HSG (Hysterosalpingogram).

mrsracatoe · #1 September 25th, 2006, 11:54 PM

This topic is for information on HSG (Hysterosalpingogram).

SUNSHINE08 · #2 September 28th, 2006, 03:00 AM

Essentially an HSG checks whether your fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged.

It involves injecting special fluid into the uterus and fallopian tubes, so their size and shape can be seen more clearly during an X-ray.

The test is normally performed someone between CD1 and CD10 but may vary according to your cycle length. This is to minimise the risk of performing the test when you could possibly be pregnant.

I had an HSG about a month ago. I was prescribed painkillers and antibiotics to take 1.5 hours before the procedure to alleviate any pain and prevent infection.

The test took about 10 minutes. It was very uncomfortable (like a worse version of a smear) but it was over quickly. I personally felt a bit sick straight after the test, but only for a few mins.

I would recommend wearing a pantyliner / sanitary towel after the procedure as you may get some discharge and I have heard that in some cases people may get a light bleed.

I suffered from a little cramping in the evening, but it was pretty much like mild period pain.

I hope this helps!! Lucky for me, I got the all clear.

Nykoal · #3 October 4th, 2006, 08:32 AM

I had an HSG done but it was done while I having laproscopic surgery so I can't recall anything, but just wanted to add that it can be done in conjunction with surgery (kinda like a 2 for 1 deal!).

#4 November 4th, 2006, 06:20 PM

It was the most painful experience of my life! And I have a very high pain threshold. I highly recommend taking pain medicine beforehand, which I did not do. Sadly, it did not lead to a BFP for me. Luckily, the test shows my tubes are perfectly normal.

iwantababy19 · #5 November 10th, 2006, 04:45 PM

I just had the test done today and it hurt really bad. I had to squeeze the nurses hand. It only took about 10 minutes for me, but it felt like it was never going to end. I was even given Lortab and Xanix before it was done and I still felt everything and more. Everything was fine for me, my tubes are clear as a bell. But if your Dr. offers a drug cocktail. TAKE IT. Make sure he gives you the highest dose of all. BUT, I might just be a wuss. Just thought I would share my story with yall!!

LisaB · #6 November 11th, 2006, 09:31 AM

I had it a couple of weeks ago... it hurt a lot for me too, but I didn't take any painkillers because I didn't know I needed to. Also I had a blockage on one side, so they pushed really hard with the fluid trying to make sure. It hurt for over a week after! I think if I ever have to do this again I'll ask to be knocked out or given a strong painkiller!

jlk · #7 November 17th, 2006, 03:37 PM

I had mine done last week. I have a high pain tolerance and for me this was the most excruciating pain I have ever experienced. I would say the pain was 10 times worse than the painful cramps I get each month. Good news though, my tubes were not blocked.

ksauter · #8 November 30th, 2006, 12:59 PM

Well I had it done with no pain meds before hand becuase I forgot to take them and it didn't hurt at all. There was some slight cramping and a little stinging but that was all. It only took around 15 mins. for mine.

lunarmagic · #9 December 9th, 2006, 02:23 PM

I just had mine done this cycle. I had a little glitch - the catheter slipped out! So they had to put another in and do it again. The first time it wasn't that bad, just like some uncomfortable pressure. The second time though... it HURT. A lot. It wasn't very long, but it felt like it was never going to stop. I didn't have any blockages either. Soon as they removed the catheter I didn't feel any cramping. It was just the little balloon they inflated in my cervix... hurt like anything.

I did feel bloated the rest of the day.

lizm75 · #10 December 11th, 2006, 11:43 AM

I had my HSG last month and it was not painfull at all. I felt a little slight cramping when they did the balloon part. Other than that it was just like a PAP.

mommaW · #11 December 17th, 2006, 08:51 PM

I think the pain really does vary from person to person. I have had 2 of these done and it didnt hurt or bother me either time.

Daniellea22 · #12 December 19th, 2006, 11:04 AM

i had an HSG done yesterday, 12-18-06 and it wasnt as bad as i thought it would be. THe cathedar was a bit uncomfy but not painful. I got some tolerable cramping when the dye was injected and then some cramping for about an hour later. A little stronger than normal af cramps but i was able to walk fine etc. I spotted for the rest of the day but today there is no blood at all. Good luck to anyone who gets one, its worth knowing the answers.

Leigha24 · #13 January 23rd, 2007, 06:57 PM

I have an HSG scheduled for Feb 1st.. hopefully I won't have the pain that you all have went through! I guess it would be worth knowing though, if it helps me get a BFP

Tamika · #14 January 24th, 2007, 11:57 AM

I had my HSG done this morning and it did not hurt, there was only very mild cramping, but I did take 3 alleve tablets one hour prior to the procedure. Unfortunately both my tubes are blocked and that may be the reason I did not experience any pain. I think it tends to cramp more when the dye is flushed through the tubes since they are smaller.

Basically it was like getting a pap smear, but they insert the cathether into the uterus and push the die through. They gave me a pad to wear, but I only had slight discharge and some of the dye run back out (since my tubes are blocked), no bleeding.

hoping4littleone · #15 January 24th, 2007, 03:56 PM

I just had an HSG this morning and was not looking forward to it. I had a sonohysterogram yesterday and that was not painful at all, just afterwards I cramped for a couple of hours. I heard the HSG was more painful then a sono, so I went in this morning a little nervous. With both procedures they were having trouble inserting the catheter because I have a cervix that is tilted downwards. So, for me the speculum was pretty painful because they were trying to get a clear view of my cervix. I didn't feel the catheter with the sono, but I did feel it go in today with the HSG. The minute they began to fill the balloon I began to cramp very badly. That was the worst part of it all. It felt like the worst period cramps that just wouldn't go away. I just breathed through it and tried not to think about it, and I was fine. From start to finish I would say it was over with in less than 10 minutes. The minute they took the catheter out, I stopped cramping immediately and have been fine all day. I spotted a little too. But, the good news is there is no blockage and my uterus is fine...so it was worth it to find that out. Oh, and I did take 3 Advil one hour before both procedures.
To anyone who has to have a sono or an HSG, the best advice I can give you is just relax and breathe, I promise it helps

.H.e.a.t.h.e.r. · #16 January 28th, 2007, 10:10 AM

Has anyone who's had an HSG had a previous child??
How does the pain compare to labour? I didnt find labour to be even half as bad as I was expecting it to be.

#17 January 28th, 2007, 02:46 PM

I had my HSG on 11-28-06. The worst part was the balloon being inflated to keep the cathider in. It was really bad cramping, but I have experienced worse pain with the shingles and recovering from knee surgery.

both tubes were blocked. The tech was able to clear my left tube, but my right is fully shut. And he didnt want to keep trying to get the dye to clear it.

I had a little discharge afterwards. I had taken 2 ibprofens about an hour or so before the procedure. And I had some achyness later in the day.

But worth it to find out my problem and get it partically fixed.

.H.e.a.t.h.e.r. · #18 January 30th, 2007, 01:55 PM

I had this done on January 29 th. I was terrified going in but it really didnt hurt at all.
I had no cramping in my stomach just aches in my legs from having them bent weirdly. I thought it would be agony from what I've read.
according to the nurse there is a possibility that it didnt hurt me at all because I have no blockages .

dzine21 · #19 February 1st, 2007, 08:26 AM

Mine was done Jan 31. I went in thinking this could be very painful from what I had read. I didn't even think it was as bad as a pap smear. Everything went in smooth and came out smooth. I took 2 motrin about 1.5 hrs prior. I had no cramping during. About 2 hrs after the HSG I did begin cramping. They were just as bad as my af cramps are. I had the tiniest speck of pink spotting. I am having pressure pains-like gas build up pains. But after I started have cramps I was helping out at youth group and a kindergardener punched me in the gut. So I do not know if the pains now are related or not. The dr suggested they are the dye seeping into my system.

Leigha24 · #20 February 7th, 2007, 10:53 AM

"I had mine done last week. I have a high pain tolerance and for me this was the most excruciating pain I have ever experienced. I would say the pain was 10 times worse than the painful cramps I get each month. Good news though, my tubes were not blocked."

Exactly what happened to me. Worst pain ever, and I've had laparascopies for endometriosis. Both tubes were clear, but I had severe cramps for 3-4 hours afterwards. I unfortunately didn't take anything before, and wish I would've. I highly suggest taking something for pain. I had a decent amt of blood as well.