a Hysterosalpingogram?
Hysterosalpingograms are repeatedly done on infertile women, whether to check the progress of treatment methods or to further refine a diagnosis. Up to 30% of all infertile women have damaged or blocked fallopian tubes, preventing the egg from ever reaching an area where it can be fertilised; a hysterosalpingogram can identify these fallopian tube defects and, hopefully, begin or continue treatment to correct them.
Women who have had repeatedly inaccurate results on pregnancy test kits may be given a hysterosalpingogram to try and determine whether the inaccurate results could be a sign of disease. As pregnancy test kits measure the presence of hCG (human Chorionic Gonadotropin), there is a slim chance that the hCG contributing to a false positive could be generated by liver disease, some forms of cancer, or other reproductive anomalies. Pregnancy test kits should be used strictly according to instructions for this reason.
Timing of Hysterosalpingogram
Hysterosalpingograms are best done during the preovulatory phase, and should not be done during pregnancy at all, as they may endanger the growing fetus. In other words, if you've experienced several false positives on pregnancy test kits and the pregnancy test kits done by your doctor have the same result, the timing of your ovulation and periods may have to be carefully considered before you can have this procedure done.
Pregnancy test kits are notorious for being somewhat inaccurate. Studies have shown that it is possible for pregnancy test kits to have results that are 97% accurate, but this is entirely due to the instructions being followed carefully; the average user achieves results on pregnancy test kits that are 75% accurate through a mix of misunderstanding and willful ignorance of instructions. False positives on pregnancy test kits may be the result of expiration, unrelated illness, or reading the test after its 'suggested' viewing times; the false negatives given by pregnancy test kits are often the result of testing too soon or taking a medication that may reduce or occlude hCG in the urine.
If you believe you're pregnant, but pregnancy test kits disagree, visit your doctor. They can run a battery of tests to determine beyond doubt whether or not you're with child. If you believe you aren't pregnant, but get continually positive results on pregnancy test kits, this should also be discussed with your doctor, as it may be a sign of a rare and serious illness.
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