XP: infertility workup

nikisnow

I had my initial infertility workup with my ob/gyn today.  DH has to have a SA, and I have to have CD3 blood work, and HSG on CD11, and an endometrial biopsy on CD21.  I've heard the HSG sucks, but I've never heard of the endometrial biopsy.  It doesn't sound too pleasant though.  Has anyone had both, and if so, which was more painful?  My DH will be able to take off for one of the tests so I'd rather have him be there for the worst one.  Thanks!

yogisunam

I had a HSG about 10 days ago. The appointment was at 8:30, the procedure took 10 minutes and I was at work by 10 a.m. He was supposed to drive me, but I ended up doing the driving as he was too hungover. He literally had a plastic bag in is lap on the way too the hospital.

No information on the biopsy.

yogisunam

My HSG was uncomfortable, but not terribly painful. I did have one moderate cramp that was intense, but they asked me to shift to one side and it went away.

shotzie

My HSG wasn't bad at all.  The worst part was when they were inserting the speculum.  After that, I didn't feel a thing.  They told me to take ibuprofen an hour before the HSG and I think that probably helped.  Good luck! 

MarcyIam

I've had both, and I have to say they both hurt.  A lot.  They didn't get enough tissue the first time they went in for the biopsy so I got to have them go back in again while I was there.  Good times.  ;-)

But, the good news (at least for me), was that the cramping/pain was short lived.  Once  they stopped pushing the dye, or taking a lining sample, etc...  the cramping also stopped.  Everyone is different, so I hope neither hurt too much for you.

I second the advil/motrin beforehand.  Good luck!

patchen30

I had an HSG and it didn't hurt at all.  It was about on par with a pap smear.  The tech said he had "good technique".  I did take 3 Advil beforehand.

Do you mind if I ask why you're getting an endometrial biopsy?  I didn't think it was part of a standard IF work-up. 

nikisnow

patchen30:

I had an HSG and it didn't hurt at all.  It was about on par with a pap smear.  The tech said he had "good technique".  I did take 3 Advil beforehand.

Do you mind if I ask why you're getting an endometrial biopsy?  I didn't think it was part of a standard IF work-up. 

I don't know why she ordered it.  I guess I just assumed it was normal.  Should I wait to get the results of the other tests before having that one? 

ebat

My HSG didn't hurt much,  it was like getting a pap smear combined with period cramps,  which were pretty much over when the procedure was over .  I took some tylenol beforehand.  I could have gone to work,  but I had it off for other reasons and used the HSG as an excuse to lay on the couch and have a lazy day

smilelari

The HSG hurt like a mofo.  They couldn't get the catheter to stay in, so they kept forcing it in and it kept popping back out.  Finally they numbed me and used some sort of medivial contraption to force my cervix open.

The dye part was no big deal.  DH came along and they let him come back with me.  It was nice to have him there while they were messing around with the catheter.

Although in hindsite, I didn't drag him to my colposcopies, and I would have loved to have had a ride home from that crap.

Nikki1007

My HSG hurt a.lot, but when it was over so was the pain except for some minor cramping and bloating.

I have not had the endometrial biopsy, but it sounds similar to a colposcopy, which I had and it hurt a lot worse then the HSG.  So if I had my choice, I would have DH go to the biopsy. 

patchen30

I think they usually order them to diagnose LPD - do you have short LPs?  I don't think it matters which one you go to first.

Chrysallys

patchen30:

  

Do you mind if I ask why you're getting an endometrial biopsy?  I didn't think it was part of a standard IF work-up. 

It was at my RE's office. You couldn't start treatment without it.

OP, I answered your question on BOTB. My biopsy sucked.

oldestgirl

I have had both.  The HSG is not bad at all.  Make sure you don't pee before the test, it helps. 

 The endometrial biopsy is painful.  I had really bad cramping during and after.  It passes in like an hour though. 

 I say take DH to the biopsy.