Test for IC?

VivC · 01-24-2005, 01:08 PM

I thought there wasn't a test, but I was just cruising the web, and I found a Q&A site by a doctor. Here's what I found:

"There are some tests that can be done before you get pregnant (such as hysterosalpingography) that can test whether you might have an incompetent cervix.Good luck"

So, has anybody else heard of this test? And, how outraged should I be that nobody actually uses it?

saluki_fan · 01-24-2005, 01:17 PM

I am sorry that I don't know the answer to your question, but I hope you are able to find the info you need.

(((hugs)))

blairsgal · 01-24-2005, 02:25 PM

Viv- I had an HSG (hysterosalpingogram) test done with my RE before she would let me start clomid. I have not heard it being used as a test specifically for IC but what it entails is:
A catheter is inserted through your cervix into the uterus. The tech pumps in a colored dye and then watches over an x-ray machine as the dye goes through your fallopian tubes and into the uterus. It is supposed to show any blockages, growths or abnormalities.

Hope that helps.

GabrielsMom · 01-24-2005, 02:42 PM

The doctor that answered the question gave a really simplified answer. An HSG shows uterine abnormalities. IC can be a problem if the uterus is abnormally shaped, since if the uterus is abnormal, it can put more pressure on the cervix. So, the HSG does not show incompetent cervix. It shows abnormalities that can contribute to the inability of the cervix to hold the baby in.

I asked my MFM specialist if I should get one done, and he said that since I have had MANY gyn ultrasounds that measured my uterus, it's not really going to show us anything new. If I had a uterine abnormality, it would have been found by now.

I hope that helps.

VivC · 01-24-2005, 05:52 PM

Thanks. I was totally thrown for a loop by what I found online. I wish that darned doctor had given a little more detail. I was about to start an IC prevention campaign over this!!!

SheriKCMO · 01-24-2005, 06:32 PM

Viv,
The only test that can really show anything, and it's not very helpful, is to try and put a dilator up there while you are not pregnant and see if it will fit easily. Most of us IC gals will look completely normal until it is way too late. So our non-pregnant uterus and cervix will likely not be diagnosable. It's unfortunate that most of us are diagnosed by losing a second trimester baby. This whole thing, whether we call it IC or "Having the baby way too soon" needs a lot more attention and research. Whatever they want to call our problem, I know for a fact that a cerclage and/or strict bedrest can save lives.
Hang in there, my friend,
Sheri

kwannabee · 01-24-2005, 07:29 PM

Believe me Viv after i lost my girls i was on a rampage to find out why they didnt figure out this IC thing BEFOREhand...expecially since i had concerns from my first pregnancy when he was born at 30 weeks gestation...and unfortunately...all i heard was 'theres no way to know in an unpregnant state if your cervix is incompetant...

so here i am officially dx and right now at 12 weeks my cervix looks perfect...5cm...but i know once this baby gets bigger and heavier...its not gonna hold anything in there. Fortunately for me i guess my doctors finally agree with me...but it was a fight!

Twice i know the shock of going to the doctor and finding out i was over halfway dialted and i didnt feel a darn thing...not a cramp NOTHING!!! Which is the other unfortunate thing about getting a dx for IC...'its a diagnosis by history'

And even WITH my history...they gave me a hard time officially dx me with IC.

Now i did have and hsg way back when i first started...the whole dye thing...and i remember them saying it checks for abnormalities of the uterus...which by rights i guess if thats an issue it 'could' create pressure on the cevix...but then they'll say you dont have ic you have 'other issues' My other issues were the fact that i was carrying twins...NOT that i had IC...but i told them i insist this time if i get pregnnat again that i WILL get a cerclage even if it only helps later on for me to know i did all i could...

i definately think if youre carrying twins you should be more vigilant around the 18 weeks mark when everything starts getting heavier...but otherwise...theres no real way to know.

But if you find a test out there somewhere...START THAT CAMPAIGN!!!!

Ceej · 02-04-2005, 06:24 PM

I had an HSG after 2 miscarriages to try to diagnose the problem. They were using it to check for fibroids. After they found nothing wrong I was told to try again. I got pregnant and carried my son till I was 23 weeks after taking Progesterone.. I lost him due to IC. My doctor thinks that the HSG and/or the D&E I had with the previous miscarriage caused the IC. My last pregnancy I did the progesterone for the first 12 weeks and had a cerclage and finally it was a success! I have a 7 month old baby girl. From what I have been told everytime they do a procedure that requires dialation of the cervix (other than birth) you are risking damage to your cervix which can cause IC.