Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

HSG

Question:

I am having the HSG procedure done tomorrow.  I do not handle pain well and am a mixture of nervous and excited about what could come of this procedure. Could anyone offer some insight?  Was the outcome positive/negative?  Is it painful?  What can I expect? Thanks for the help.

Response:

Before I had my HSG done a month ago I heard a lot of negativity.  Well I’m happy to say that that wasn’t the case for me.  As far as I know, as long as everything is clear & open, there will only be a cramping feeling for like 15 sec.  If it is blocked then that can be a  painful because the die has no where to go. The best advice I can give is stay calm & relaxed. Also, make sure your doc gave you antibiotics to take the day b/4, the day of & the day after.  Also take a few advil or motrin a 1/2 hr b/4 you go. Good Luck +++thoughts to all

Response:

I am having the HSG procedure done tomorrow.  I do not handle pain well and am a mixture of nervous and excited about what could come of this procedure. Could anyone offer some insight?  Was the outcome positive/negative?  Is it painful?  What can I expect? Thanks for the help.

I had mine yesterday.  I still have cramps tonight, but the dye dripping has stopped.  It’s more nerve-wrecking than painful.  My doctor came to the hospital to do it.  He said he wants to see the scan himself–that it’s like looking at a video versus a photograph.  They’ll see if your tubes are open and spilling out the dye.  The technician said sometimes it clears "cobwebs" and women can get pregnant a few months after it.  Good Luck.

Response:

 WOW That’s so nice your doctor came to the hospital to do the test himself.  I wish mine had come to do it himself!  He goes home at 11AM on Fridays (the day I had test at 1PM)…..must be nice to send your patient away to another dr. so that you can have a nice long weekend with all my money!!    :) Kerry

Response:

i had my HSG done on day 11 the main concern is that its done after bleeding is stopped and before ovulation occurs

Response:

Hi to everyone, I am supposed to be having an HSG between day 7 and 10 of my period.  These days fall on a day when my OB/GYN will not be in the office.  Is it still okay to have the hsg on day 11?  What is the reason for having it done on specific days? I would appreciate any comments? Peace. T

My ob/gyn was not involved in my HSG at all.  He referred me to a radiology lab and the radiologist did it.  The purpose of timing it days 7-10 is to have it after the menstrual flow has ended and before ovulation has occurred so that it doesn’t reduce your chances for getting pregnant.  If you have been charting your temps for a few months, you can probably tell if you ovulate on the early or late side of day 14, which is the average.  If you do ovulate on the early side, you might ask about a referral to a radiologist. Leigh in raLeigh

Response:

Can someone tell me what else the HSG exam looks for apart from open

tubes? Abnormal uterine cavity, abnormal size, interior adhesions, some fibroids and peritubal adhesions (the dye pools just past the tube outlets).  Did I miss something? Also, many of you have said (actually written) that an HSG improves your chances of getting pregnant because if the tubes were a little blocked, the dye flushes them out but if your tubes are already clear, does that also apply? ie. can the dye clean them even more?

Supposedly an HSG flushes out menstrual debris (everyone has some retrograde menstruation, i.e. backflow into tubes).  A certain type of dye, Ethiodol, is supposed to be the best dye for improving fertility for the next few cycles.  It is oil-based.  Water based dyes supposedly do not help quite as much. Does the HSG affect the timing of your period? ie. can it delay it or make it come early?

Stress can do delay ovulation, so I am guessing that so could an HSG. However I think that is pretty uncommon.  Lots of women go on to get pregnant in the selfsame cycle. ( assuming you have a pretty regular cycle). I’m expecting my period on Tuesday but this cycle, I don’t have the cramps that I usually have, so I think that this month will not be the one.

You never know!  GL. Beth

Response:

Can someone tell me what else the HSG exam looks for apart from open tubes? I’ve read something about uterine lining but I don’t get it. Also, many of you have said (actually written) that an HSG improves your chances of getting pregnant because if the tubes were a little blocked, the dye flushes them out but if your tubes are already clear, does that also apply? ie. can the dye clean them even more? Does the HSG affect the timing of your period? ie. can it delay it or make it come early? ( assuming you have a pretty regular cycle). I’m expecting my period on Tuesday but this cycle, I don’t have the cramps that I usually have, so I think that this month will not be the one. Thanks and best wishes to all, Angie

Response:

I’m supposed to go in for HSG on Monday.  How bad is it?  I’ve heard everything from slightly uncomfortable to intensely painful.  So, should I just take a couple of Advil like my OB/GYN advised or consider taking something stronger and get someone to drive me? Thanks in advance.

Response:

I’m supposed to go in for HSG on Monday.  How bad is it?  I’ve heard everything from slightly uncomfortable to intensely painful.  So, should I just take a couple of Advil like my OB/GYN advised or consider taking something stronger and get someone to drive me? Thanks in advance.

Gilda, I "took something stronger", and had my DH drive me.  I don’t have a particulary high pain threshold, but I was embarrassed by the amount of fuss I made before this procedure.  Take the Advil, you’ll feel more comfortable doing something proactive, but my experiences with the HSG weren’t bad at all. Rachel

Response:

Hi Gilda: My name is Kanthi. This is my home account and it is in my husband’s name. I went through HSG two weeks ago. It was a moderately painful experience for me. I took two 800mg Motrin IB, one on the previous night and the other on the morning of the day of the prodecure. I also took one antibiotic tablet each with the Motrin IB, to prevent any infection due to the dye. Soon after the prodecure I took one more Motrin and all the pain went away in about 20 minutes. The most painful part for me was the insertion of the speculum. They couldn’t do it properly so they repeated it three times. I also had a pinching sensation and severe cramping when the dye was injected. I wish I had taken one more tablet just one hour before the procedure, like many in this newsgroup had suggested, but I was advised by the nurse that that wasn’t necessary. Hope this helps. Kanthi

Response:

Take motrin or advil before you go!!! it will help alot Kim

Response:

Basically Beth, the procedure is not all that difficult for most.  I had it done, and will honestly say, I had a lot of discomfort durring the procedure, and some cramping for a few hours afterwards.  Some women say they felt absolutely nothing. Much like a regular ob/gyn visit, you lay on the table with your feet in the stirrups.  The Dr. will insert a speculum into your vagina, to open it up. They insert a catheter through your cervix, and into your uterus.  The catheter is placed at the opening of your fallopian tubes, and they blow dye into your tubes through the catheter. In doing this thay are looking to see the dye flow easily out of your tubes making sure there is’nt a blockage.  I believe they can also tell the condition of your uterus, as your reproductive organs can be seen on a screen. They ask you to turn this way, and that way and to breath and not breath, while they are taking the xrays. For me, the discomfort was mainly the pressure of the dye being shot through my tubes, but there was a pinching like feeling as the catheter was inserted. I advise, you take a few advil or motrin about an hour before the procedure.  I forgot, until only moments before the test, and by then it was really too late.  It did help with the after cramping though. Also some women say they have had spotting afterwards.  This did not happen to me, but it is not unusual. The good news, is that the test is over pretty quickly.  I was out of there in 15 min. I hope it goes well for you!  Feel free to e-mail if you have any other questions. Michelle

Response:

Hi having had PCOS ruled out, to the extent that I have it, but am ovulating, my Dr has now arranged for an HSG.  As she did so she warned me that it was painful and asked whether I really want to go ahead with it.  As I am hoping to go ahead with the pain of childbirth at some stage I had no hesitation in saying yes.   But, she didn’t explain what it is, other than X-ray. Can someone please tell me what to expect? Thanks Van

Response:

You mentioned in your closing that you had 3 ectopics.  I was wondering if any had occured after the HSG?  Thank you for your advice.  Thanks also to all who replied to my questions. Susan   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Susan, I had an HSG done in March of 98, which was probably the worst pain I’ve ever felt, and my results were that I had adhesions on my tube and ovary, had a lap in April to remove the adhesions.  I just had another HSG today to make sure everything was still ok and clear, and felt no pain whatsoever, only very slight cramping. So, I guess it just varies. I hope that all goes well for you if you have one! Erin in Va 2 m/c 3 ectopics 2 lap 2 hsg

Response:

<<I HAD A HSG AND IT WAS THE MOST PAINFUL THING I HAVE EVER EXPERIENCE. I CRIED…..IT FELT LIKE SOME ONE HAD A HOLD ON MY UTERUS AND WAS SQUEEZING IT . THAT WAS BECAUSE THEY PUT A CLAMP-LIKE THING ON THE CERVIX…. I am sorry your HSG was so terrible.  To provide some balance to this thread, my HSG was totally painless…was easier than a pap or exam!  My clinic doesn’t use a clamp, but uses some new balloon device thing…they say that’s why it was painless…no clamping.  Also, my tubes were clear.  Some say it hurts more if there are blockages.  Good luck! -Kay

Response:

hi susan   trust me it is not painful,  here is what you should do,  when they start to clamp onto your cervix just breath easy and blow out alot , that doesnt really hurt only for a quick second,  when they shoot the dye in you , relax as much as you can    you will feel cramping, its normal  it goes away in 5 minutes, trust me ….   just a little note  i had a h.s.g. in 1996 and it was done wrong i didnt no it until 7/10/98 after i had a miscarriage , i had a divided uterus , it didnt show up on the picture cause they did it wrong, make sure you tell themm you want some one experienced… reply back to me  and let

Response:

This is my first time posting to the group.  I am curious about HSG.  I have had two tubal pregnancies in the past.  I am on the pill now, but my husband and I are ready to start trying to have a child.  I have an appointment with my GYN in a few weeks and I am planning to ask her about this procedure.  Can anyone give insight about it?  How painful is it? Thank you, Susan HSG’s seem to be just as "personalized" as early pregnancy symptoms. Some

have no pain (like me), others had mild pain, some felt like it was the MOST painful thing they’ve ever done… I could have gone back to the office after the procedure, but I had some cramping afterwards, so it was a good excuse to catch up on The Young and the Restless…Wear a pad…you’ll probably "leak" that lovely orange Betadine, ..not to mention the HSG "dye"… — Trisha93 primary, 5+ years 8 IUI’s, 4 IVF’s, 2 FET’s 42 failed hpts; 1 m/c

Response:

I had an HSG eight months ago and it was not that painfull and only took a few minutes.  I did  get pregnant after this exam but unfortunately I miscarried.   I’m still trying!! – Good Luck.

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Hello, Just hhad a HSG last month, because of some posts I was prepared,The night before I took two advil, upon leaving I then took 2 more advil, and a valium.Need I saay I felt nothing, actually, If it weren’t 8am I would of gone out for drinks after was in good mood.And believe me after reading about these horrible pain stories I was scared.Only, bad thing found out I have a blocked tube now I need surgery..Checking into second opinion, Londa did you go to

Response:

This is my first time posting to the group.  I am curious about HSG.  I have had two tubal pregnancies in the past.  I am on the pill now, but my husband and I are ready to start trying to have a child.  I have an appointment with my GYN in a few weeks and I am planning to ask her about this procedure.  Can anyone give insight about it?  How painful is it? Thank you, Susan

Response:

This is my first time posting to the group.  I am curious about HSG.  I have had two tubal pregnancies in the past.  I am on the pill now, but my husband and I are ready to start trying to have a child.  I have an appointment with my GYN in a few weeks and I am planning to ask her about this procedure.  Can anyone give insight about it?  How painful is it?

Hi Susan! One of the first tests I had to do to find out why I wasn’t conceiving was a HSG.  It is a test done in radiology (xray) that takes a picture of your tubes to detect any abnormalities.  A catheter is inserted into the cervix (I think it’s the cervix) and a dye is squirted into your tubes.  Most doctors will allow you to watch your tubes filling up on a t.v. screen.  A "normal" HSG will show the dye flowing freely and quickly through the tubes. For me, it was pretty painful, (and I took Advil before having the test). But I know that many people have said that it was painless for them.  So, I guess there’s no way to know how it will feel until you have it done, sorry. Luckily, my HSG was normal, but that still hasn’t gotten me any closer to being a mom.  Best of luck to you!! CC

Response:

How painful is it? I am curious about HSG.  I have had two tubal

I HAD A HSG AND IT WAS THE MOST PAINFUL THING I HAVE EVER EXPERIENCE. I CRIED FOR MY MOTHER THAT DAY. IT FELT LIKE SOME ONE HAD A HOLD ON MY UTERUS AND WAS SQUEEZING IT . THAT WAS BECAUSE THEY PUT A CLAMP-LIKE THING ON THE CERVIX TO PULL IT DOWN OUT OF THE WAY. AFTER THAT I WAS SO MAD AT GOD, THAT HE MADE ME SO I WOULD HAVE TO GO THRU THIS. BUT NOW I THANK HIM FOR THE DOCS THAT COULD DO IT. I AM NOT TRYING TO SCARE YOU, I AM JUST REAL. and who is going to tell you the absolute truth. don,t get me wrong, there have been women who have had a hsg and said it was fine. i know one. if you have anymore ? just e-mail me directly.

Response:

Susan, I had an HSG done in March of 98, which was probably the worst pain I’ve ever felt, and my results were that I had adhesions on my tube and ovary, had a lap in April to remove the adhesions.  I just had another HSG today to make sure everything was still ok and clear, and felt no pain whatsoever, only very slight cramping. So, I guess it just varies. I hope that all goes well for you if you have one! Erin in Va 2 m/c 3 ectopics 2 lap 2 hsg

Response:

I was also ready to ask the same question about HSG – scheduled for 23rd. Thank you all. They said I could go to work after, maybe I ‘ll just watch the soaps!!! Londa

Response:

How painful is it?

Susan, I had an HSG done and it wasn’t that bad.  My experience was that, I didn’t even feel the dr. clamping my cervix open.  I have had it done, the clamping about 6 times, with IUI’s and some bleeding, but no PAIN (like some others have experienced.) What I did experience was a cramping for about 5 seconds when the dr. injected the dye into my uterus.  I was just getting ready to really deal with some HUGH amount of pain and it was over. Don’t psych yourself out of this procedure.  It isn’t a walk  in the park, but it sure isn’t as bad a getting a filling done without the novicane. I took 600mg of Motrin about 1/2 and hour prior to the procedure.  The good thing is that you see your results right away. Good Luck, Jane

Response:

Well I had my HSG today not bad at all considering what i was prepared for best thing is that my tubes are open — have to let my RE look at the pics and see if they tellus anything else —- as i think i can see where one tube is pulled out of position but so far so good Blessings Jia

Response:

Great Jia….one less thing to worry about!! God Bless you and soon!! Love shelley

Response:

Trish, Great to hear that the HSG test went well.  Good luck Jane

Response:

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