Hi Chloe,
Had my first IUI this morning - i would call it uncomfortable rather than painful - a bit like a smear test but takes a bit longer (or it did for me as i didn't have a full enough bladder so my womb was at a funny angle apparently. Would have helped if i'd known i was supposed to have a full bladder beforehand!). I had an HSG last year and found that very painful, like the world's worst period pain. So no, i would say that IUI is not anything like as painful as the HSG although everyone is different!
and so the 2WW begins.....
Cath
Hi Chloe - I too found the HSG really painful, I can happily tell you my experience with IUI was completely different - like the others say, like a smear test although not even as bad as they do don't do the 'scrape'. I didn't feel the catheter being inserted or anything. I've only had it once and hoping to have round 2 next week, so FX'd it will be as easy!