Has Anyone Had an HSG Test?

M.,

I had an HSG two weeks ago, and as others have said, it was uncomfortable, not painful. I was told NOT to take ibuprofen, aspirin, or other medication prior to the test because it can increase bleeding. I had mine done at Steinberg Diagnostic (off Sunset Rd), and Dr. Brown was the physician who conducted the test. He was great as were the two technicians who worked with him. They explained everything, walked me through it, and it was over very quickly. Please clarify with the diagnostic center what they will or will not allow (food, meds) prior to the test as the instruction sheet from my referring dr.'s office was incorrect. Above all, don't be afraid. If you've already given birth, this, in comparison, is nothing!

Hi M..

My friend couldn't get pregnant and finally had the test done. She said it was more uncomfortable than painful. She did however get pregnant right away after the test!
She thinks it had something to do with it. Clearing the tubs or something. I would ask the doctor if that is possible. May be another reason to want to get it done!

Stay positive. It will happen!!

I was terrified of the HSG test, but I took two ibuprofens before I went in and the test wasn't all that painful at all. It's more uncomfortable than anything else. With your husband there to support you, you should do just fine. I do encourage you to have the test, as it's a standard test done early in the infertility testing process. Good luck!

*ETA - I have heard of many women conceiveing easily after the test. Supposedly it does "clear" your tubes.

Hi M. Im sorry to hear about your infertility issues. I went through some myself and the HSG was one of the first tests they did. I think everyone has a different experience based on the doctor and tech experiences. I would recommend you take some motrin before you go as well and have someone go with you for support. For me I wish I had taken a vicodin or something because mine was painful. I went in think it was no big deal and I went alone. The hardest part for me was they used a metal speculum that was very uncomfortable and then they had issues putting the dye in so it took longer. I dont was to make you more nervous..Just take the motrin and someone with you and you should be fine..If you can ask for a plastic speculum that may help too..hope this helps..
D.
www.dalex.myarbonne.com

I had an HSG about 1.5 year ago. It was relatively painless. I don't remember any pain, just some discomfort. The discomfort was more from moving side to side to make sure the dye was going to the appropriate spaces. The doctor and nurse were really friendly & nice about making sure I wasn't too uncomfortable. Don't let your anxiety get the best of you. Take some deep breaths & relax. It doesn't take long to do. I got pregnant naturally about 4 months after the HSG. (We did 3 IUIs for our 2nd child with no success. I did the HSG before the IUIs) We are now proud parents of a 5 year old & 6 month old. Good luck!

Dear M.
I was in a very similar situation. I got pregnant had a blighted ovum and also had to have a DC. When the DC was done doctor discovered some problems with my uterus but they could not determine exact cause so I had the HSG test done. It is uncomfortable but tolerable. They basically insert a balloon and inflate it in your uterus to have a better view and then insert a dye to make sure nothing is blocked (for me they did it to get an idea of shape of my uterus). I had the HSG done in the morning and went directly to work after and had no problems.

I think the process itself sounds intimating but it was just uncomfortable.

However, the HSG test was not conclusive and I had to have a MRI and eventually my doctor went against what both tests told him and he was right.

Had I listed to results from the HSG and MRI and not my doctor I would not have had my beautiful baby boy.

So bottom line test is not painful but test results were not accurate

I also went thru alot of these tests, procedures, etc. After all the vaginal ultrosounds, exams, bloodtests, etc. my body and mind were pretty numb to all the experiences. So when they scheduled the HSG test and explained it, I didn't expect it to be any different from the other tests. For me, I was wrong... because it didn't seem that big of a deal, my husband didn't come with me and I had intended to go back to work that afternoon. It was very uncomfortable, it was painful to me, it lasted longer than I had expected and I didn't go back to work that day. It wasn't devastating or scream your head off pain... but it definately was NOT minor or "no big deal".

I think that if I had to do it again, I would have taken some asprin/pain killers first, brought my husband with me for support and planned to relax the rest of the day. Even with the pain, YES I would do it again, but I would have tried to be more prepared for it. I believed the doctors/nurses and the books when they said it was no big deal... but for me, out of all the procedures (we did not try IVF.. but everything short of it)these HSG was the worst one. But again I'd DO IT AGAIN, but more prepared.

BTW.... even after all the tests, discoveries, diagnosis, procedures, we did not get pregnant! We gave up, decided to take a break, recoperate financially,emotionally,physically from our 4 year experience. 2 months later by a complete miracle we were pregnant the "old fashion way". We have a 6 year old and a 3 year old both who medically shouldn't have been possible!!

Good Luck! Relax and Enjoy your life. You never know what can happen!!

H. G.

Hi M.,

I had an HSG done 14 months ago and from my experience it wasn't really painful. The most uncomfortable part was turning from side to side when the die was injected. However, I have heard that if you have blockages in your tubes that the test is more painful. Luckily both my tubes were wide open so that could explain why I had no pain. The doctors did prescribe me some antibiotics to take before hand as well as some Motrin 800 to take before the procedure. Since I hate taking pills I didn't take the Motrin and I didn't have any cramping or anything. Do you find that your annual exams are painful? If so then you will probably find that this is a little more uncomfortable than that when it comes to the tools they use. Also, the more you can relax when they are inserting the catheter so they can inject the die the easier its going to be and the less painful it will be for you so if you think you will need to take Valium or something ask your doctor for it. As for as trying something else...I really think that this test is one of the starters for infertility treatments because you need to know if your tubes are open.

i had an HSG before i did IVF and my doctor gave me tons of antibiotic before the test, some prescription motrin AND 10mg valium. i highly recommend getting medicated. i didn't feel a thing and my sister in law who unfortunately has had multiple HSG tests didn't get drugs or valium and said it was one of her worst experiences.

hello:

I had an HSG done at Cedars Sinai & it wasn't bad at all. I am a total pain wimp who has 2 daughters & demanded an epiderual immediately as I walked into the hospital for both deliveries. LOL!! So with that said, I went to hospital by myself, had the HSG procedure done, drove myself home, took an advil & stayed in bed for the rest of the day. It felt like cramps & there was some spotting, but that's it. Of course, everyone is different.

Good luck!