Is the HSG test painful?

harpjolie · October 2014

I'm having an HSG tomorrow and have been reading about some people finding it incredibly painful and others not finding it painful at all. My RE told me take some advil before the procedure, which is never a good sign. I have a very low pain tolerance, so i need to be mentally prepared if it is going to be painful. For those of you that have had an HSG done, what was your experience?

saritacw · October 2014

It was not painful for me. It was slightly uncomfortable (like mild period cramps) and I was nervous (because how can you not be with something new and important?). I took Ibuprofen as my doc recommended but didn't really need it. You will find scary stories about it, but for most people I don't think it's a big deal. Good luck!

curve31 · October 2014

You're right. For some its painful and for some its not. For me, the only thing that kinda hurt was the balloon on the catheter. Totally tolerable. It was quick and I got to watch on the screen what was happening. I took advil and a xanax beforehand. Then I went shopping

dancerspose · October 2014

I am in the minority (which is a good thing), but I did have some pain. The only reason for it was because one of my tubes was blocked. However, I will say that even at it's worst the pain wasn't awful - think intense cramps, and it passed very quickly. I had some slight cramping the rest of that afternoon, but nothing too bad.

Good luck!

kallygirlie · October 2014

Mine was a breeze. I think the most uncomfortable part for me was how nervous I was. The actual procedure didn't hurt at all. They warned me I might have some cramping later, but never experienced it.

harpjolie · October 2014

Thanks for all the responses!

@curve31 i like the idea of going shopping afterwards! i deserve a little something after going through that

@shafwilson sorry to hear about the blockage, at least i'm glad to hear the pain isn't that bad even if that's the case

Shauntee · October 2014

I agree with PP. I took 800mg Ibuprofen about an hour before and it didn't hurt at all. Good luck!

DSculley1824 · October 2014

I too took 800mg of ibuprofen an hour before. It was horrible but it wasn't pleasant. Like PPs said, just uncomfortable during the procedure. But literally as soon as it was done the uncomfortableness went away. I just went home and watched movies the rest of the day. I think my nerves just plain exhausted me out lol

AnonymousNurse · October 2014

I did take the ibuprofen beforehand, I would imagine that helps with cramping afterwards. My RE told me that typically people have the same level of pain/cramping as they do with their periods. I don't know if that is true for most, but I typically have no cramps with my period and my HSG was totally painless (despite how freaking tense I was). Others have had much different experiences, though, so there's really no way to tell.

Take the ibuprofen beforehand and try to relax during the procedure. The good thing is that no matter how it feels, it will not last for more than a couple minutes max. I had the HSG and SIS done at the same time and it was definitely under 5 minutes total.

Good luck!

BethKate2 · October 2014

Mine pretty much felt like my worst period cramps for about 10-15 minutes while they did the procedure. As soon as it was done, the pain was mostly gone, but I did have a little cramping throughout the rest of the day.

BethKate2 · October 2014

sammae said:

For me it was a little uncomfortable, and the cramping was fairly mild. The part that sucked for mine was I had some weird response where my BP dropped when the balloon was inflated. I told the DR I was feeling lightheaded and he just sped things along and finished up.

I was exhausted the rest of the day, but not really sore or anything. I think it was just the nerves.

Ditto.

I was a nervous wreck that morning, so after it was done, I was emotionally exhausted. I spent the rest of the day on the couch.

BunnyBerry · October 2014

I took two extra strength tylenol (can't take ibuprofen or advil) and then more a few hours later because the cramps continued all day like a period.

My HSG was miserable but only because I had a (very uncommon) stenotic or closed cervix, so the catheter never made it into my uterus, but they tried painfully for quite a while. The dye itself felt cold and maybe precipitated some cramps.

The part that I always suggest is just remember that even if it is truly unbearable, it will be over soon and everything will be fine. Just one more thing we women go through to bring children into the world.

MrsS2203 · October 2014

I had mine done in August. The doctor could not get the catheter to stay in. So my cervix hurt for a bit. The second doctor was able to insert the catheter with no problems. I had no discomfort from the dye or blockages.

I have heard/read that the pain is associated with blockages or not. I do not know how much truth is in that or not. Good luck!!

MissK23 · October 2014

Mine was painful when they inserted the catheter. I had mild cramping during the procedure and some after. I scared myself with the horror stories! The scariest part for me was actually the room they had me in, it was very overwhelming and there were a lot of people there! Afterward, I was able to continue with my day normally! You got this! Anyone can do anything for 10 minutes and YOU certainly can do this! Good luck! Plan something fun afterward to reward yourself! You deserve it!

moto611 · October 2014

I agree with others that it feels like period cramps. I got this test done early in my TTC journey and hadn't read anything at all about it beforehand. I was only even getting it done because my husband's doctor wouldn't let him get off his (sperm-killing) medicine until I proved I didn't need surgery or something. So I wasn't particularly worried about the results and I had no idea it was supposed to be painful. In hindsight I'm really lucky I didn't get blind-sighted by a bad experience! Anyway for me it felt like instant period cramps when they pushed the dye in. I had a few more cramps throughout the rest of the day, but nothing a couple ibuprofens couldn't handle. I hope it goes well for you!

Rachaeleigh · October 2014

I'm in the very small minority, but it's my experience, so I'll share it. Mine was horrible and I'm not exactly the drama queen type.
I actually passed out during it, which my dr says rarely happens.
I hope you have a more pleasant experience

BandM14 · October 2014

I had two done. The first was okay, just like mild period cramps... No dye would go into my right tube so I asked to repeat it a few months later, and the second one was pretty painful. I think it's because he was trying to push the dye through and see if that right tube would open up (it didn't). The doctor also said that he went in too far with the catheter and hit the back of my uterus, which could have caused extra pain.

All in all though, it's a quick procedure so even if you have cramping you can take comfort in the fact that it will be over quickly. Good luck!

AngM123 · October 2014

I'm telling you this only because I wish I had known...mine was terrible. I had it before I was a part of this board and had no idea what I was walking into. I had 15 seconds of the worst pain in my life when they inserted the dye. Shortly afterward, I was fine and had no cramping, but did go home and take a nap for a couple hours. Again, this is not typical, my insides were twisted and messed up. I hope you fall in the group that has minor discomfort...either way, it's super quick and you will survive

good luck!

curve31 · October 2014

the tech told me they only do 1-2 HSGs a year

Oh my! The tech lady told me they had done 3 already that morning before me. Maybe that's the key to whether it hurts or not.

GoBucksOH · October 2014

I don't think I took any pain meds prior to the procedure.... I could be wrong, but I think I would remember that b/c I have a VERY low tolerance for pain and extreme anxiety. I just don't recall the dr telling me to take something. Anyhow, yes it was uncomfortable and there was a point where I felt short, sharp pains. But the whole procedure was short and there was no pain after it was complete. Good luck to you!

mshandlebar · October 2014

I am a huge wuss (paper cuts bring me close to tears), and it was less painful than I anticipated. Crampy, uncomfortable, a brief moment of sharp pain and then over. I did have my fingernail impressions etched in my palms when it was over, but that was mostly nerves. Like everyone has recommended, take the pain meds before.

This all being said, as all the responses indicate, it is different for everyone. So, don't psyche yourself out. Good luck!

lisa89760 · October 2014

Mine was super easy. It is really different for everyone, a coworker of mine got one and came to work in tears after.

coaster102516 · October 2014

I usually have a high pain tolerance but I broke down in tears from the pain and passed out twice. My husband was in a meeting all day so I had to have my mom come get me because they wouldn't let me drive. I highly suggest having someone drive you if possible just in case. I had cramping the rest of the day and my whole body was tight for days after. Not sure why I reacted so badly.

My RE didn't tell me to take anything prior and told me I would only be slightly uncomfortable and experience mild cramping. Anyone else feel that doctors use slightly uncomfortable and mild cramping too freely?! Anyways, one of the more painful things I have experienced but well worth finding out the results, good or bad.

Radiantly · October 2014

The procedure was like an extended pap. Lots of deep breathing and stating at the ceiling. The cramping the day after was scary because I got really naseous from the antibiotics. And the doctor told me ibuprofen afteewards wouldn't react with the antibiotics so once I took ibu, it was ok. I had a burning sensation when peeing for a few days. Good luck!

Ann612 · October 2014

ugghhhhhhh. I've been avoiding this test for a few months, but had decided that if I get another BFN next week, I would have to cave and get it.

I can't say this thread helps calm my fears, but at least I know to take the 800 mg of advil before hand.

harpjolie · October 2014

Thanks everyone for the great advice! My RE came to the hospital to do the procedure himself, which made me feel more comfortable. Even with the pain meds it was pretty painful but it was only for a minute. I did get super lightheaded and nauseous after it was over, but thankfully i didn't reach the point of fainting.

@CaitOst21 passed out twice! that's crazy. I agree that doctors do use "mild cramping" way too freely. I've now taken mild discomfort and cramping to mean really horrible pain that could possibly make you pass out or make you wish you were passed out

@firstarabesque sorry to hear you had such a terrible experience

gcbean · October 2014

I had my HSG a few weeks ago. I took 800 mg ibuprofen an hour ahead as my RE had instructed. I had some sharp cramping during the procedure but no worse than the first few days of AF. I had a little bit of cramping on the way home but I was all good about a half hour after the procedure. I was super nervous too, but it definitely wasn't as bad as I had psyched myself up for. Good luck to you.

martinisandmedicine · October 2014

Mine didn't hurt much, at all. The speculum really hurt, but I was at an odd angle on the table and had a yeast infection. When they pushed the dye in I felt menstrual cramps, and I continued to cramp a bit for a few days after, but nothing I couldn't handle.

Good luck!

lisa89760 · October 2014

CaitOst21 YES my ob told me the endo biopsy would "feel like some period cramps" and I almost passed out! Luckily I had my husband there or I wouldn't have been able to get home!

ritacita · October 2014

Hell yes it's painful. My doctor said I *might* have some cramping, and no one told me to take anything before the procedure. That may have been why it was so bad for me. I literally jumped back once she hit my uterus, and they had to shove the table forward so that it was back under the xray machine. Awful! I'm glad it wasn't as bad for you!

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