To HSG or not to HSG?

teachko

I had my first RE appointment today - what an information overload!  The bottom line is, pending the results of the results of the blood work they did today, I'll start with a monitored cycle and an ovidrel shot to prepare for an iui. 

Based on the research I did before I went I just assumed that the HSG test was standard procedure and I resigned myself to it even though I read way to much about it and it kind of terrifies me.  Well today he told me that in my case he doesn't usually recommend that right off the bat because since I have never tried to conceive there's nothing to indicate that I might have an issue.  He says he usually recommends trying 3 cycles first.  Then he kind of backtracked a little and said I might want to start the process with a clean slate and just know that everything is ok especially since donor sperm is expensive and it might be stupid to try for 3 months only to find a problem later.  In the end he left it totally up to me - do it now or try a few months first.  I think I know in my heart that it's probably better to just do it now but I need someone to talk me into it (or out of it!) 

jchickiem

That's a tricky one. You do not have an infertility diagnosis, therefore you have no idea whether or not you have a potential problem or not.  You might be lucky enough to get pregnant on the first try, who knows?  It would stink to cycle three times and then get the HSG and find out you have a problem, though.

I will say this, I had an HSG at the end of October and it wasn't bad at all.  I read the horror stories but for me, it was just weird and a little uncomfortable.

So, as PP said, does your insurance cover it? That knowledge might help make the decision as to when to time your HSG, if you need one.

teachko

Thanks for the insight - yes my insurance covers it so I guess I should just suck it up and do it

amandaleigh1

I would not do an IUI without checking that tubes are open. There may be an ancillary benefit of going the HSG in "cleaning" the tubes out which people think can enhance fertility. In my case, HSG showed I had some messed up tubes and likely were caused by endo. It was good to know since that can affect the course of action on treatments.

jb2rn

I would do it. It was a really fast procedure, no big deal. 

uncomfy for about two minutes maybe? 

I say do it. 

ksgsmu

Do the HSG..... I would side eye any reputable RE who didn't do this before an IUI. 

PrivateOne

Do it!  The RE should be recommending this procedure before IUI.  It would be a waste of your time and money if your tubes had a blockage that could be caught with an HSG.  Remember not all RE's are created equal.

I actually had to have two of them done.  They can be uncomfortable, so take pain meds 1 hour before (like 3 advil, etc.). The RE should inform you of doing that to ease cramping and discomfort during procedure. 

on42

I'd do the HSG. You never know what they may find. Even if they don't find anything, my RE says often women have an easier time getting pregnant after because the tubes have been flushed. It can only help you.

My insurance covered the radiology/x-ray, but not the physician's fee.

kindershlitz

Good for you for doing the research and really thinking it out. For us we were ttc for 6 months unsuccessfully and I had one done. It was mostly like a pap for me and I had no blockage. We were one of the statistics that conceived the month following. I was almost 35 at the time. Everyone is different but if it's covered it seems like a good idea. Maybe try another consult to get the vibe of someone different and find the aggressiveness that is your comfort level?

HeathernSteven

My HSG was the worst, however I would totally recommend you get it done. I was ill for the rest of the day but was fine the next. I wouldn;t want to spend any additional money with out knowing I was "all clear" especially if you will be paying for donor sperm.

Good luck