HSG or laparoscopy with dye? also low sperm status?

Question

I’ve had the blood tests done (day 3 and day 21). I’ve had ultrasounds and an endometrial biopsy done. Everything came back normal. Husband had s***n analysis done, but came back with low count, low motility and low morphology. We’ve been trying for about 12 cycles. I am 33, hubby is 35.

I’ve had one episode of infection (maybe Gonnorhea) in my early 20’s from an old bf. I am not sure if it turned into a PID. I was treated immediately and my menses got a bit screwy afterwards (irregular bleeding). I was put on the pill for some years and have been off the pill for a year to TTC. Since coming off the pill, my menses have been very regular. The final testing my doctor said for me is to check my tubes for blockage. He suggested HSG or laparoscopy with dye. He said laparoscopy with dye is more comprehensive as it checks the tubes and see if there are adhesions outside the tube/ovaries, etc. He gave me the option to choose between HSG or laparoscopy with dye. Obviously, laparoscopy is more invasive and expensive. I am wondering if anyone with similar circumstances as me underwent a HSG or laparoscopy with dye or both and could offer me insight as to which one to proceed. Also, could my husband’s low sperm status really make it so hard for us to conceive? I read all the books out there, have been charting, using opks, etc. so we are bding at the right time taking account of his low sperm status.

Answer 1

I did the HSG after almost two years of trying and we got pregnant on the last month (Month 3). They say if it doesn;t work by then there may be issues. I am paying out of pocket like $600 but the procedure was like$2500/3000 so I am not worried and it worked! I had slight blockage on the left side where I could feel me ovulating, and always had bad ovarian cysts. Do the HSG and try 10 days after AF starts each month and ONLY do it every other day. Once you have s*x slightly tilt your cervx (while on your back) to get the sperm back in that direction and then sit slightly on each side left to right. If it doesn;t work after three months try the other - GL!!!

Answer 2

Yes, your husband's low sperm status can really have an effect. Has he only been tested once?  To get a true reading of a man's sperm count, you need to have him tested at least twice, and sometimes even three times as sperm can change dramatically each month.

Make sure he switches to boxer shorts if he hasn't already.

As for the HSG or laparoscopy, I would go with the lap.  As you said, it is more comprehensive.  I had both.  The HSG came back "inconclusive" and they wanted to do another.  You might as well do the best test first.  

But, before you start (you have only been ttcing for 12 months), do you really want to go to all that trouble when, most likely, nothing is wrong with you?

I had ALL tests done, everything came back normal, my husbands sperm was low motility one test and low count the second.  

I started acupuncture and got pregnant after 3 months (and this was after 5 years of ttcing).  Western medicine and doctors don't know everything.  There are other alternative ways of helping you get pregnant.  

I personally would wait another 6 months, try and get your husband's sperm count up.  If it hasn't happened by then, maybe do the laparoscopy.  Check your diet, make sure you are getting enough exercise.

Answer 3

whats hsg? ive had lap and dye done, (i had suspected pid) they were able to see everything, it was very reasuring,,,i even got to see a photp of my tubes and ovaries!

    as for sperm,,,, well heres my story,, my exhusband had similar results to your, had ivf after 3 and a half years ttc naturally. got pregnant 1st time. baby was 11 weeks old when i got pregnant naturally! just goes to show eh?  

Answer 4

Do the HSG...sometimes even a little blockage can be cleared with the dye.  MY hubby had a low count as well.  I had been put on clomid for ovulation issues, and as my Dr says...it only takes one sperm to get pregnant.  After starting climod, I was pregnant within 3-4 cycles  I lost that one to a blighted ovum...had a d&c, started clomid again, and was pregnant again within 3-4 cycles, and carried to term. 3-1/2 yrs later we talked about doing it again with the clomid, and did it on our own...low count and all.  Just remember...around ovulation time...have s*x every other day to help hubby 'rebuild'  Good luck!!