hsg - what to expect?

[Sinead]

Well, I have my appointment for my hsg next week (day after dh's sperm test). I know what they do, but has anyone had one? And what's it like?

I don't expect it to be the most pleasant of experiences, just want some advice I think

Cheers

 

[maz]

Hi Sinead

I had my HSG done in January, and I was shitting myself. It isn't a pleasant experience but it's not that bad either. I was led to believe it was excruciating but for me it felt more like a mild to moderate period cramp. I hate people looking at my bits and tense up which certainly didn't help. I was able to see the screen while they were doing it too, which helped to take my mind off it.

Check with your hospital before you go, as they may give you painkillers and muscle relaxants when you get there. If they don't ask what you can take before you go. I had to get there an hour early, so they could administer the medication. I took my DH with me too, as I was quite emotional and a little crampy afterwards - plus it meant he had to buy me my lunch on the way home too.

Good luck for next week. I'm sure you'll be fine, and I hope you get some answers.

 

[Helen_26]

I had my HSG in August and it wasn't the most pleasant of experiences, but at the same time wasn't as bad as I expected. It was uncomfortable for the majority, but the only real pain I had was when they were putting the dye in (like really bad period pains) because it goes in at high pressure.
I wasn't offered any pain medication, but I took some myself straight after. I had some cramping for a couple of days after, but not too bad.
Make sure you take a sanitary towel with you for afterwards because what goes in has to come out.
I'm sure you will be fine hun. Best of luck

 

[DaisyDuke]

Thanks for asking this, i'm having mine in the next few weeks and i'm so scared. What actually happens, all i know is they put dye in u?

 

[DaisyDuke]

Where u girls on ur own for it? DH says he will come with, but wait outside?

 

[Tory123]

Hi

Had HSG in June it was ok and just a sharpe bit of pain for me at the end. It was over and done with so quickly that I would not worry too much about it. My DH and Mum waited for me in the waiting room and yes I made him take me out to lunch afterwards.

 

[maz]

My DH came into the x-ray room with me. He had to put one of those big heavy lead gowns on to protect his meat and two veg, and then he held my hand and watched the tv screen.

I don't know if this was standard practice or because I broke down in tears before I went in

xx

 

[maz]

Thanks for asking this, i'm having mine in the next few weeks and i'm so scared. What actually happens, all i know is they put dye in u?

They use a specula like the ones used in smears, except its glass i think. They then insert a small balloon to open the cervix wide enough to get a catheter in to be able to get the dye into your uterus and hopefully flush through your tubes and spill out into the abdominal cavity at the ovaries.

It sounds awful, but it isn't that bad. I found some photo images of various different results on the internet, which gives you an idea of what 'normal' is, should you have the chance to look at the tv screen.

 

[DaisyDuke]

I'm so scared girls, does the balloon to open ur cervix? I'm not suprised u cried, i feel so very sorry for myself, i don't think it's fair we should have to go thro any of this, why cant we just just get pregnant on our own

 

[maz]

The balloon is tiny - honestly. The only reason I was crying beforehand was because I was shitting myself. One of my friends had had it done a couple of months earlier and she described is as excruciating - so I got myself all worked up. What I couldn't work out is why if it was so excruciating would we not be put under anaesthetic?

As it happens, it's not excruciating it's just uncomfortable - for me it was like moderate period cramps. Try not to worry about it - you'll get through it. I think the legs akimbo is the worst bit - - that and when they have a light shining up your innards!!

 

[Helen_26]

My husband came in with me, but had to wear a hevy jacket as protection from the xray. It helps to have some one with you so you can squeeze their hand if you feel uncomfortable or a bit of pain.
It really wasn't as bad as I was expecting and it doesnt take too long.

 

[DaisyDuke]

Thanks girls, and sorry Sinead for taking over ur thread. Please let me know how u get on hun, good luck. XXX

 

[JASMAK]

I would take something (Tylenol and Advil) before you go. Mine was pretty painful, but once it is over...it's done.

 

[hayz1981]

Hey, for me I did find one part of it really painful - like sharp pain right inside me which made me cry. But having said that, it wasn't for very long AT ALL - it's just that I found that part unbearable and at the time had no idea how long it would go on for. But that awful pain was over after not very long - less than a minute and then it started to ease off - other than that it was just uncomfortable rather than really painful. (and not everyone seems to get that horrendous pain so fingers crossed you wont). I was then just a bit tender afterwards for a few hours.

My OH came with me and waited just outside. The nurse who was with me was really lovely, held my hand and made me laugh and put me at ease.

Good luck xxx

 

[Sinead]

Don't worry about taking over the thread Daisy, its good to know other people have the same worries and concerns.

I just keeping thinking once this is over then we will hopefully have some answers. My dh can't get the day off work, so my sister is coming with me. Might get her to take me out for lunch!!!! Doubt she will be coming in with me as she is 7 weeks pregnant, although she does keep threatening to.

Maz - like the way you describe the legs akimbo and the light on your lady-bits!!!!!!

Daisy - where you up to with all your treatment/appointments? I have this and then my next appointment with the specialist will be 12th November (I thought it was the 23rd originally) and hopefully we will find out what happens next

 

[DaisyDuke]

I'm seeing the FS again on the 21st November then if my tubes r clear, i'll start clomid, which means i'll get a whole cycle on clomid in before christmas . Seems like were at the same point hun.

 

[Millnsy]

Hey, for me I did find one part of it really painful - like sharp pain right inside me which made me cry. But having said that, it wasn't for very long AT ALL - it's just that I found that part unbearable and at the time had no idea how long it would go on for. But that awful pain was over after not very long - less than a minute and then it started to ease off - other than that it was just uncomfortable rather than really painful. (and not everyone seems to get that horrendous pain so fingers crossed you wont). I was then just a bit tender afterwards for a few hours.

My OH came with me and waited just outside. The nurse who was with me was really lovely, held my hand and made me laugh and put me at ease.

Good luck xxx

I was the same as Hazy. REally sharp pain which was a lot worse than I expected but it didn't last long. I think it was just the shock that made me cry! The fertility nurse was with me and I know her form our other appointments so she put me at ease. The most frustrating thing is that it was inconclusive on one side so I have to go for a lap and dye which is a general anaesthetic and another month without trying for a baby...

Good luck

 

[Sinead]

Millnsy - I hope you get some answers soon

Daisy - yeah I think at the original appointment they mention clomid (although did give it a medical name), but don't understand that if I'm ov-ing ok, why would I need it. Just gonna wait and see what they say at the next appointment.
Hope clomid give you an extra special Christmas present xxx

 

[DaisyDuke]

Well i ovualte to, the FS explained they use clomid in unexplained infertiltiy to make the eggs better quality. The other reason for using them on my is to sort my LP out. XXX

 

[someday]

i had hsg in feb. i was really upset having it as i was concerned what they would find and a bit emotional about the whole situation really. the procedure was uncomfortable but the pain (like period pain) was unbareable too. ive never had p pain like it. the doctor doing it was lovely and there were a coupld of nurses around too. dh had to stay outside once they were ready to do it. didnt offer him cover to stay in!