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Q&A: What are endometriosis and HSG tests?

I've just been diagnosed with endometriosis. I've opted not to get a lab yet, but I've heard about a test to see if my tubes are clear. Should I look into this or just wait? And can you tell me anything more about endometriosis?

Re: I've just been diagnosed with endometriosis. I've opted not to get a lab yet, but I've heard about a test to see if my tubes are clear. Should I look into this or just wait? And can you tell me anything more about endometriosis?

The Bump Expert

Endometriosis is a pathologic condition often associate with pain and infertility. There are no laboratory tests available to diagnosis this condition, so it must be diagnosed surgically.

Women with endometriosis who are struggling to get pregnant can undergo a structural study known as an HSG (hysterosalpingogram). This diagnostic test can be performed in as little as five minutes. The procedure is associated with cramping, but ibuprofen can be used to ease the pain. During the test, radiocontrast media is injected through the cervix into the uterus. An x-ray is taken to examine the internal contour of the uterus and check whether the fallopian tubes are open.

Dr. Joseph Hill | April 30 , 2009 4:04 PM

Q&A: What are endometriosis and HSG tests?

I'm 25 years old, and have had surgery for endometriosis twice already in three years. My first OBGYN did nothing about it except treat me with bc pills and painkillers. The pain never went away, so I went to a new doc and he immediately put me into surgery. It was the best thing I ever did. I went from taking heavy doses of prescription painkillers before surgery, to taking maybe one advil if that. Endometriosis can come back often, unless you get pregnant, from what I'm told. So to avoid further surgeries, my husband and I are now ttc, and we are excited at the thought of getting pregnant. Be careful with endometriosis, since if left alone for too long, it can cause infertility. Be proactive about finding a doctor who wants to do surgery. It's a simple surgery, recovery is not bad at all, and its worth the relief! They also did the HSG test on my fallopian tubes, while I was in surgery, to make sure everything is clear. Good luck!

cueti727 | March 29 , 2010 11:56 AM

Q&A: What are endometriosis and HSG tests?

Absolutely look into it. While TTC you're not undergoing any treatment for the endometriosis which is extremely painful, not to mention there's nothing suppressing the endometriosis. I'm 26 years old and have had 2 laparoscopies, and during the 2nd surgery they tested my tubes and they were clear. I found a doctor that is extremely proactive about my TTC process and agrees that the shorter amount of time I'm in pain, the better. Right away he's testing my husband's sperm count, and he's going to test my hormone levels to make sure everything is working correctly. I'm so grateful to have found a doctor that wants to work with me to make this as quick a process as possible since TTC with endometriosis is painful.

BeachMeyer | April 30 , 2010 11:41 AM

Q&A: What are endometriosis and HSG tests?

This is very helpful and informative. I had a laparascopy about a year ago and mild endo was found behind my uterus. However, I had one month of being pain-free before the 2 weeks of extreme pain prior to my period returned. I went back on my birth control, which of course keeps the pain at bay. I've been off of it now for about 3 months. My husband and I are TTC. It is so difficult because I have so much pain and sometimes the actual act of TTC is hard for me because my pain flares up. We were able to try three times during "the" week this month, so now we're just waiting. It was really weird, however, because I'd been having very horrible pain (literally pain that was making me physically sick and leaving me unable to move) and about a week after TTC, the pain kind of did a magic trick and "poof," went away about a week before my period is due. It has never ever done that. It typically goes away the day before my period is due. I'm VERY much baffled. My period is due in about 5 days, so I guess I'll find out what's going on soon.

hayley2382 | June 05 , 2010 9:26 PM