Hysterosalpingogram Test (HSG)-- advice? what to expect?

[Punkie]

Hi Ladies,

I saw a specialist a couple of weeks ago because I wasn't sure about the approach that my regular gyn/obgyn was taking to help me with fertility. This is my 6th month on clomid or some other type of fertility drug. My day 21 tests show that I'm ovulating with the meds. The specialist said that my next step should be an HSG test. I'm starting to spot and cramp this month so I know AF will be here any day and I need to schedule this test, but I'm a little nervous.

Does anyone have any advice or anything they'd like to share if they had this done? I guess what I'm the most nervous about is the results because he said if this test comes back all good, my next step may be IUI.

Thanks ladies!

 

[sunnydee]

I had this test done the cycle that I finally conceived. It was pretty uncomfortable but not as scary as I was expecting. The results were all clear for me but I believe that this test was the reason I finally got pregnant after a year and a half ttc! Ive heard alot of success stories of people getting pregnant straight after getting the hsg! Good luck!

 

[Punkie]

I guess I'm a little nervous that they may get in there and find something else :/ But that is great news!! Thank you so much!

 

[LoarBaby1915]

I had this test done in May and it was my second time. I wanted to get my tubes reversed and this is one way the drs check to see how much tube you have close to the uterus in order to determine if the reversal would be a success. The first time around was easy I took 800 mgs of ibuprofen an hr before the test like the Dr told me too and the hsg was a little uncomfortable but nothing serious. You get to see the whole image while it's being done so that keeps your mind off of things. But I have to say since my tubal reversal the last HSG I had was horrible. They put a balloon in your cervix to make sure the dye doesn't leak before they administer it. My tech pumped up the balloon really fast and I immediately was cramping. When he started to administer the dye he pushed too hard and too fast. It felt like a days worth of cramping all in a matter of 10 mins. My results came back with my tubes blocked but my RE is wanting me to schedule another one after I told him how bad the experience was, because cramping during an HSG can show tubal blockage when there isn't one. Best advice I can give you is to take ibuprofen or whatever they tell you too and don't be afraid to tell the tech to go as slow as he/she can and speak up if you start cramping. They can always slow down the administration of the dye. If your tubes are blocked you may feel more pressure and cramping then others. Hope all goes well and that the results show spillage from both tubes. Good Luck.

 

[mnelson815]

Hey Punkie,

I actually just got this test done last Friday. I have to say that I had read some horror stories as well, but I thought the test was super easy! The doctor I had doing it was super relaxing and made me feel really comfortable about that whole thing.
I took two advil about an hour before and I honestly couldn't tell that they had started until I was looking at the screen and seeing the dye fill.
I also was so concerned that something was wrong and that my tubes would be blocked but when I saw it all spilling out I was so excited! So I really recommend doing it, especially because they let you know the results right then and there.
I also have a septum in my uterus, which I thought would cause this test to be way more painful and have more cramping, but I really only got a tiny amount near the end when it was pretty full of dye and honestly, did not even compare to menstrual cramps.
I would say the part that was the most "painful" or uncomfortable was the speculum, that is how well mine went. So here is hoping yours goes just as well! I really wouldn't stress too much about it.
I was also told by my RE about how fertile you are after the exam. It helps because things like mucus and debris can sit in the Fallopian tubes over time and the dye will push that all out so the egg has a much cleaner space to travel down in and fertilize in. I can not tell you how many stories I have heard of women finally conceiving on their HSG cycle. However since we are currently not TTC til November, I hope the increased fertility lasts that long. I heard the best chances are up to three months after the test.

Good luck!

 

[Weebles]

I just had one last week. I took 1200mg of ibprofin before. My tubes were blocked but my dr was able to unblock them. If I ever had to have one again I wouldn't do it unless I had Valium and fentanyl so that's my advice. The HSG did not effect my ovulation and I'm hoping that clearing my tubes out will do the trick.