Why should I have a laparoscopy rather than a Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) or X-ray of the fallopian tubes?
The HSG or X-ray of the uterus and tubes only tells whether the tubes are open or closed and gives no information about the outside of the tubes, whether they are stuck down in the pelvis, whether there is any endometriosis or evidence of previous infection (both causes of infertility) or disorders of the ovaries, uterus or bowel. A laparoscopy does all these things. Therefore the HSG or X-ray gives some information but can be misleading. The main disadvantage of the laparoscopy is the fact that it involves general anaesthesia and is a surgical procedure.
