HSG Tests - Questions from a nervous nellie...

ErikaMG · July 2015

Are HSG tests standard for determining whether you are a good candidate for an IUI? Anyone know why they'll do the test on day 10 of your cycle but not on day 12? And why exactly an antibiotic is prescribed with it? Does taking Advil before the procedure really help with the pain? Looks like I'm getting one done in a few weeks, and I'm biting my nails down to stubs!

Drove2u · July 2015

The test is standard. They want to make sure your tubes aren't blocked. If they are then you won't get pregnant and will have to fix it somehow before doing IUI. I've never heard of taking antibiotics after. I think that's weird. They do tell you to take Advil before the test. The pain is just cramping. Nothing crazy though.

Drove2u · July 2015

Also on day 12 I did the trigger shot already and had IUI on day 14 so it makes sense for you to do it on day 10 if the doc is preparing you for IUI. Have you been taking clomid?

bsckgb7 · July 2015

My does the HSG around CD 5 as to not mess up a potential good cycle. I took an antibiotic also. Since you are inserting a foreign object into the cervix (more invasive than a basic pap smear), you don't risk an infection. An infection would for sure knock you out a cycle. This was just a part of regular fertility diagnosis. Not just for IUI.

riveridgional · July 2015

I believe they like to do it no later than day 10 to ensure you aren't pregnant for the test and to keep your chance alive for that cycle. I took antibiotics starting the night before just to ensure I didn't get an infection from the procedure. I took ibuprofen about an hour before, and believe it can only help.

Regarding the "pain," it really was not painful for me, just achy. For me, it was a mental game. The cramping seemed to escalate very slowly from the time the catheter balloon was inserted, so, mentally, I was getting nervous it would keep escalating into actual pain. I decided to take a deep breath, then, before I could even exhale all the way, it was over. It's a very short procedure once the catheter is in.

AMT&THC · July 2015

I feel like my HSG took a long time. I got really worked up about it, like I do about pretty much every procedure. I took an antibiotic. I remember the doctor saying exactly what @riveridgional said about doing it no later than day 10 to ensure that you aren't pregnant. I had cramps after for a few days when was annoying but manageable. What I liked about it was that the doctor told me some of the results as he did the test. That was a welcome change to the waiting for analysis types of tests.

Colleen0516 · July 2015

My HSG test was on CD6 I think, just after AF left. Take ibuprofen! I also was prescribed the antibiotic, (totally normal- it prevents infection).
Mine was more than discomfort (not to scare you) but I was stupid and forgot to take ibuprofen (huge mistake). So take the medicine an hour and half before your procedure, and you should be fine!

That's was honestly the worst part for me- after that, things seemed easier lol

ErikaMG · July 2015

Thanks for your responses everyone! This is all so new to me and I feel like I'm signing up for stuff I know so little about... not my usual MO.

@Drove2u - No, not taking clomid yet. My initial consultation was only yesterday, so I'm still really early in the process. I need tests, my DH needs tests, and if all systems are a go, we're probably looking at a September IUI. (I hope).

Drove2u · July 2015

If all is ok you can probably start in August :-) from my consultation to my IUI it was about two weeks.

AdorkablePixie · July 2015

@ErikaMG like everyone else said, the hsg is completely standard. It will be over quickly and will be hopefully relatively painless! I took Advil before and had no problems.

GL!

Krisd6 · July 2015

I have my IUI tomorrow
Was told to take 400-800 of Advil before it but haven't heard anything about antibiotics
Did they prescribe that afterwards?

Drove2u · July 2015

Before your IUI or HSG?

Krisd6 · July 2015

I have my HSG today and will start the process for an IUI soon after... Should I be prescribed an antibiotic after the procedure today?

jdl330 · July 2015

I had my HSG this past Monday. If are really anxious and have a history of not doing well with pap smears, bloodwork, etc., you can ask you doctor to prescribe you a valium. That's what I had to do because I have a tendency of passing out with procedures like this. I did a couple of rounds of monitored clomid/ovidrel/timed intercourse before my doctor told me we were moving onto IUI and injectibles. He told me that before you move onto anything more aggressive, we have to see if my tubes are blocked by doing an HSG. My doctor said that the HSG is done between days 7 and 12, but I think they try to do it on the earlier side so it doesn't mess up ovulation. The information sheet that I had to sign before the procedure said something about "If antibiotics are prescribed by your doctor, please take the full prescription..." So that tells me that it's normal for them to give you antibiotics.

ErikaMG · July 2015

@Drove2U - I wish I could try in August! The problem is that my consultation (which I waited 1-1/2 months for!) was on Day 12 of my cycle. They will only do the HSG test between Days 5 - 10. I'm a little annoyed, because I could have gotten the test done before my appointment if I'd known I had to do it, and now it means I won't be able to do the test until mid-August, and the next time I ovulate will be the beginning of September. If I have to be on thyroid meds for a few weeks first, then it may even need to be pushed to October.

I turn 43 in November! Really feeling frustrated with how long everything is taking.

ErikaMG · July 2015

@Jenniferlyn330 - Thanks for sharing your experience with HSG! That makes me feel a little better. I'm actually fine with pap-smears, bloodwork, etc. Minor discomfort, but no big deal compared to some of the stuff I've been through in the past! I think I'll be ok without valium, but I think I will take everyone's advice and take Advil before I go.

@Krisd6 - My doctor prescribed a 3-day antibiotic to take 1 day before the HSG, day of, and 1 day after. As stated by other commenters, it's to prevent infection since they're sticking a foreign object up your pipes! You might want to ask your doctor if he/she thinks it's a good idea?

Drove2u · July 2015

@erikamg good luck and I'm sorry it's taking so long. Are you in Canada? Are you going straight to IVF then?

ErikaMG · July 2015

@Drove2u - Thanks! No, I'm in the USA (New York). We are actually only planning on trying IUI. If that doesn't work, we decided that we will not move on to IVF as the costs are too prohibitive. So fingers crossed!

Drove2u · July 2015

And you had to wait that long? I work in NYC. but live in Pa.

ErikaMG · July 2015

@Drove2u - Yeah - we live in Westchester, and are using a satellite office. They AR facility we chose is based in NYC. Turns out, their Westchester office is moving, and they're going to limit what they do there, so we're going to have to go to NYC anyway! If I had known that I would have just gone to an earlier appointment in NYC in the first place. Oh well...

Drove2u · July 2015

If you're in the area get in touch. :-) I've been going to RMA of Philadelphia.

ErikaMG · July 2015

@Drove2u - I sure will! I expect I'll be heading down there in early September if not sooner. (Columbia U. Center for Reproductive Care, Columbus Circle area).

Drove2u · July 2015

I know exactly where that is. Well Columbus circle I mean. It's like a 15 min subway ride from where I work. I work in soho.

ErikaMG · July 2015

Wonderful! I'll definitely let you know when I'll be down there and if you're available we can grab a coffee or something!

Drove2u · July 2015

Awesome!! That would be great!!

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