HSG Experience

[Kopper]

Can anyone who has had an HSG post about their experience? I have one scheduled for Friday and am wondering what to expect. TIA!

[~queen~]

I'm sure you will get responses to some not so bad and some pretty painful. Mostly, it should feel like a bad case of menstrual cramps.

Not to scare you, but mine was, um - horrific. I took a Percocet for the pain before hand and STILL ended up screaming like a lunatic.

BUT not all are like mine. I had a blocked tube and the dr. kept trying to force the dye through. I was supposed to get another one but keep putting it off. I wonder why? :rolleyes:

[Carissa]

I had one last year and it wasn't that bad. Yes it was painful but it didn't last very long and the cramping pretty much went away after it was over. I took 2 advil liquid gel caps about an hour before hand and that helped some. I think my anxiety leading up to the HSG was a lot worse than the actual thing. Goodluck!

[angelgirl8]

i think the experience is really dependent on the person...i've also heard that it can be more painful if there is any blockage in the tubes.

for me, it wasn't too bad. i took 2 advil about an hour beforehand as the doctor had suggested to help with cramps. the beginning felt like a regular pap smear but the injection of the dye was definitely painful, although bearable. it felt like strong menstrual cramping. the cramps totally stopped as soon as the test was over.

good luck!

[Scooter]

It really depends. If you have blocked tubes it's more painful (all that liquid they're putting in has nowhere to go!) . Just like everyone else said!

I won't lie, mine was miserable. You cervix is curved, & they have to use a straight catheter. So it depends on exactly how curved your cervix is. They had to try multiple times with 3 different catheters to get it to work for me, and it was just horrible. I almost passed out afterwards, I had to sit on the floor in the hospital hallway to stop myself from fainting. MOST people do NOT go through that!! Once it was in, the dye wasn't too bad, just like bad AF cramps for a few minutes. You're on an x-ray table (not the most comfortable place for gyn-related stuff), so you may have to scooch back a bit so they can take the xrays. And you may have to roll a bit side to side, so they can get a good look at the uterus & tubes. It's over before you know it.

Take some pain reliever like ibuprfen or naproxen about 45 mins before you go in there, it helps.

[graciebella]

Mine wasn't unbearable. My doc told me to take 800mg advil beforehad. To me it was similar to cramping. Found out I have one blocked tube, but it wasn't any more painful on that side. I did mine mid-day and went back to work afterwards.

[mrselle]

Mine wasn't that bad, but I took 800mg of motrin beforehand. I think the worst part was the anticipation. I was so scared I couldn't get my legs to stop shaking.

[donm425]

Mine wasn't that bad either. I took 2 Motrin 2 hours before, then another 2 one hour before. Afterward there was some cramping and spotting. It turns out I may have a blocked tube or my tube spasmed from the catherer.

Good luck!

[Kopper]

Thanks everyone! My doctor didn't mention taking any medication before hand but I think I will. Yuck I am not looking forward to it. I took the rest of the day off tomorrow just in case.

[paisleydays]

I had mine a week ago. It wasn't fun, but not as bad as I thought. I was waaaaay nervous going into it. I took 4 Motrin about an hour before. The worst part was when they dilated my cervix, which felt like a really hard, bad pinch. After that it was uncomfortable. My radiology tech was awesome and she kept telling me to breathe and I was doing well. Don't know how I would have made it without her.

The best advice I got was to bring along a pad or pantiliner. The tech gave me one of the hospital issue huge thick nasty pads and I was very glad to have my own.

I would also check to see insurance covers it beforehand. Mine didn't and I had to hassle with a bunch of forms beforehand (which did not help my stress level one bit)

[lisapremiere]

I just had one last Thursday and it was horrible. I laid there with tears streaming down my face the whole time. Like some of the other posters said - turns out I had a blocked tube so maybe that is why it was so bad. I also took a vicodin before and it was still VERY VERY painful. Also, they have you move side to side while injecting the dye and I found that to be the worst. Not trying to scare you, I would make sure to take some pain pill first.

[Kopper]

Thanks everyone for posting their experiences. I'm really sorry that some of you had such a painful time. My HSG was this morning and suprisingly it went really quickly. I was lucky and it wasn't really that painful for me. My tubes are both clear and everything looks good. I had some cramping when the doctor inserted the cathater and dye and afterwards I was dizzy and nauseated for awhile. I've had some cramping today but mostly I am doing well. Thanks again, I really appreaciate it! :)

[graciebella]

I'm glad you didn't have a difficult experience, and that there is no blockage!!

[QT Pie]

I am having a Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) done soon and was wondering if anyone has gone through one. Is it really uncomfortable? I heard rumors that some women increasing their fertility afterwards. Has this happen to anyone?

Thanks in advance!

[junkinmytrunk]

Hi there~

Yes, I had one late August 04 and got PG in Sept 04 (however we also did use Clomid /HCG trigger that cycle) but I miscarried. I have heard the ability to get PG post HSG is greater because the tubes are nice and squeaky clean. I think that it lasts for about 3 months post HSG if I remember.

In terms of pain, well, I think a lot has to do with the person who gives you the procedure. The radiologist who did mine was an IDIOT. He had to inject the dye I think it was 3 times because it kept running back out -- he actually said, "Your cervix is so big, it won't stay in!" in the nastiest tone EVER. He refused to speak during the procedure and was generally a total ass. When I saw the report he wrote, he called me a "26 year old female with a history of endometriosis." Well, considering the fact I am 36, and have never had endo in my life nor do I have it now, I am sure I had a total quack. Just my luck. The procedure itself feels really weird and the filling up of the dye is really crampy. Once it's done, it's DONE but I'll tell you, for me, it was way worse than I expected. However, I think if I had a competent radiologist I would have been fine because lots of other women have said it's a piece of cake.

Oh, and btw, I asked my OB if my cervix was big and she said, "WHAT? No way , why do you ask that??? ;) "

Good luck to you and try not to worry -- it's done in less than 20 minutes.

[BTB]

I had a sonohysterogram, which is the same procedure, but with differences in 1) material used (saline instead of radiopaque dye) and visualization method (ultrasound instead of xray).

I can't say it wasn't just a coincidence, but I did get pregnant the cycle in which the SHG had been done. Studies do show a slight bump in conceptions up to 3 cycles out from SHGs and HSGs, believed to be stronger when HSG is done because of the dual effect of clearing mucous out of the tube (which both do) and some theorized effect of the HSG dye that leads it to be slightly more effective in this regard.

I took ibuprofen 800 mg (4 pills) 30 minutes before the procedure and felt fine, some cramping on the drive home but nothing worse than AF.

Good luck! :)

[QT Pie]

Thanks for the responses. I was a little confused because the HSG is performed right after my period and I don't think I should be ovulating then. I didn't really understand how conception can occur right after that, but my doctor said some women have.

I am a little nervous. I had my veins dyed once when I had kidney stones and just remember how awful it felt. :(

[graciebella]

Do you know if you are allergic to the dye they used before?


I've had an HSG. My ob said to take 800mg Advil/Tylenol beforehand. My experience wasn't painful, but I have a high pain tolerance.

[angelgirl8]

i think there was a thread about this over here, not too long ago...i'll bump it up for you (does that work here?)

as for increasing fertility, my obgyn said that there is a bit of a "bump" in fertility in the couple of months following an HSG, but that information is purely based on people's stories (no studies or anything). it has something to do with clearing out anything that might be small and stuck in the fallopian tubes, i think.

[angelgirl8]

bump?

[QT Pie]

Thanks again everyone! I feel nervous, but it makes me feel better that I'm not alone. :)

[Soulmate]

I had an HSG in Dec '04/Jan '05 (can't remember exactly when). I have a pretty decent tolerance for pain and it was a little uncomfortable. I think the part that hurt the most was when the dye was going through the fallopian tubes. I could kinda see what was happening on the screen and it seemed like as the dye came out of the tube and into my abdomen is when it felt really crampy. It felt like a mix between a side stich and AF cramps. It also felt weird having the tube inserted into the cervix.

For me, I did not get pregnant after the HSG and I was on clomid as well. Knowing that the HSG increased fertility afterwards made those cycles a complete nightmare. I *swore* I was pregnant those first few cycles and the BFNs were torture.

[Smillow]

I was very nervous & didn't sleep well the night before - got to the radiology dept about 1 hr before my appt and they took me right in!

They had me take off my pants & underwear - left everything on top on & then they had me lay on a big table with a sheet over my special parts. They asked me to put my feet & legs together and bring them (feet) up to my behind and then had me drop my knees (butterfly-like).

Then someone (there were about 5 people in there with me) put a spectulum(sp?) in (the first one was too short - maybe that's our problem cervix is too far away?) and that was actually the most uncomfortable part! Then they put a tube in my cervix - also slightly uncomfortable. I didn't feel the dye going in at AT ALL! It was very quickly over - they had me twist up a little to get a better angle on my left side. Then they took out the tubes - handed me a pantyliner (bring a real pad! There wasn't too much left over but that pantyliner would have been leaking!) and told me to get dressed.

There was some leakage and cramping afterward - because they took me in so early my 600 mg of ibuprofen did not kick in in time. But it was over so quickly - I was quite relieved.

Good luck - I hope yours goes very quickly & painlessly!

[BTB]

my obgyn said that there is a bit of a "bump" in fertility in the couple of months following an HSG, but that information is purely based on people's stories (no studies or anything).

If you want to knock his socks off, share these with him/her: :D

Yun AJ, Lee PY.
Enhanced fertility after diagnostic hysterosalpingography using oil-based contrast agents may be attributable to immunomodulation.
AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2004 Dec;183(6):1725-7.

Schwabe MG, Shapiro SS, Haning RV Jr.
Hysterosalpingography with oil contrast medium enhances fertility in patients with infertility of unknown etiology.
Fertil Steril. 1983 Nov;40(5):604-6.

de Boer AD, Vemer HM, Willemsen WN, Sanders FB.
Oil or aqueous contrast media for hysterosalpingography: a prospective, randomized, clinical study.
Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 1988 May;28(1):65-8.

Letterie GS, Rose GS.
Pregnancy rates after the use of oil-based and water-based contrast media to evaluate tubal patency.
South Med J. 1990 Dec;83(12):1402-3.

Yaegashi N, Kuramoto M, Nakayama C, Nakano M, Hoshiai H.
Pregnancy rates after hysterosalpingography--comparing water soluble contrast medium with oily contrast medium
Nippon Sanka Fujinka Gakkai Zasshi. 1987 Oct;39(10):1812-4.

Rasmussen F, Lindequist S, Larsen C, Justesen P.
Therapeutic effect of hysterosalpingography: oil- versus water-soluble contrast media--a randomized prospective study.
Radiology. 1991 Apr;179(1):75-8.

Goodman SB, Rein MS, Hill JA. Related Articles, Links
Hysterosalpingography contrast media and chromotubation dye inhibit peritoneal lymphocyte and macrophage function in vitro: a potential mechanism for fertility enhancement.
Fertil Steril. 1993 May;59(5):1022-7.

Alper MM, Garner PR, Spence JE, Quarrington AM.
Pregnancy rates after hysterosalpingography with oil- and water-soluble contrast media.
Obstet Gynecol. 1986 Jul;68(1):6-9.

Spring DB, Barkan HE, Pruyn SC. Related Articles, Links
Potential therapeutic effects of contrast materials in hysterosalpingography: a prospective randomized clinical trial. Kaiser Permanente Infertility Work Group.
Radiology. 2000 Jan;214(1):53-7.

Mackey RA, Glass RH, Olson LE, Vaidya R. Related Articles, Links
Pregnancy following hysterosalpingography with oil and water soluble dye.
Fertil Steril. 1971 Aug;22(8):504-7.

Could post dozens, but the point's been made. This has been extensively studied, and current consensus suggests the slight bump in pregnancy rates lasts to 3 months post-procedure and is stronger with oil solution over saline. :)

[angelgirl8]

btb...thanks! i actually didn't mean to say that my obgyn said there weren't studies just that i hadn't seen them! stupid brain and fingers not at all communicating these days!

[Kopper]

Just an update, I got my BFP at 11DPO last Monday. Add me to the list of those who got a BFP immediately following an HSG!

[QT Pie]

You guys are great - thanks for all the stories! My appt is tomorrow and I feel like I'm prepared (mentally) on what to expect now.

Thanks for all the support!

[angelgirl8]

good luck tomorrow!

[BTB]

Not bad at all here - I had an SHG instead of an HSG (sonohysterogram, not hysterosalpingogram; same procedure but with saline instead of radiopaque dye as contrast medium and ultrasound instead of xray as imaging modality) and had only a little cramping on the drive home. Had taken 800 mg ibuprofen beforehand, which likely contributed to my overall comfort. And I also got pg right after my SHG. :D

[cc8]

My HSG experience was horrible - by far the most painful experience I've had in my life. The pain was mostly due to the "prep" part where the doc was, shall we say, pretty rough in inserting the speculum (and BTW, sorry if TMI, but the speculum he used on me was HUGE and I am a tiny woman!).

The actual injection of the dye was easy though and I could see the dye filling and exiting the tube which was a relief. One side was slow to fill so there may have been partial blockage there.

On a positive note, I got PG the cycle after my HSG. I think the HSG somewhat "cleared out" my tubes.

Hope this helps!

[suzfuzsunflower]

Just wanted to give this a *bump*

I am having a HSG done on Tuesday. Any more experiences or advice?

[kat]

I wouldn't even classify my HSG as "slightly" bad - with the exception of some cramping when the catheter went in (which lasted all of five seconds), I didn't have any pain at all. I didn't even mind that much when my doctor had to try again with the catheter and I cramped again. I mean, yeah, it would've been better to have NO cramping, but the cramping wasn't anything terrible (and it was very brief).

I did get pregnant within a couple of months after the HSG (but unfortunately ended in a m/c).

Good luck!!!

[gmb4503]

I have an HSG scheduled for Monday. My dr didn't say anything about asprin beforehand, but he is putting me on antibiotics for 3 days to avoid infection. Anyone else have this?

[CTs_Punkin]

I'm having one next week - so keep these posts coming... I like to be adequately preprared.

Hopefully we'll be the lucky ones who get a BFP following the procedure!!

[jesseybell]

I am having mine tomorrow. I started the antibiotics today - they told me to take them day before, day of and day after. I am going to buy Motrin tonight and take 3 1/2 hour beforehand.

I am very nervous because I've heard such varying stories.

Did anyone's doctor say anything about BDing after? My doctor said not to before, but nothing about after. DH read something about nothing for 2 weeks after which means this cycle is shot (I haven't even temped and I am on CD9). I know fertility is supposed to go up for 3 months after, but I have no clue if that doesn't include the HSG cycle.

I'll be back to let people know how it went.

[Kopper]

My doctor said to BD after as much as possible because of the increased fertility. I ended up getting pregnant the same cycle as my HSG so it worked for me. :)

[jesseybell]

Cool!! We are heading to Florida next week so if I O on Day 23 like last month, then hopefully Florida BDing will do me good :)

[angelgirl8]

i don't remember who asked what (computer screwy!) but here are two things:

1. i wasn't on antibiotics but it doesn't sound strange. i'd ask about taking advil beforehand just so you're sure it's okay.

2. as for BDing afterwards. i was told nothing in the vagina for 48 hours (or was it 24?) but that we should definitely try that month!

[Stephanie]

I'm also having one done soon. I actually go on Thursday, so it is nice to read some other experiences. I think that my doctor is a bit different than others. I got a prescription for antibiotics, painkillers, and Valium! I didn't even ask for anything for pain or nervousness, but, hey, I don't mind being drugged up if it's offered!

[Scooter]

Some Drs prescribe antibiotics as a preventative measure against any infection, so whether or not you get a prescription probably has to do with your Dr's opinion on preventative antibiotics.

You can BD before an HSG if you have not yet O'd. The no BD before rule is because they don't want to risk it in case you O very early and conceived before the HSG.

You can TTC immediately afterwards. There is no reason not to, and actually your fertility is increased in the cycles following the HSG so that's a really good reason to start trying right away! ;)

[jesseybell]

All I can say is I am PISSED off...

After all the time worrying and being nervous for my HSG, I get to the hospital, I sign my waiver, I get undressed (bottoms only) and put on the gown and sit up on the xray machine (this was in a special xray room - there were stirrups and a nice comfy "matress" on the table). The nurse was a doll. Then the radiologist came in. I was glad it was a girl. And she starts on this whole bit about how if my cervix doesn't "pop into the middle of the speculum" when it is inserted that she (well she made it sound like all radiologists) doesn't have the tools or training to move my cervix into the correct place and the HSG would have to be rescheduled.

Low and behold, I didn't "pop" and they couldn't do the procedure! I am beyond pissed. I pretty much think that is was her that wasn't experienced enough because the nurse was saying something to me about them not getting the schedule until that morning (I took that as...we didn't know until this morning that it was scheduled, so we weren't able to make sure an experienced radiologist was on the schedule). A woman was before me and I assume she had the same procedure, but obviously she "popped".

They were very apologetic, but I am going to call my GYNs office tomorrow and give them an earful and to find out how, when I can't call until Day 1 and it has to be scheduled before Day 10 that I can be guaranteed to get in and have a GYN (preferably mine but doesn't need to be) there.

So we are back to this being a normal cycle. I haven't even temped and I am on Day 10. We are going away in a week, so I think we'll just BD like we should. I am going to bring OPKs but probably not my thermometer or the monitor. We are on Cycle 2, we aren't in a HUGE rush....Maybe I'll get pg on my own and then I won't need the HSG!

But at least now I know a little bit more to expect. I think next time I will insist that DH come or I will go on my own. My mom was driving me a little crazy.

I wish everyone well who is having theres in the next week.

[angelgirl8]

jessie...i'm sorry. that totally sucks! i've never heard of such a thing, but i hope you give your gyn's office an earful!

[Stephanie]

I thought that I would update on my experience today. I had a fabulous nurse and doctor and they made it very easy. I wouldn't call the procedure pleasant, but it wasn't that bad. He ended up using a different tool to help dialate my cervix so that the catheter would go in easier, but after that it was just a cramp when the balloon was inflated. The cramp was uncomfortable, but after that I was too busy watching the monitor to pay attention to anything else. My right tube took longer to spill, so I am hoping that something was cleaned out and we can get this show on the road. I ended up with both being open. It was wonderful to have someone explain everything as they are doing it. The radiologist went over the film with me and showed me what they want to see, so I left there with all my questions answered.
I hope that everyone has the chance to have such nice people in the room. They showed me all the instruments and went step by step with everything. The anticipation is so much worse than the actual procedure. I only had the cramp with the balloon and some odd sensations with the dye, but was fine for the rest of the day after that. Good luck to everyone else that is waiting to have this done!

[jesseybell]

I finally got to talk to my doctor. She was pretty pissed at the radiology department. She is going to have the office manager schedule an HSG on December 2nd - my cycle has been about 35 days so this is assuming I get it on Nov 27 (though she was really cute and said that she hoped that I would call not to verify that AF had arrived but to tell her I was pg:) ).

[gmb4503]

Had my HSG today. It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I did have a lot of pain which felt like the worst AF cramps I have ever had! It actually brought tears to my eyes!

The good news is that my tubes are clear :) I am praying that the test helps us along this cycle!!!

[Pookie]

I'm sorry to read about bad HSG experiences. My was a little uncomfortable, but ended in a healthy DS. Good luck to all of you.

[jesseybell]

That is great news gmb4503 - hoping that a little flushing out is all you needed to bring on a BFP in the very near future!

[skb]

Not so fun for me. During the procedure several instances of extreme pain which caused me to break into a cold sweat as the tech grabbed my hand. I proceeded to breathe deeply as I asked, "done?" I typically have high tolerance but between the clamp and the catheter not so fun...and then the dye..... I took 2 Aleve and required a pad for bleeding. 10 hours later still tender.

Edited to add: I remained uncomfortable the 4 days post HSG and continued to take Aleve. By the 4th day I finally stopped spotting and by 1 week I felt good.

[jesseybell]

I am sorry about your experience skb. I am praying for a BFP this month so I can avoid it (I am having it early in our ttc because I was diagnosed with endometriosis at age 19 - 16 years ago). I am a complete wuss when it comes to anything gynecological, but I guess I should get used to it.

[UTChick]

I can't believe I just now found this thread. I have been asking questions all over the place for the last couple of days. I have my HSG in the morning. I am so glad you all were honest about the experience. I am expecting the worst, so hopefully I will be pleasantly surprised. :) I am also hoping this flushes me out and gets us a BFP. My doctor gave me a 3-day Z-pack as a preventative against infection. Hope this thing isn't too bad!

[jesseybell]

I have decided if I do have to have an HSG on December 2nd that I will go to work after (it is at 7:45 in the morning) though if I feel horrible after it I am going to have my DH take me home and I can work from home,but I don't expect to feel bad. It is just during that it doesn't sound like fun.

[UTChick]

I just got home from mine and it wasn't that bad at all. At one point I cramped and had to take a couple of deep breaths, but it only lasted for a few minutes. However, the doctor said that everything looked good to her, so the lack of blockage may have contributed to it not hurting too bad. Afterward I had strong AF-type cramps, but they are gone now. I left the hospital 40 minutes ago and I am fine. I took 2 ibuprofen one hour before and 2 more about 30 minutes before the HSG. If I were working today, it wouldn't be a problem to go back to work.

[CTs_Punkin]

I just got the results from mine. Looks like my left tube "might" be blocked. The dye went up through the tube, but didn't exit out (near the ovaries) like the right one did... so my DR wants me to go to an RE, but DH and I are going to talk about it and see what our next step is.

I think I might try Clomid this month, and then set up an appt in January..

Good luck to those who have one coming up!

[LDS Angel 19]

I'm SO glad I found this thread! I have an HSG scheduled for Friday and have been quite worried about what exactly is going to happen. Now I feel a bit better.

[tigerest]

Question:

I have had an HSG before. I am having a follow up one. My question is they are now telling me it HAS to be on CD 7,8,9, or 10. That’s the only days they will do it on. I don’t remember that from before. Did anyone else have to have it on those specific days only? I was hoping to have it before my period that way if they were open I could go off BCP and try the very next cycle.

Also, if you had the HSG on CD 10, can you still TTC on CD 14? Is that ok?


THANKS!

[angelgirl8]

tigerest...i had to have my HSG anytime from CD6-CD10. presumably to do it after my period but before ovulation. sound it sounds totally normal to me!

i'm not sure about the BCP, but if you do the HSG on CD10, you should be able to ttc by CD14. my radiologist's rule was nothing in the vagina for 48 hours (or maybe even only 24, but i think 48) so you should be fine. good luck!

[Scooter]

Tiger, I asked my Dr about it when I had mine. She said it had to be those days because at that point in the cycle AF is gone and the lining is thin. If it's later on, you'd first of all have to be positive that you're not pregnant, but also it would be much harder to figure out what's going on because the lining builds up so much. So they like to do all the procedures around that time--saline sonogram, hysteroscopy, HSG--because it's easier to see the baseline uterus and therefore compare the results to other baseline uteruses.

And we were told that because fertility increases the next 3-6 mos, it is definitely ok to TTC that same cycle. Your body will absorb the contrast so you don't have to worry about it interferring with conception or implantation.

[tigerest]

Thanks for your replies angelgirl and scooter! I feel better now. The lady was kind of bitchy and wouldnt let me ask questions!

[Niko&Troi]

Just wanted to add that I had an HSG done and got pg with Niko 2 cycles later. I kept telling the dr that it was because of her and the procedure that I got pg.
Good luck to all.

[Asha]

i am getting this test done next cycle. did you all have to give yourself an enema and douche the morning of the test?

[Kopper]

rebjc - No. The only instruction I had was to abstain for 10 days I believe. I'm one of the lucky ones that got pregnant the same cycle as my HSG. :)

Edited because my memory is bad. It wasn't 10 days. Just had to abstain until the HSG so 5 or 6 days I think.

[UTChick]

rebjc~ I did not have to do either before the procedure. Did your doctor tell you that you needed to?


Oh, by the way, apparently we conceived roughly 13-14 days after my HSG - got my BFP on Christmas Eve. Don't know if there is a causal relationship going on there or not, but it sure was a nice surprise! :)

[Asha]

UTChick - what a nice xmas present!!

yes, when i called the clinic they gave me a long list of things i have to do prepare. i just think of "sybil" every time i think of an enema!!

[jodylovesscotty]

I just had my HSG done on February 8th and I didn't have to either of those two. All my doctor told me was to take 800 mg. of Advil or Motrin an hour before I came in. It definitely felt like bad cramps, but only for a few minutes while they were doing the HSG. Afterwards I felt nothing at all. However, I did have some spotting for the next two days.

[Asha]

kopper - they didn't tell me i had to abstain. they just so no unprotected sex from the first day of my cycle until the day of the test.

[Asha]

ok, that's so not fair that i have to do an enema and a douch since none of you ladies had to do that.

[UTChick]

Thanks! It was the best present ever! I don't know what to tell you...I didn't have to do anything to prepare except take some ibuprofen. I wasn't told anything about an enema and I am not exactly a (ahem) regular person. Interesting...

[Kopper]

I was told that they didn't want the possiblity that I could be pregnant at the time of the test. Never mind that I hadn't even ovulated yet but still they didn't want to take any chances.

[UTChick]

I was not told to abstain. In fact, I was told the opposite - to take advantage of being "flushed out."

ETA: I read incorrectly. We were told not to abstain afterward.

[Kopper]

I was not told to abstain. In fact, I was told the opposite - to take advantage of being "flushed out."

Oh yes, I meant before the test. After the test I was told to wait 24 hours (I think) and then take full advantage. We did and now I'm almost 34weeks! :D

[Asha]

hmmm...this test seems worth just for the fact that a lot of you seemed to have good luck afterwards. i guess it would be worth the pain for that.

[Scooter]

That's so strange, I haven't heard of anyone having those instructions before their HSG. I'm trying to figure out why that would even affect the procedure at all. (TMI: They put the dye into your uterus through a cervical catheter, so your intestines or vagina don't really matter to this test.)

I've always heard that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is against douching in general, so it sems even stranger to me that a hospital would tell you to do so when it's completely unecessary. :confused:

[Kopper]

I've always heard that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is against douching in general, so it sems even stranger to me that a hospital would tell you to do so when it's completely unecessary. :confused:

That's what I thought. My gyn said it's better if you never douche at all.

[Asha]

well, they said a warm water douche, so it's not like i am going to be putting soap or deodorants up there. i am going to confirm this again with them when i call on the first day of my cycle to schedule the appt.

[Asha]

i asked my gyn about the douch and enema, and she said that it doesn't sound like an unusual request. she said that there could be things in your colon that could obstruct the view. also, the enema kit said it was a kit specifically in preparation for surgery and radiology treatments.

anways, i go on monday.

[Applebee]

I had my HSG done at the fertility center I go to. It seemed over before I knew it had started! I had absolutely no pain whatsoever -during or after the procedure.

[Asha]

just had mine yesterday. not painful at all for me. it was like a pap smear but just a bit more uncomfortable than one.

[Heidi9771]

Hi Ladies. DH and I are TTC (thought about it for a long time but just recently started). I have a history of endometriosis and will most likely want to get this done sooner than later. Not looking forward to it, but I have a feeling there is blockage. Same deal with my mother (endo.) She coneived me after she had the HCG.

[mayham]

The procedure was pretty uncomfortable for me... a lot of cramping, but it was over pretty quickly, thankfully. Luckily, I got a BFP the 2nd cycle after my HSG (at one year of ttc) so it was worth it!

[MrsR]

Hi Ladies, I have my HSG scheduled for Monday. After my search on the boards about HSGs, one thing I did not see discussed was whether your DH came with you when you had your HSG.

I would definitely want DH to come with me if he could be with me during the procedure. If he can't come in with me then I am not sure if I would make him get up at such a ridiculous hour just to sit in a waiting room while I have it done . . .

[jjsanner]

MrsR, I doubt that DH could be with you during the procedure as it's an xray. Even the techs had to be behind a screen to avoid exposure. I went to mine alone and came back to work afterwards. HTH.

[Asha]

my dh came with me to the appt, but he was not allowed in the room during the procedure. it was helpful emotionally that he drove me to the appt, and it made it a lot better knowing we would go out and have sushi afterwards.

[Scooter]

It was good emotional support to have him with me, but he wasn't allowed in the x-ray room. (Not that he'd probably have wanted to be there, it would have upset him.) Afterwards, I appreciated having him there even more, because I felt so awful there's no way I could have driven myself home. Some people can drive afterwards, but I'd suggest having either DH or another support person come along in case you can't drive after it. Good luck with your HSG!

[LDS Angel 19]

Yup, what the others said. Mine went with me but they didn't let him come into the room. But I really appreciated having him there anyway.

[melissafromnc]

I went by myself and wished I'd had someone else with me. I experienced a fair amount of pain and it was really difficult walking back to my car, much less driving home.

[Lucy Van Pelt]

When I had mine, DH was allowed to come back to the xray area with me, but had to stay behind the screen with the doctor during the actual procedure. My procedure was very painful and I was grateful to have DH close by. They messed up the first one (balloon wouldn't inflate properly) so they had to take everything out and start over. I started to freak out so they let DH come out and calm me down which really helped. Even if they don't let your DH come with you, I strongly suggest you take him with you!!

[tigerest]

I called ahead of time and they told me it was up to the Dr doing it. The first time the DR had no problem and because my tubes were blocked it was pretty painful so I was glad that DH was there to hold my hand. At my second one the DR didnt want to let him in, but after much begging(and crying) they let him in. He just wore a vest for both.

I would suggest even if he can't go in with you to have him there to drive you home.

Good luck!

[Tandis]

Slightly OT, but I think it's interesting that everyone else's Dr., etc., went behind a screen during the procedure, as one would for a normal X-ray. During my HSG, my Dr. stayed right down there between my legs doing the fluid thing, with the lab tech beside me watching the screen (he had it angled so both the Dr., and I could see it), and a nurse holding my hand. It was on one of those X-ray tables, but it wasn't anything like a normal X-ray.

Anyway, to answer the original question, my Mom went with me since DH had to work. I was glad she was there because I was cramping horribly afterwards.

[Asha]

my dr. didn't go behind the screen. she had the radiologist behind the screen snapping the xrays.

[Cath]

DH came with me, and like others said, it was up to the individual Dr. if he was allowed back or not. He came back with me, wore a vest and held my hand (while I tried to squeeze his fingers off). I'm glad he was there because I experience some sharp, temporary pain and he was able to drive me home. the radiologist wasn't behind a screen either, but might have worn a vest.

Good luck.

[Scooter]

It was a couple of years ago, so I don't remember every detail. But for most of it the Dr & tech were right there at mine. The part where we were watching it on the monitor, they were definitely there because he was having me turn & twist & stuff to make sure the contrast was flowing out of the tubes. However, when they found a good angle, they both then left to go in the separate room to take the actual x-ray. That is the part of it that I think made them say no to having my DH come in with me.

[jesseybell]

my mom went with me because it is hard for my DH to get off work. When I got to the hospital I wish he was there because everyone elses DH was there.

long story short I ended up not having the procedure, but I am glad I wasn't alone because I didn't know how i would feel driving home. I've known people who have driven themselves home after, but I wanted the comfort that I didn't need to.

[kathywathy]

My DH went. He just waited in the waiting room though. I didn't think it was necessary, but it was good that he was there just in case.

[kathywathy]

I had mine a month ago, felt like a pap smear.

[Nigellas]

Mine came for my first one and he was able to be in the room and hold my hand- It was great to have him there. My second one he couldn't come so I went alone- That sucked.
:p

[pocahontas]

Well, my HSG was today...this is my second in 6 years. And honestly, I remember my first one 6 years ago to be a tad less painful than this one. Could it be because my body was younger? :confused: Who knows? Anyhoo, it still wasn't as bad as some of the stories I've heard. So I consider myself "blessed". I also came to the realization that many who have horror stories of blood curdling pain also don't experience terrible menstral cramps with AF. Therefore, to them what may seem like a God-awful feeling to me feels as bad as the cramps AF brings me monthly. So I suppose since I have had to live with them most my life and have gotten used to (as much as one can ever get used to pain) them, this HSG pain didn't really make me feel like I was going to die or anything. So I think Bellefior said it best...there really are 2 ends of the spectrum with HSG. Mine probably falls somewhere smack in the middle...definitely not just "no big deal" but then again not the type pain where I'd tear my hair out either. So on the 1-10 rating scale maybe about a 6. (In fact it is now 2.5 hours later and I'm at work feeling fine...cramps subsided about an hour ago, but I will admit for the first hour and a half I just wanted to go home and sleep.) :rolleyes:

[melissafromnc]

Oh bellefior and pocahontas! I'm so sorry to hear about your painful hsgs. Especially bellefiors. That just sounds awful. I'm trying to gear up for hsg #2 in probably a month-6weeks or so (need to have one normal cycle first) and am so not looking forward to it.

[Asha]

why are some people having to have more than one hsg test?

[pocahontas]

Can't speak for everyone, but in my case I had a second one at the request of my RE who said the one I had with an OB/GYN years ago wasn't as current as she would have liked...anything can happen in 6 years. She also said that simply because my tubes were open 6 years ago doesn't mean there may not have been any adhesions...guess that is what she was looking for.

[myangelsvw]

Just had my second HSG done and I have one word. Valium. My first one was quite painful, so this time my RE gave me a script for valium. And oh. my. word. was it better. Still just the tiniest bit crampy, but nothing in comparison.

[Sweetie04]

I had an HSG done a few weeks ago, and it went just fine. There was a stinging when the doctor inserted the thing for the dye, but after that it was fine. The doctor said that people usually have trouble when they push the dye too fast. Afterwards, I had heavy spotting that day and some cramps, then light spotting for a few days. My tubes were open, which I'm sure helped.

[jessied1025]

I am so glad I found this thread!! I need to schedule a HSG once I get AF...right now I am just waiting for her to show. Unfortunately I spot a lot at after I ovulate and never know when exactly CD1 is.

I am nervous about the procedure, because I don't do well with pain. However, DH has said he would come along and drive me home, which it will be nice having someone there.

I will update once I have the procedure done.

[KMarie]

I had an HSG last month. Jessied1025, I was really nervous about it too because I don't do well with pain. But it was surprisingly easy and not very painful at all. Maybe it helps that I'm used to cramps every month with AF, but it really didn't feel any different than moderate menstrual cramps. My tubes were also clear, so maybe that makes it less painful too. I took lots of Advil about an hour before, and I had spotting for a couple days afterwards. I would suggest bringing a pad with you to put on afterwards. They gave me a pantiliner, and that wasn't enough to absorb all the dye that seems to just leak out afterwards. Good luck!

[jessied1025]

Thanks, KMarie. My HSG is scheduled for tomorrow morning and of course I have been getting more and more nervous as the time approaches. DH is going to come with me. I don't know if they will let him in the room or not, but it will be nice to know that he is there.

[jessied1025]

I had my HSG this morning and it went really well and was fairly painless! I was extremely nervous at the beginning actually had a little cry while in the room. But once the doctor explained and did the procedure it was over before I knew. I was lucky and there was no blockage.

I should add that I was able to have DH in the room during the procedure to hold my hand, which help with the nerves.

Now I am just hoping to be one of the lucky ones who is able to get pregnant after the procedure! :)

[craftyT]

In answer to the OP question the HSG for me was a fairly easy procedure - I felt a little pressure with the dye but I was not in any kind of pain. I'd say on a scale of 1 to 10 the cramping or discomfort was a 2.

But if I could add to the discussion - it was discovered my right tube is blocked - no dye entered that tude at all (my left tube is wide open). The radiologist didn't mention any reason why it might be blocked she just said that she would send the results to my OB and I would have to discuss what's next with her. Of course, OB's office is not accepting calls today so I'm on an internet search to answer "what's next?". Is there a procedure that can be done to clear the blockage? Please share your experiences. & if there's a thread that discusses this please point me in the right direction - I wasn't even sure what to search for.

I will say... the HSG was completely worth the anxiety leading up to it and any potential discomfort during (even though mine was minimal) b/c I feel I am getting closer to answers on why it's been so difficult for DH and I to conceive. Although disappointed in the results, at least now I have a potential answer on why it's been so hard and a direction to find out what may need to be done to improve our chances. For me, pain in return for answers was a risk I was totally willing to take.

Thanks for reading and sharing.

[Scooter]

CraftyT, sorry to hear about your tube. :( There are several others around these boards who had one or both tubes blocked. It definitely depends on where the blockage is--with you it sounds like it's at the uterine end of the tube. You're lucky it's at that end, because it *may* be possible for a doctor to attempt to remove the blockage. That procedure is not always successful, but it's something to look into. You really need to see an RE about this, though, instead of your regular OB. The good news is that plenty of people get pregnant with just one tube, so if there is no other problem, on cycles where you ovulate on the left side your chances should be as good as ever. :)

[craftyT]

Scooter - thank you for the encouraging reply. I agree that an RE visit will be our next step. My cycles are very regular but I don't understand the implications one tube has on ovulation and my attempts to track temps and OPKs. I definitely want to do whatever it takes to try to clear the tube, I still don't know what procedure that would be but right now I'm willing to consider anything no matter how invasive it may be. I'm so sad about this news :( Before yesterday I was so hopeful that we just had timing issues or short windows of opportunity - now knowing it's me causing the problem, I feel ... I don't know, just so sad.

[Asha]

craftyt - i was really devestated after i had my hsg too, but it turns out that the radiologist made it sound much worse than it actually was. it turns out that the re found another problem unrelated to the results of the hsg, so i would definitely reccommend going to an re vs an ob/gyn.

[Scooter]

CraftyT, I know, it's really upsetting to get news like this. :( Has your DH been tested yet? If you look at it that you've only really had a chance when you ovulate from the left, it's possible you just haven't had a lot of opportunities to get pregnant. If you're using OPKs & charting, that's all still fine, this doesn't affect that. If you see an RE and go on fertility hormones, it can cause you to ovulate two eggs every month--increasing the chances that you ovulate on the left. And an RE will be monitoring by ultrasound, so you'll know in advance which side the follicles are developing on. As for the procedure, it would most likely be just a hysteroscopy. They would go in through the cervix to the uterus and try to clean the blockage from the tube. You'll have to speak with the RE about whether a laparoscopy would be recommended. That one is more invasive, but the incisions in your abdomen are very small (arthroscopic surgery). There's a thread about those two procedures, if you search. HTH.

[j*east]

I had my HSG today. I took 2 alleve and 2 ativan (an anti-anxiety prescription drug). It went pretty well, some pain but not too bad, and thankfully my tubes are clear and everything looks normal. I've actually been having more cramping in the hours since.

Did anyone receive directions about BDing after? 24 hours? 48? 72? I didn't get any aftercare instructions, and I'm too tired/crampy to research right now.

I'm sure it's been mentioned in this thread already, too, so if no one replies, I will look more carefully tomorrow. Thanks for your help. :)

[j*east]

I had my HSG today. I took 2 alleve and 2 ativan (an anti-anxiety prescription drug). It went pretty well, some pain but not too bad, and thankfully my tubes are clear and everything looks normal. I've actually been having more cramping in the hours since.

Did anyone receive directions about BDing after? 24 hours? 48? 72? I didn't get any aftercare instructions, and I'm too tired/crampy to research right now.

I'm sure it's been mentioned in this thread already, too, so if no one replies, I will look more carefully tomorrow. Thanks for your help. :)

From what I've found online, there are no restrictions if tubes are clear.

Anyone have cramping/stomach pain the day after? Mine's not bad, but as it's been nearly 24 hours I'm starting to get a little worried.

[jajacobsen]

I had an HSG last month. While it wasn't fun, I found it nonprobemmatic. Maybe because I have a pretty high tolerance for pain. After being warned, I arranged to take the day off but actually could have gone to work. So I went Christmas shopping. But I DID play up my discomfort for teh benefit of my husband! hee hee!

J*east - There should be no restrictions as far as BD. However, there also should NOT be pain 24 hours later. Can you call your doctor?

[SweetRed]

Anyone have cramping/stomach pain the day after? Mine's not bad, but as it's been nearly 24 hours I'm starting to get a little worried.

My radiologist told me that some cramping for the day of and the day after my HSG was considered normal. If I wasn't back to 100% normal in all respects by the following day (so two days after), I should call my doctor immediately.

FWIW, I felt fine afterwards but relaxed at home anyway.

[j*east]

My radiologist told me that some cramping for the day of and the day after my HSG was considered normal. If I wasn't back to 100% normal in all respects by the following day (so two days after), I should call my doctor immediately.

FWIW, I felt fine afterwards but relaxed at home anyway.

Thanks, SweetRed. I called my dr. and he said that there was a lot of x-ray dye in there and it was probably irritating my insides. (I had to roll all over, even on my stomach, so they could see as much as possible about how it spilled out, and they put in more dye.) He said that I should call him if I get a fever or sharp pain (no to both) and he would prescribe an antibiotic. I'm still a little sore today, but it's better, and no fever. :)

[Megaloo]

I had my HSG yesterday and it was painful for me for sure. Everything was clear (yay! :D ) but I did spot afterward. I was totally feeling great yesterday afternoon and evening though, but this morning I have been crampy and when I urinate (sorry TMI) I am passing a few little bits of bloody tissue, but certainly not a lot, but just a little bit of blood (brown) when I wipe with some "flakes" of tissue. Did anyone else experience this? Is this normal?

[j*east]

Megaloo, I had a little tissue too, kind of pinkish, just tiny bits. A little weird, but I just assumed that with all the disturbance in there, it's normal.

Just a quick update to say I felt kind of nauseous/crampy (mildly) for about 3 days after, feeling better each day. I got it done Monday and by Friday I was totally fine.

[honeygirl]

I had my HSG yesterday. It didn't hurt as bad as I'd thought, more than my sonohystograms but less than an endometrial biopsy. I took 800mg of Ibuprofin 1 hr before and tried to focus on calm breathing. My DH came with me, sort of last minute and I was glad to have him there (in the waiting room).

The Dr had to re-thread the cath and inflate the balloon 2x, which made it take longer. The test was about 10 minutes I think. I was all clear btw.

I had cramping and a dull ache for the rest of the day and some spotting (blood and some "tissue"). I took the rest of the day off and felt better after a nap. I'm feeling fine today, no pain or cramps.

In case you have to pay out of pocket I found that it would have been $294 if we private paid, but $524 if they billed insurance.

[cr8zyforaf]

bumping up for Heather.

[HeatherFL]

Thanks for bumping this up!

I am doing my HSG on Thursday and my tubes should be blocked because I had an Essure tubal. I'm scared now that this is going be painful and I have a pretty high pain threshold. I have been given a painkiller to take ahead of time and after if I need it. I'm supposed to go out afterward and am hoping this won't mess with my schedule!

If anyone has advice (relax, right? LOL) I'd appreciate it.

~H.

[Asha]

heather - if you know your tubes are blocked, i would suggest maybe altering your plans after you test. i would also arrange for someone to drive you home as you may have some pretty severe cramping. i was going to suggest the painkillers, but it looks like you've got that covered.

[HeatherFL]

Thanks, Asha. Todd is taking me and driving me home. I'll be really bummed if I miss out on our plans because of this. But I'd have to wait another cycle to do it and that would mean taking the Pill another month. So I'll just get it over with on Thursday. Joy.

Thanks again!

[HeatherFL]

Oh yeah, what did your doctor tell you about intercourse? I called and left a message for the nurse, but can I DTD tomorrow or do I have to abstain until after the test? I was given no direction on this. Thanks again!

[LIZNKEITH]

Heather,

My Dr.'s didn't tell me to abstain (before or after test). However, I was pretty uncomfortable so I wouldn't have wanted to anyway.

From what I remember, the ride home was pretty painful. But, by the time we got home it was more just moderate cramping.

[Scooter]

Heather- it depends on when in your cycle the HSG is. Usually it is before cd10, so most people haven't ovulated yet. They often say abstain before the test that cycle because they don't want to risk you being pregnant. So just use your best judgement.

[HeatherFL]

Thanks! I talked to the nurse and I can have sex tomorrow. :)

I'm kind of nervous about this test. UGH, I really hope this will be the only one I have to do! Thanks again, everyone.

~H.

[HeatherFL]

I had my test this morning and it was fine. It hurt for a few seconds when she inserted the tube and I was VERY NERVOUS going into the test. The dye is start to leak out, but I have a pad on for that. It took under 5 minutes and the doctor was sooo nice. There were three people in the room with me, but they wouldn't let Todd in because of the radiation. It was not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. Honestly, I've had more cramping from a pap smear. I feel really lucky. It just was not bad at all.

Thank you all again for sharing your experiences.

~H.

[lissy]

I may need to have this procedure done if my period arrives next month so I'm reading about it as much as I can. This is a very informative thread! I was just wondering for those who had to pay out of pocket, how much did it cost you? I'd like to have an idea of how much we're going to have to budget for this. I saw honeygirl mentioned hers came to $294.00 which is a lot less than I thought I would have to pay! was it around the same amount for everyone else? TIA!

[Scooter]

Lissy, we thought we'd have to pay the whole thing, but as it turned out our insurance decided to cover 50% of it. So we paid $800 and on the bill it showed that the total (procedure, dye, x-rays, dr fee, etc) was $1600.

There is more info in this thread: Costs of various infertility treatments (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9660)

[lissy]

Thanks for the link to that thread Scooter!

[lovebugs2003]

I just had this done on Friday and I was really nervous about it.
It went pretty well, they talked me through it which was great, they kept my mind off of it when they needed to.

It wasn't painful, more uncomfortable. The coolest thing was that I got to see the liquid go through my tubes on the monitor. I saw them slowly filling up. They said I had an inverted uterus but everything else was fine.

I had some mild cramping/discomfort afterward. A little bit of bleeding. But not as bad as I thought.

[honeygirl]

I just wanted to add that I ended up getting pregnant the cycle of my HSG. I ovulated pretty late so it's been a LONG cycle. Maybe there is something to increased fertility after the procedure.

[sea74]

My doctor told me to take 3-4 Advil before I left the house, which I did. The procedure went pretty fast, I think from start to finish about 15 minutes or so?

It wasn't horrible, but it did REALLY HURT when the dye was injected into my uterus. It was like the worst AF cramps ever. OUCH!
It also hurt, but not as intensely, when they inflated the tiny balloon at the end of the cath and it hurt when he had to move my cervix over a little. Even though it wasn't the most pleasant procedure and did really hurt at a few points, I was still able to go right from the hospital to church for Good Friday service and then out to lunch w/DH. I also had a LOT of bleeding after it was done but w/in two hours, it had totally stopped.

[Heidi9771]

Quick question...

How many months had you been TTC when you had your HSG?

Is this something that not many doctors will generally do until after the one year mark?

[j*east]

Heidi--I saw an RE after about 6 months of trying (I'm 32) because I have a history of endometriosis, and I got an HSG soon after. You might want to call and talk to your insurance people. Mine covers diagnosis of fertility but not treatment, and the HSG is diagnosis. Ask if they'll cover it at a certain time--after 6 months of TTC, 12 months, whatever. Mine didn't really have a timeframe, so I was covered. The HSG costs around $1200 or so, so you probably want to have it covered. :)

Good luck!

[sea74]

Heidi: I've only been TTC for 5 months but have a history of wacked out cycles and have been charting since Sept. My doctor doesn't see the value in waiting for a year when there are already issues. He's been my doctor since I was in my early 20s (I'll be 33 in a few days) so he knows my history.

ETA: I was wondering HOW fertility could be increased after the HSG because it's just a diagnostic test so I did some googling and here's what I found. I have some extra hope now for his cycle! :D
How does the oil dye increase fertility?

1) It may effect a mechanical lavage of the tubes, dislodging mucus plugs.
2) It may straighten the tubes and thus break down peritoneal adhesions.
3) It may provide a stimulatory effect for the cilia of the tube.
4) It may improve cervical mucus.
5) The iodine may exert a bacteriostatic effect on the mucous membranes .
6) Ethiodol decreases in vitro phagocytosis by peritoneal macrophages. If the same effect occurs in vive it could decrease macrophage activity and thus aid fertility by inhibiting the release of cytokines and decreasing phagocytosis of sperm.

[Kopper]

6) Ethiodol decreases in vitro phagocytosis by peritoneal macrophages. If the same effect occurs in vive it could decrease macrophage activity and thus aid fertility by inhibiting the release of cytokines and decreasing phagocytosis of sperm.

Huh? Guess you need some medical background to understand this. :D

My ob wanted me to have an HSG after trying for 11 months. Lucky me I got pregnant the cycle I had it done. So it worked for me.

[curlywig]

Looking for some input re HSG. We're on month #7 of TTC #2 (DS born 2 years ago). My OB is happy to order the HSG, but doesn't think it will be too telling since I've had one normal PG.

Any RO's have an HSG after DC#1? Input?

TIA!

[Heidi9771]

Wow...cool info! Thanks Sea!

[dancn226]

Question for those of you who had insurance. Did they cover it, or hwo did that work for you? I have bluecross blueshield, and I called there and they need a procedure code to figure it out and my dr. office is closed. Just carious?

[pocahontas]

I have BC/BS too, Dancn and it was covered.

[j*east]

Question for those of you who had insurance. Did they cover it, or hwo did that work for you? I have bluecross blueshield, and I called there and they need a procedure code to figure it out and my dr. office is closed. Just carious?

It actually depends on what coverage your employer chooses. Ask if your insurance covers diagnostic procedures (mine did)...an HSG is diagnostic. If they don't cover anything fertility related and you want it to be covered, ask your dr to diagnose something else, like PCOS or ovarian cysts (especially if you have those anyway). It doesn't always work, but it's worth asking.

Looking for some input re HSG. We're on month #7 of TTC #2 (DS born 2 years ago). My OB is happy to order the HSG, but doesn't think it will be too telling since I've had one normal PG.

Any RO's have an HSG after DC#1? Input?

TIA!

I am not a RO, but one normal PGcy does not guarantee clear tubes--you could have mucus, an infection, endo, or other kind of blockage since then. I'd do it. Some people who've been TTC for a long time have had repeat HSGs, b/c having clear tubes once doesn't (unfortunately) mean they'll always be clear.

[Scooter]

Looking for some input re HSG. We're on month #7 of TTC #2 (DS born 2 years ago). My OB is happy to order the HSG, but doesn't think it will be too telling since I've had one normal PG.

Any RO's have an HSG after DC#1? Input?

TIA!
Not an RO yet, but my RE is having me do another HSG. (I had one before DD as well.) She said that tubes can get blocked from mucous etc from pregnancy. She also said that the pregnancy (think placenta rubbing on the uterine wall) can cause fine scar tissue to build up, which she compared to cobwebs. She told me that an HSG would not only possibly clear up any tubal blockages, but show that scarring. The treatment for that would then be a hysteroscopy to clear out the scar tissue.

[dancn226]

What do you recommend taking before teh HSG? I have one scheduled for next week, and the dr. told me to take advil or alleve. I do have some vicoden that I had from my car acciden a while back? Does anyone have and recommendations for that? TIA

[curlywig]

Thanks Scooter (didn't get notified of responses to this thread, so sorry for the delay).

Had the HSG on Monday, and I literally don't think I even needed to take any Advil. No pain whatsoever, likely due to the fact that my cervix has been dilated before due to labor/childbirth. One tube took much longer to fill/spill than did the other, but everything seemed clear. So, who knows?

So funny how OBs differ with their opinions (I guess it just really shows how there is something to a "second opinion!"). My OB said that she didn't expect any abnormal results from my HSG due to the fact that I'd had a normal pregnancy/birth 2 years ago. She said the same re DH's SA...basically that since we were able to get PG right away with our DS (first month trying...can you believe it?), that she didn't think there would be anything abnormal with the SA.

So, we just keep plodding along...

[Asha]

So funny how OBs differ with their opinions (I guess it just really shows how there is something to a "second opinion!"). My OB said that she didn't expect any abnormal results from my HSG due to the fact that I'd had a normal pregnancy/birth 2 years ago. She said the same re DH's SA...basically that since we were able to get PG right away with our DS (first month trying...can you believe it?), that she didn't think there would be anything abnormal with the SA.

well, the differences of opinion could be from expertise. scooter's opinion came from an re and your opinion came from ob. ime, there was a world of difference btwn the knowledge of my former ob and my re.

dancn - i don't think anyone here would advise you to take vicodin. i just took extra strength tylonel and i was fine. the amount of pain you would have will depend on whether or not your tubes are blocked. also, people have different pain threshholds. it didn't hurt for me at, but felt a little funny.

[Renrel]

I had a HSG on Monday of this week. Getting the Cathiter in hurt alot. I did not take any advil before hand (I forgot) and I passed on the topical since I have had reactions to some novicaine type meds. The dye part was uncomfortable but bareable, especially since I knew it would be over in less than 3 minutes. Everything looked good. We will see if it effects my fertility. It would be nice to be pg before my RE appointment later this month.

My question is in regard to the aftermath. It is now Thursday and I have continued to have mild cramping on and off for the last few days, though is could be gas rather than uterus related and I am continuing to spot a bit each time I pee. Sometimes I see bits of red tinged stuff, rather than just blood, in the toilet. I am not too worried, I remember being told that spotting was normal but I forget for how long, so I figured I would ask you girls.

[Scooter]

I'm coming back to update. Yesterday I just had my 2nd HSG (first one and the SHG/ saline sonogram were 3 years ago).

The first one was awful and traumatic for me because the catheter was so hard to get through the cervix. The saline sonogram was slightly better, but not great. The dye and the saline themselves both felt about the same to me.

This time, I asked the RE for a prescription of something to soften or dilate my cervix a bit, and she prescribed me misoprostol. It was just one pill that I took the morning of, about 6 hrs before the HSG. And I took 800mg of ibuprofen about an hour before the appt time. The misoprostol made me cramp a LOT and spot heavily--it was just like going into early labor!

An OB did the dye, while a 2nd Dr (a radiologist) did the x-ray part of it. It was still pretty difficult with the catheter, even after having given birth and taken that medication, but it was no worse than a difficult IUI. Painful, but a manageable amount of pain. The cramping when they filled the catheter balloon and injected the dye was really like moderate AF cramps.

I ended up having a mostly blocked tube on the left, so I guess my RE was right in checking whether pregnancy had blocked a tube. :( I am surprised at how much more difficult the recovery from it is this time! I feel incredibly sore still, even 24hrs later and on 600mg ibuprofen. I'm having trouble walking much, lifting things (like my 19lb DD) and standing/sitting/using the bathroom. I called the RE nurse, who told me that this is normal when you have a blocked tube to feel sore for 1-3 days afterwards. She told me if I'm still hurting the same amount 3 days later, to call back.

[off2skl]

WEll, I have an HSG scheduled next Tuesday. Not overly looking forward to it frankly. DH is coming with me because the thought of a needle of lidocaine is freaking me out and I haven't even started thinking about the rest of the procedure. Even better, I also need a sonohystogram (sp??) which I was under the assumption would be done the same day, but in order for my insurance to pay for the procedures they have to be on separate days. So, I get to go back on Friday for that....so the whole week is going to stink. Oh and then there are the 2 appointments this week, one for an ultrasound and one for lab work, which had to be done separately since it's a fasting draw and the only u/s appointments were in the afternoon! It's just all so frustrating.

To be honest, I'm not sure I even want to do this. I think this whole process is depressing me more than the thought of not having kids (that possibility I have already come to terms with).

[JLRenheos]

off2skl I hope all goes well w/all of your upcoming appts., especially with your HSG. I see how it can be frustrating trying to fit all of these appts. in your schedule & everything. I'm going through the same thing currently.


I have my SHG scheduled for Monday 10/1 at the REs office. It's only w/the catheter/saline sol. & w/the u/s, so it should be o.k.. I'm expecting some cramping though. I'm hoping that I *won't* have to have the HSG and/or the hysterscopy 'if' they find something.

question
For those that had the SHG(sonohysterogram -sp?), did you have someone come w/you to your appt.(spouse) or did you go by yourself & drive home yourself as well? What do you recommend??
I'm only working in the morning the day that I have my appt. & I'm taking the rest of the afternoon off thereafter. ~Thanks

[off2skl]

Thanks JLRenheos.

I'm taking my husband to both the HSG and the SHG. The labs and ultrasound I'm doing alone, but I feel I need some moral support for the more invasive procedures,

[Scooter]

off2skl, sorry you're feeling so down and frustrated. The testing process is really difficult and scary and invasive. Hopefully you'll get some good answers at the end of it so you can decide which path to take. What are you getting a shot of lidocaine for, the HSG?


For those that had the SHG(sonohysterogram -sp?), did you have someone come w/you to your appt.(spouse) or did you go by yourself & drive home yourself as well? What do you recommend??

I had someone take me to both. The SHG and HSG are almost the same thing. They have to use the same catheter for either procedure, so that part is the same. And it doesn't seem to matter if it's contrast dye or saline they're using, both cause cramping and possible pain.

The only part that was different really, for me, was that for the SHG I got to be on a regular OB/GYN table where I was reclined instead of lying flat and there were stirrups (unlike on an x-ray table). I can't think of any other parts of it that were really different. Hopefully you won't have to go through the HSG as well, but they're pretty much the same procedure, so prepare yourself as you would for an HSG.

[rubyslippers]

I had my HSG test on Monday. It was unpleasant but not as bad as I thought it would be. I took 600 mg of Motrin 45 minutes prior. My doctor did tell me that it is more painful when there are blockages. I did have DH accompany me.

[JLRenheos]

Thanks for your input ladies. I don't know if DH can make the appt. w/me, but I'll certainly try to see if he come come. I really want him there, especially if we have questions. I don't really want my MIL to go, but it is an option & she does know our current situation.

[Scooter]

JLRenheos, good luck, hope you can find someone to drive you. As for asking questions, unless they're about the procedure itself I wouldn't worry too much about DH being there. They really don't tell you much during the test, besides whether the tubes are open or they see any obvious abnormalities. The RE will have to review the u/s later and then will talk to you about the results--if you two have questions, that's going to be the more important appointment to attend together.

[off2skl]

off2skl, sorry you're feeling so down and frustrated. The testing process is really difficult and scary and invasive. Hopefully you'll get some good answers at the end of it so you can decide which path to take. What are you getting a shot of lidocaine for, the HSG?


Thank you so much for your encouragement. I am so glad that I am not the only one who feels this way (I knew I wouldn't be, but it helps to hear from others too. Yes, the lidocaine is for the HSG. Apparently they inject lido prior to inserting some apparatus (the catheter setup maybe???). But then if they're using the same catheter then I wonder why it's not mentioned in the info for the SHG too???? I'm a little confused. I'll ask prior to him doing it just to see what it's for exactly.

I had the ultrasound today which they were nice enough to move up at the same time as my bloodwork so I didn't have to make 2 separate visits today as originally scheduled. I had been previously diagnosed with PCOS and he says there's some evidence on the ovaries of PCO, but not much (which is a good sign). On the negative he found a small fibroid, but he doesn't think it's a concern (though the SHG will help clarify that I suppose).

[Scooter]

off2skl, that's interesting, I don't think I've ever heard of a lidocaine shot for an HSG. The only thing they do for an HSG is insert a small catheter with a tiny balloon on the end of it through the cervix and into the uterus. Then they blow up the balloon a little so it stays in place and doesn't come back out of the cervix. You then have to scoot into place so they can x-ray your abdomen, and when they start the xray they slowly start to inject a contrast dye through the catheter. Once it's all been injected, they deflate the balloon and take out the catheter--which only takes a second and is painless. (In case that answers your question about the "apparatus" involved.) I'm not sure why lidocaine would be necessary, considering they also insert a catheter for IUIs and you don't take any pain meds at all for that. If you're really nervous & scared about the shot, you could always call the Dr and find out what the reasoning is and what your options are.

[off2skl]

Did anyone actually have DH in the room with them? We're being told we can't (just found THAT out today when my husband went to make his appt for the SA). Something about the "sterile environment" Which to me is a bunch of baloney. A delivery room is also sterile and they can have other people with you . Just wondering what other people's experiences have been. I think I am going to mention this to the doctor though.

[rubyslippers]

My DH was asked to wait outside while they did the test. I asked why and my RE said because of the xray exposure. If he didn't need to be exposed they didn't want him to be.

[JLRenheos]

I had my SHG done today. Everything went well. Not really any discomfort at all, during the catheter and/or saline rinse, just a slight pinch from the speculum. I took my advil like the suggested prior to the appt. & currently now taking the antibiotic they prescribed me to void off any bacteria infections.

[Bee]

I had my HSG today & feel I should report as I checked this post everyday leading up to my appointment cause I was so nervous!! I have to say it wasn't as bad as I imagined it would be. They gave me an antibiotic to start yesterday morning and I took 3 Aleve beforehand.

My husband went with me, but he was not allowed in the room during the x-ray. They explained everything thoroughly and were super nice. At first it just feels like a normal pap. Then they sprayed some numbing stuff (perhaps like the lidocaine mentioned earlier) on my cervix... couldn't really feel that. They put the catheter thing in which I could see on the screen - feels sort of like the swabbing when you get a pap. Then they did the dye release. This was probably the most uncomfortable part for me, but luckily once they do this, you're almost done!! It was over pretty quick & they showed me on the screen how the dye moved through real fast (YAY!!). They called my DH in & reviewed the video a few times & made some print outs for my files.

I had no pain once they were done. I drove home and had planned to lay on the couch for a while, but ended up doing some cleaning. No spotting or cramping either. No Sweat.... I think I could even handle it again if I had to!

Good Luck to everyone going through this... don't be scared! ;)

[off2skl]

Well, I ended up not undergoing the HSG. After them further explaining the procedure I just couldn't bring myself to do it. Yes it would have been a lidocaine INJECTION into my cervix. Why an injection I asked? Because it's faster then topical (um, I'd rather wait a little longer). Then the apparatus that Scooter described with the balloon I was told had small "teeth" that hook into me and then they thread up the catheter . So, I don't know whether to find another doctor (one I was looking at mentions a "soft catheter" for HSG, but who knows what that means). Maybe I'm just not that into this. I don't know what to think anymore.

[Scooter]

off2skl, a 2nd opinion is always helpful. It might just be that hospital--because they told you a lie about a sterile environment already, so you've had several red flags here about your comfort level. With both of my HSGs and my SHG, there was no apparatus, they told me specifically that the balloon was attached to the catheter. (I had a terrible allergic reaction to the 1st HSG and we had to go over everything in detail that had been done.) So they just put the catheter in by itself. If you're not comfortable with what they're doing and you don't feel like you have enough input, either a 2nd opinion could be really helpful or voicing your concerns to your RE to see what he/she suggests. Maybe just getting it done at a different place would make you feel better.

[off2skl]

Thanks scooter! DH and I are just going to take a little time (we have a cruise in January and after that maybe we'll start again with another doctor; this was only my first cycle off of BCP, but with my previous PCOS diagnosis I was starting early).

I actually did talk to the RE and basically told him that I was uncomfortable, and that I didn't have input etc. His response was that he wouldn't go further if I didn't do the procedure (and the SHG on Friday) and that he could refer me to "OBs that will just give you Clomid and not monitor you." So I thoroughly feel that he has the mentality of "I'm the doctor do as I say." So we've already severed ties. I understand that he has the expertise, but it is MY body. I know I wasn't comfortable from the beginning and I can't quite put my finger on it from then, maybe just a gut feeling. I know I just felt like I was another file, not a person. We may just have to go back to an RE I had seen years ago even though he's not on my insurance.

[rubyslippers]

off2skl this process is hard enough without the added anxiety of not having a good relationship with your doctor. I hope you find someone you are more comfortable with who is covered on your insurance plan!

[Scooter]

Ditto--it's SO important to be able to trust your RE and feel they really listen to and respect you. I hope you find someone better than that guy!

[off2skl]

WEll, I'm glad that I wasn't way off base. There's actually only one other RE on my insurance plan. But, I think we'll just go to my previous RE even if he's not on the plan (we have a PPO so at least 70% will be covered after a $400 deductible, but frankly all the insurance will cover is diagnostic anyway for treatment I'd be in the same boat financially no matter where I go).

Thanks again for the replies. I'll be venturing back over to the PCOS board since I'm not really dealing with an HSG at this point and don't want to continue to "hijack" the thread.

[linekelei]

I have some questions for you TTC ladies. I had an HSG today, which revealed that my right fallopian tube was blocked. The doctor said that the he was able to push the dye through and open the tube, blaming the blockage on mucous (he likened it to a stuffed up nose).

Has anyone had this type of blockage? I won't be seeing my RE for at least a few more weeks and I'm wondering what this all means. I've never been pregnant, had pelvic inflammatory disease, and to my knowledge, don't have endometriosis. Just wondering what could cause a mucous blockage-the internet isn't really telling me much.

Also, could one blocked tube really affect my fertility enough that it would be the cause of my inability to get pregnant? I've read that it can take longer if you only have one working fallopian tube, but I'm wondering if that's just a myth.

PS-As for those ladies who are having this procedure done, I took 4 Motrin beforehand. Nothing hurt until the doctor pushed the dye through the blocked tube. I have a high pain tolerance, but it hurt pretty bad. Like the worst stomach cramp I've ever had. It lasted about 10 seconds until the dye was able to flow through the tube. I have some mild cramping tonight, but it's less than my typical AF cramping.

[Scooter]

Linekelei, As far as I'm aware, most blockages are mucous. It's not too unusual for this situation. I'm not entirely sure where the mucous is from, myself, just that it's there! I mentioned it a few posts back in this thread, but we're TTC#2 and my RE wanted me to repeat my HSG recently because she said that pregnancy (among other things) can fill up the tubes with mucous.

I've read that it can take longer if you only have one working fallopian tube, but I'm wondering if that's just a myth.Well, if the tube is filled with fluid that leaks down into the uterus, it can be lethal to an embryo trying to implant. That's one bad thing. If a tube is blocked and you ovulate on that side, you'll have barely any chance that cycle. If the egg can't get into or down the tube and the sperm can't get up, it's kind of hard to get pg! ;) So say you've been TTC for 9 mos, body's been Oing on the blocked side for 6 or 7 of those cycles, you've only really had 2-3 chances of getting pg.

So yeah, it is absolutely true that it can take much longer to get pg that way.

[pocahontas]

I've never been pregnant, had pelvic inflammatory disease, and to my knowledge, don't have endometriosis. Just wondering what could cause a mucous blockage-the internet isn't really telling me much.

Piggybacking on Scooter to add...with endo you could have symptoms or you could have NOTHING telling you that you have it. It took for them to do a laproscopy before I knew for sure (since there is no simple blood test or ultrasound to diagnose it). Also, speaking as one who has also had PID...it causes scarring. I luckily got away with none which is a miracle, but you may have ended up with some scarring as a result and this could be another factor preventing an embryo from implanting.

[linekelei]

pocahontas-I haven't had PID, or anything else that would cause a blockage (to my knowledge), so that's why I was suprised that my tube was blocked.

As for the blockage being mucous, based on my internet research, it seems that there are lots of blockages that are other things-scar tissue, adhesions, etc., that can't be unblocked by an HSG. Mucous blockage seems to be an entirely separate thing, but I was wondering what can cause it. Perhaps my RE can offer up some more answers.

Anyway, for those whose tubes were "unblocked" by the HSG, did you end up getting pregnant on your own?

[pocahontas]

pocahontas-I haven't had PID, or anything else that would cause a blockage (to my knowledge), so that's why I was suprised that my tube was blocked.

As for the blockage being mucous, based on my internet research, it seems that there are lots of blockages that are other things-scar tissue, adhesions, etc., that can't be unblocked by an HSG. Mucous blockage seems to be an entirely separate thing, but I was wondering what can cause it. Perhaps my RE can offer up some more answers.

Anyway, for those whose tubes were "unblocked" by the HSG, did you end up getting pregnant on your own?Oops, read to fast and thought it said you had PID. My fault.

[Memorymist]

I've been a long long time lurker way back to wedding channel and first time poster. I wanted to share my story of my HSG.

We've been trying for about 1.5 years to get pregnant and my family doctor ordered an HSG along with bloodwork for me and SA for my husband.

This test was really painful for me. My husband came along and I had taken some Ibubrofen. It was a lot of preparation time. My family doctor did the procedure. There was an x-ray tech and the radiologist (who did the reading) there and then the doctor's assistant because she was new and he wanted her to watch the procedure (which was absolutely fine with me!).

The only part that was bad was when he inserted the catheter. I actually screamed "stop!" because it hurt too bad. I was close to getting sick but it would've hurt too bad (if you know what I mean). I only remember bits and pieces of the procedure. I didn't feel the dye go in at all. At the end we were happy to find out the everything is okay. They showed me the xray at the end which was really cool.

I would be able to do the procedure again if I had to, but maybe this time with a painkiller.

The cramping afterward was kinda like AF cramping and I bleed like it was the 1st day of AF.

Everyone was so nice to me and helped me through it. :)

[Annette]

Question- Is the HSG something I can get done on my lunch break?

[richgal]

Probably, provided that you have a desk job. Some people experience far more pain than others, though. I've heard it is significantly more painful if you have fully or partially blocked tubes. I was stupid and didn't take any ibuprofen or anything beforehand (well, actually the nurse forgot to tell me to do so). It hurt when they pushed the dye through, and I had mild to moderate cramps for the rest of the day, but I could have returned to work afterwards (I chose to work from home for the rest of the day). I did, however, manage to faint when I got up off the table... :o but I'm not sure if it was completely related to the pain. I was probably nervous as well as dehydrated. Many doctors require you to have someone else present to drive you home. I drove myself home, but waited about 20 minutes to make sure I was recovered from fainting. Had I not fainted, I probably would have left immediately.

[allison]

Annette, I had mine two weeks ago and had almost made myself sick with anticipation. It turned out that my HSG experience wasn't bad at all. The only cramping I had was when the dye was pushed through, but it wasn't bad at all, my cramps during AF are FAR worse. I had very little spotting afterward and felt fine enough to run an errand and go out for lunch with my mom afterward. I only took two advil beforehand and from the moment I was on the table, it took less than 10 minutes. Every experience seems to be different, you could very well possibly go back to work after you have it done, or you might feel the need to lie down.

[Annette]

Thanks for the input. I might just schedule it for after work in case I end up being there more than an hour. I hope the scheduling works out for me since I'm expecting AF Fri/Sat and that Thanksgiving is next week so I am sure these offices are closed.

[Annette]

Was anyone told that if they were still spotting, they had to cancel the HSG? I have mine scheduled for Wed which is CD6. Apparently, CD11 (the monday after thanksgiving)is too late to get it done?? So they told me I would have to reschedule for next month if I'm still spotting. They didn't say how much spotting. Anyone know? I'll be really mad if I need to reschedule cause next month based on my luck Christmas would conflict with my right cycle days.

[rubyslippers]

I did mine on CD 6 as well. I was told if I was spotting I was ok but that if it was anthing more I would need to reschedule. My RE performed the test and I saw him earlier in the day for a vaginal ultrasound. He gave me the go ahead after that and mentioned that my level of spotting was ok.

[RainGirl]

As a long time lurker who has gained so much insight from others experiences, I thought I would stop by to relay my HSG experience. We've been trying for 2.5 years with one missed miscarriage and a D&C in Sept. 2006. My hubby has had his SA which came back within normal ranges.

I went in today on CD9. I had read a few posts in this thread, but honestly at times I would get so worked up with worry reading about it that I wasn't able to read all the posts. Anyhow, I tried to keep a few things in mind today to ease the stress and put everything in perspective.

1) Any pain will be short lived
2) Gaining information is more important than the fear
3) If this will help us get our baby than it is worth it

I took three ibuprofen about an hour before going in. I will say that it is not the most pleasant experience and is definitly uncomfortable with bouts of more tense cramping, but really only over the span of about 10 minutes. I found the video monitor showing what was happening to be very interesting and a welcome distraction. I could see the dye travel through my right tube immediately. The left tube was spasming so took a little more effort but eventually that worked as well. Good news for us that both my tubes are in great shape, bad news being we still don't know what the problem is. Overall I'm relieved to have answers and it was a much more positive experience than I anticipated.

[starxed]

I wish I had seen this BEFORE I had my HSG.

I'll share my experience even though it seems that a lot of women have also had this test and shared...

The reason I had the HSG is because I had a MC at 9 weeks and a suspected bicorbinate uterus. I did not take ANYTHING prior to my HSG although I wish I would have. The procedure was incredibly painful for me. I also screamed outloud from it (and I have a pretty high pain threshold). It seems that the catheter insertion itself hurt more than the pushing of the dye. The radiologist noted that it took a second to push the dye through and that she thought I may have had a blockage, but I thought that was a little strange because that was not what I had the test done for so maybe she just said that because of the pain?

About the pad, I was happy they gave me the huge one because I had a great deal of dye leaking out afterwards (more than a pantyliner would handle). I would, however, recommend bringing some Cottonelle type wipes for yourself if you can. The dye dripped down my legs when I stood up afterwards and it wasn't too fun trying to clean myself in the bathroom with papertowels and hand soap!

I was fine with some extra strength Motrin as the pain felt like a dull ache in my abdomen. The best part was is that I found out my uterus is not bicorbonate!

[ktnkids]

question for anyone out there--I have a HSG scheduled for tomorrow and it's day 5 of my cycle. AF still flowing to some extent. Don't I have to be done bleeding to have this done?
TIA

[sea74]

I know my doctor said it should be in the middle of your cycle and NO bleeding. I don't think they get a clear look at what's going on and the leftover blood can throw things off.

I'd call your doctor tomorrow morning before and let him know what's going on. He may think it's okay. Either way, good luck!

[akacharlotte]

I have to call tomorrow to schedule my airsonohysterogram for later this week. I'll probably schedule for Friday which will be CD7 and my average menses last 5 days. I'm nervous and excited. Nervous because I'm a big sissy when it comes to pain. :o Excited because I just want to know if there are any blockages or whatnot to explain our lack of success. I have to be honest, I stopped reading the posts so as not to freak myself out too much about the procedure. :)

[starxed]

aka- Good luck with your test! I know I was both excited and nervous when I had my HSG.

[ktnkids]

Mine ended up getting rescheduled for this wed-CD 11.
AKA-I feel the same way-nervous but a little excited to hopefully get some answers. I just hope it's not the same "everything looks fine" that I usually get. Obviously something's not fine if we've been TTC for 18 months w/ no success but all tests so far come back within normal limits.

[akacharlotte]

starxed-Thank you!

ktnkids-GL to you. My fear is that we are going to be the couple with unexplained fertility. On one hand you don't want there to be anything wrong but on the other you kind of hope they find something that is fixable.

[ktnkids]

aka-how did yours go? Did you find anything out?

Mine went fine-no blockages and since i took 600 motrin before there was very little cramping. Now I've been spotting since Fri (HSG done on cd11-wed) and it's almost start of AF red instead of the dark stuff I expected. Now I'm just frustrated b/c there's really no explaining all of this.

[akacharlotte]

It went well thank you for asking ktnkids. The procedure wasn't bad. Mildy uncomfortable at times and very mild cramping during the actual insertion of the air followed by the saline. The most uncomfortable part for me was during the vaginal U/S. I had some gas blocking the view of my right ovary so she had to poke and prod a bit to move the gas bubble out of the way. The 2nd uncomfortable experience was the actual cleaning of my cervix with the cotton. It just felt really weird to me.

Anyway both of my tubes are wide open which is good news. The water shot straight through so that is a relief. However, they found a polyp at the top of my uterine cavity which is troublesome in that an embryo could attach to the polyp instead of my uterus therefore not receiving any nutrition and resulting in a m/c. The weird thing is this usually causes abnormal bleeding during a cycle but I don't have mid cycle spotting or even spotting before AF. The doctor that did the procedure mentioned a D&C to remove the polyp. I'll find out more from our RE tomorrow.

ktnkids-Your bleeding is perplexing. Perhaps the HSG loosened up some excess tissue that is now coming out? I don't know. I hope you stop bleeding soon or at least can get an explanation from your doctor.

[NotDesperate]

Now I've been spotting since Fri (HSG done on cd11-wed) and it's almost start of AF red instead of the dark stuff I expected.


I had an HSG on Thursday afternoon and I didn't spot at all. I woke up this morning, Saturday, to some spotting and now have some more this afternoon. Could it be from the HSG? I also had the hysterscopy on Wedneday and then an internal sono on Tuesday as well so it wasn't a fun week. I thought that if I was going to spot, it would be right after the procedures not a couple days later.... I'm kinda worried and annoyed...


BTW, just to share my experience with the HSG- it went fine. Hurt a little during it but no cramping at all afterward (I took Advil an hour before). Also, my tubes were not blocked at all.

[ktnkids]

Sounds like things were clear for all of us-hopefully we'll have more luck in the near future.

NotDesperate-I spotted for a week starting 2 days after the HSG. Not sure what that was all about but it stopped after a while.

[NotDesperate]

KtnKids, thanks for sharing your experience. That is weird that both our spotting started 2 days later. Mine started on Sat morning and ended Sun night- I think my body was just trying to ruin my weekend for me punishing it all week with fertility testing, lol. :D

[Susan1027]

I had an HSG done last week, and I just got a call from my doctor wanting me to come in to discuss the results. They wouldn't tell me anything over the phone. I have to wait a week for my appointment, and naturally I am freaking out about what they may or may not have found. Did any of you get similar calls, and have everything turn out to be fine? After the procedure I asked the radiologist how everything looked, but he never responded, and I didn't push him for results, so I really have no idea how it turned out one way or the other.

Incidentally, the procedure was completely painless, and I didn't even know they had inserted the catheter until they told me to turn to the side.

[laura]

I'm sorry you are freaked out, I would be also. I did not receive a similar call. Were you not able to see the screen during your procedure? I watched mine so I had a pretty good idea of what was what before they told me it all looked good.

[ktnkids]

I watched mine too so I could tell and they pointed out all structures to me.
Good Luck!

[NotDesperate]

Susan, I would be freaked out too. I watched the screen during mine as well so I could see that the dye shot straight through and then they explained what I was looking at and that everything did exactly what it was supposed to do. I'll be thinking of you and hoping it is nothing! Good luck. BTW, I would think that if it didn't hurt then things are fine. Most people who have pain have blockages, I thought at least.

[Susan1027]

Thanks for your replies. I'm still freaking out. I think it is going to be a very long nine days. ;) They had the monitor turned so that I really couldn't see it. I got a pretty good look at my uterus, but I couldn't see the tubes. I don't know if that means that dye didn't make it that far, or if I was just looking at a really bad angle. Thanks for the support and I'll let you know what i find out next Friday.

[Scooter]

If you didn't have any pain, that's a good sign. Blocked tubes often cause quite a bit of pain.

Is your doctor an ob/gyn or an RE? If it's an ob I'm guessing the meeting is also to discuss what comes next--a referral to an RE. If it's an RE the appt could be to go over all your testing results and plan the next step. It doesn't necessarily mean anything bad! After my last HSG the RE had me