Share your HSG experience with me!

Soon2bemissG

I go Monday. How bad was it for you? I totally get that everyone is different just wondering what everyone's experience was. TIA!

wifeinraleigh28

Yes, everyone has a different experience.  Mine was awful even though the results were good (no blockages).  I felt intense pain throughout the procedure (which wasn't long) and continued to feel achey for the remainder of the day.  I've spoken to many women who only felt mild discomfort though.

SmileyMcGee

I took painkillers half an hour before and it was pain free for me, just uncomfortable (I got slight period pain when they inflated the balloon but not much). I was ok for the rest of the day too, just slightly achy. Hope you have a good experience!

Winnie81_Old

Mine was horrible. Took several tries to get catheter through my cervix because it's so tight but I had no blockages and It was a very quick test. My SIL said hers was painless. I'm hoping yours is painless on Monday and everything is the way it should be!

agriffin92013

I read horror stories and took ibuprofen before my appointment.  To me it felt like bad period cramps and I've gotten use to that so it wasn't that bad for me.  Had some spotting for a couple days.  Hope you don't have a bad experience 

calfherder

Mine started off OK, but toward the end I could feel the pressure building up, and it became painful like a horrible period cramp or stomach ache. Luckily it didn't take too long, maybe 5 minutes but probably less. When it was over I did have some random stabbing pains the next day around my cervix, mostly from tensing up when I thought about it (like flashbacks!). When it starts to hurt just remind yourself that it's only for a minute and then it will be over.

riveridgional

Mine wasn't bad at all. The most uncomfortable part for me was because my uterus is slightly tilted, so she was having difficulty putting the catheter in. That part wasn't painful at all for me, it just felt weird especially when they had to keep cleaning my cervix. Once the catheter was in, they inflated the balloon. I felt that and it just felt "different" to me. Then, I progressively started feeling cramping that was increasing slightly in intensity every few seconds. The anticipation of what it would feel like since I didn't know how much longer started to make me nervous. So, I started to take a deep breath when it first got uncomfortable and then it was over. It didn't quite reach the level of my painful period. Just know that once the catheter is in, it is a VERY quick procedure. I completely freaked myself out by googling stories and was so nervous. I told my radiologist it wasn't as painful as I expected, and she did say that ladies with a blockage generally have more pain.

Afterwards, I only had spotting the first 3 times I used the restroom. I don't remember having cramping after.

Just know that it will be quick and any pain you feel will be less than the pain you'll feel with your ultimate goal: childbirth. You can and will get through it!! Good luck!!

BrightenMySky

Mine was not painful and over quickly.  I took 800 mg of ibuprofen an hour before, per my RE's instructions.  I felt a little crampy after the painkillers wore off, which I thought might have been the fluid in my abdomen just getting absorbed, but it was very minor discomfort.  No spotting.

I was pretty nervous, both because of what I had heard before about the test as well as the results.  My RE told me the results (everything ok) as soon as he knew during the procedure, which was great, because up until then all of my experiences with medical testing had been trying to read the ultrasound or x-ray tech's expression and having to wait for a call from the doctor.  

Good luck!

yellingbanana

Mine was terrible. I have random sharp cramps anyways, so the dr prescribed me painkillers for before and after the HSG. I took 2 Vicodin before and it was still really painful. I was bloated and crampy for the next 3 days as well. There were no blockages, which was great, but overall experience was not a pleasant one.

ahende04

Did anyone experience spotting a long time after the hsg? I had spotting that day, but I had very light and pink spotting today (6 days after hsg) and not sure what to think? Any help?

heincm

My HSG was really quick, the doctor said mine was the fastest he has ever done lol. I had no blockage, normal HSG. Personally I feel the HSG was painful, more so than AF cramps, but not unbearable. I think if you had a blockage it would be a bit tough though.

Afterwards I spotted for a few days (take a pad, you'll need it) and had a little cramping. My cycle was early that month and the next few cycles were really clotty for a few months after, the Dr. said thats normal though.

KLake42

Mine was very painful.  There was a spasm or temporary blockage in one tube, so I had to roll a bit and have more dye pushed in, but it opened up.  The pain was very sharp, much worse than cramps, though there was an "undertone" of cramping to the experience.  It took a little longer than other women experience, maybe 10 minutes.

The pain eased up after it was done, but the emotional shock of it was kind of intense-- I cried in my car for a few minutes before driving home.  I really wish I had not gone there alone.  There wasn't room for someone to be in there holding my hand, but I would have liked a hug after it was over, you know?

Just dull aching for the rest of the day, and spotting a couple days.

ceclarlinetlo

I had a saline infused sonogram which is a similar process. I took 800 mg of ibuprofen about 30 minutes before. I was most uncomfortable while the speculum was is in and after they inflated the ballon. Putting the catheter in didn't hurt - the PA was actually surprised how easy it slipped in. I didn't cramp or bleed afterwards.

taragust

Mine was pretty uncomfortable. I did make sure I took some ibuprofen beforehand to help with the discomfort. But the good news is, almost all of the pain was gone after. Only some very mild cramping remained. Good luck! Also, the doctor that was doing my test was Dr. Love, which I thought was pretty funny! Lol

michaela0704

To be honest, the significance of the test itself had me pretty worked up to even really notice the discomfort.  The room was freezing, I was in a hospital gown and socks... my nurse and the radiologist were men, they seemed very disconnected and I was on edge about hearing the results.  The radiologist kept making perplexed faces and then he finally asked me to tilt my body to the left and then finally seemed calm.  Turns out, as he explained it to me, my right tube was wide open but they were having a hard time getting the dye/fluid to flow through the left tube but it finally did flow through after I tilted to my left side.  So my test wasn't as quick as it probably could've been but it was still very fast.

Was it uncomfortable? yes, but I only thought it was mild discomfort - just remember to relax your legs and core muscles the best you can... and breath.  Afterwards, I was very bloated for ~ 2 days but no cramping or spotting.

MrsAlT68

I just had mine, about 2 hours ago. I had taken 2 Tylenol extra strengths about an hour before and it still wasn't very fun she had a little trouble getting through my cervix which hurt and then the dye wasn't hurting at first but turns out one tube was blocked and that one did start hurting too. I was very crampy after, but took some more Tylenol. I'm ok now but I'm cuddled up on the couch and that always helps things

Soon2bemissG

The clamping!! Why did no one tell me about the clamping??? Haha. Seriously though it wasn't awful except the clamping. I think I was worked up over pain, plus the fact that they would find something wrong. I have a bicornute uterus so I was prepared for something else to be up! All is good tho! Go back on the 1st after DH gets his sperm checked out.

BlissfulWifey

Aww glad you had an ok experience! Mine wasnt bad at all!

Plainjanie

I had mine done last Thursday. At first my RE just kept warning me when I'd feel the cramping. The nurse was always asking if I was feeling alright and I would laugh and say 'this is no where near what cramping is for me.' (I get really nauseas and horrible stomach pains.) But I spoke too soon, as soon as he started putting the dye in, I had to ask for a barf bucket and a cold wash cloth. It hurt more than I expected but the positive was as soon as he was done the pain was gone. My tubes were free and clear!

I treated myself and took the whole day off work and went home and watched movies and knitted with only occasional cramping for the rest of the day.

bosslady925

Was anyone prescribed antibiotics to start the day before the HSG? Mine is going to be in Dec (assuming I'm not KO) and my RE called in an antibiotic to take the day before, day of, and day after. I've read the chance of an infection is super slim, but she wants me to take it.

GoldenKeys

MorganL925  I have not heard of antibiotics before an HSG, but if your doc thinks it's best then definitely go for it!  I'm wondering if she had a bad experience with one patient before and is being super cautious now.

riveridgional

@MorganL925 I was prescribed the same course of antibiotics as you were. I think it's just an added precaution to ensure you don't get an infection.

calfherder

MorganL925 said:

Was anyone prescribed antibiotics to start the day before the HSG? Mine is going to be in Dec (assuming I'm not KO) and my RE called in an antibiotic to take the day before, day of, and day after. I've read the chance of an infection is super slim, but she wants me to take it.

I had to take antibiotics for three days for my HSG.

BlissfulWifey

@morganl925 yes , this is to prevent any infections from the dye. its no biggie.

BlissfulWifey

mine gave me antibiotics as well.

guzmancw

Hi!! I have had this done 2x. The first one was horrific, then the next time was so much better. Ask your dr who they prefer u to go to and go there. Most likely they will be set up for that sort of procedure, which makes a world of difference. My dr gave me a heavy dose of antibiotics and some nostril to help with the pain. The procedure itself was uncomfortable (partly because I had to pee so bad). I had to lay on a raised pillow (almost like a sack of flour), that hurt my back some which took my attention from any internal discomfort. It only took a total of 10 min from start to finish (including getting settled on the table before the dr came in). I had cramping after and mostly just rested the remainder of the day. I wish you the best of luck, this procedure isn't fun, but so necessary for your end goal. I have to keep reminding myself each time I have a new procedure

RipleyLV426

Sucked doesn't even cover it! Took painkillers an hour before hand and my body was like "Nice try lol! Here comes the pain!!!" It also was made worse because as soon as it was over, one of my good friends called to tell me she was pregnant...But if you need it done, you need it done. Like @guzmancw said, it's a necessary procedure to rule out certain factors. 

bosslady925

I know this is an older thread but I thought I would add my experience. I had the HSG two days ago. My RE prescribed antibiotics to start the day before, take day of and day after. I took 800 mg ibuprofen about an hour before the procedure. I had a male RE do the test and he had a (very good looking) teaching fellow with him. So that was awesome and awkward.The Dr performing the test was great at explaining what was happening, when I'd feel something, timing, etc. Shortly after starting I felt some mild cramping and thought that was going to be it, not too bad. Then he warned that it was starting and it was when I'd feel the most pain. It took my breath away and I couldn't help but cry out a tiny bit. It was like the most intense cramping I've ever felt. Cramping that, if normal, would likely send me to the ER thinking there was a cyst rupturing or something. Luckily, it only lasted 30 seconds and I did some deep breathing and after the 30 seconds it stopped immediately and the test was done. The nurse said some women cry, others scream, etc. but that the majority that she sees to experience pain. Fortunately I didn't have any cramping afterward and was fine to drive home and even made dinner and everything normal that evening. I had very little bleeding and some drainage from the dye, which subsided a few hours later. All in all, it wasn't bad and I've already forgotten the pain. 

Befree2013

I had the HSG and conceived 2 days later, pain was worth it! Good luck!

jbal918

I am scheduling my first HSG for next cycle. They couldn't get my in this cycle and the day they need me to do it is when I have to go back to work after vacation and I can't get a sub. I'm totally nervous and freaking myself out already though.

jbal918

Oh and I also have to take antibiotics the day before, of and after as well. And they said to take Tylenol 30-60 minutes before the procedure.

ShallowSeas

I realize this thread is a couple months old but I was stalking it constantly while waiting for my HSG appointment, so I wanted to add my experience in case others like me are stalking it or someone just happens to stumble upon it.

I just had my HSG done this morning.  I was really nervous after reading other's experiences.  Luckily, I had a positive one.  My RE performed the test.  The longest part was getting everything ready for the test, and the speculum was the worst part.  He applied a local anesthetic and I had taken 800mg of Ibuprofen an hour before, as well as an antibiotic I was prescribed as a precaution. 

I didn't feel much during the test. There was a slight pinching sensation in the beginning, but for the most part it felt like a regular pap.  While the dye was being injected I felt menstrual-type cramps but nothing painful, just uncomfortable.  The test itself took 5-10 minutes and the results were immediate. Luckily, the nurse gave me a pad which is something I didn't even think about bringing...so definitely bring one in case you're not given one.  You'll need it

My test was 3 hours ago and I feel fine.  I'm slightly cramping like AF cramps and spotting, but I felt well enough to go back to work after the test. 

ale9687

I had the FemVu test, slightly different but same concept. I was on antibiotics twice a day the day b4, day of, morning after. I never take medicine so I was feeling pretty sick from all the pills I couldn't stomach more than one Advil. I am used to cramping and it was still pretty painful. This could be because I wouldn't take more than one Advil though. After I didn't have any discomfort except for all the leakage after. The nurse joked before we got started, what goes in must come out, and it did for the rest of the day.

Heavensangelsagift88

I had hsg and d&c 12/18/15 for the second time the first time in 2011 i was told both tubes were blocked, stage 1 endometriosis, and alot of urine polyps. 12/18 my doctor says dye spilled through both tubes, no signs and endometriosis however there was one polyp he removed. He had already done my blook work i am ovulating but he said it was low and husband is 24 years old with low motility. Hoping to become pregnant naturally but thinking we may dish another 15 grand toward ivf although due to stimming it failed back in 2012. In 2014 i had gastric sleeve and lost 80 lbs but thats about it so i think its weird how my diagnosis changed. I think maybe this time he opened the tubes with the dye he said it could be a possibility. So i say second opinions are a must.