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HSG (Hysterosalpingogram)

HSG (Hysterosalpingogram)
by Carolyn (otherwise known as the Heads Up Queen–not to be confused with the Heads Off Queen from Alice in Wonderland)

Why Would You be Having an HSG?

The HSG is one of the first diagnostic tests an RE runs when you’re having trouble conceiving. It is usually given shortly after the first infertility appointment, no later than CD 12 of your latest cycle.

Common problems that can be diagnosed with an HSG include: blocked fallopian tubes, uterine polyps, fibroids, and uterine defects such as a septum or a bicornate uterus.

What You Can Expect

The HSG is performed in the radiology department and is usually administered by a radiologist and an RE. You’ll lie down on the table underneath an x-ray machine, and the RE will insert a speculum as if you were having a PAP smear. The RE will then insert a catheter into your cervix and inject a clear dye into your uterus. For most women, this is the most uncomfortable part of the procedure. To me, the dye felt like sharp, strong menstrual cramps that lasted for a little over a minute. After that, I felt no pain at all.

While the RE is injecting the dye, the radiologist will take pictures of your uterus and tubes. Most of the time you should be able to see what’s happening on a screen somewhere in the room. You’ll be able to see the shape of your uterus, and if your tubes are clear you should be able to see each tube and then the dye as it spills out into your abdominal cavity.

If your tubes aren’t clear, the procedure may be more painful since the dye can’t spill out. The RE may try to force a closed tube open by injecting more dye, and this sometimes works.
After the test is over, you’ll be able to get dressed again and may go over your test results with the RE immediately. If not, your RE should schedule an appointment with you fairly soon to discuss the results. If your appointment isn’t for several days, try to get at least a preliminary report from the RE or radiologist while you’re still in the room.

Make sure to bring your own pad to the hospital or clinic because the dye is very messy and will be leaking out of you for several days. Dye that remains in the abdominal cavity is absorbed into the body. You may also experience some spotting after the procedure, but not heavier than a period.

There is some evidence that suggests that there is an uptick in fertility for the three cycles after the HSG.

Problems That Might Arise

Pain is the most common problem associated with the HSG. Some women experience only mild discomfort, while others experience severe pain. If you have a tight cervix the insertion of the catheter will be very uncomfortable. Occasionally, if you are experiencing severe pain your fallopian tubes may close even though they’re usually open.

If you are allergic to iodine, make sure you tell your RE before the procedure, since the most commonly used oil-based dye contains iodine and can cause an allergic reaction. There is also a water-based dye that can be used if you have an iodine allergy.

There is also a small chance of infection associated with the HSG, so your doctor should place you on antibiotics for several days before and after the procedure. If you feel more pain or experience heavy bleeding after the HSG, contact your doctor immediately.

Personal Tips

Since the HSG is usually the first invasive fertility procedure most women go through when they’re having trouble conceiving, it can be overwhelming and emotional. I did an acupuncture session the morning before my HSG, which was a wonderful way to stay calm and focused during the procedure.

Talk to your doctor before the HSG if you can. Ask them to tell you what they’re doing as they’re doing it, and don’t be afraid to tell them when something hurts. In my experience, REs seem to think that an HSG isn’t a very big deal. It’s a VERY big deal to the woman who is lying on the table, both physically and psychologically. Anything you can do to remind your doctor that this isn’t just “business as usual” for you will help.

374 comments

1 The Town Criers { 08.02.06 at 8:07 am }

Maybe I’m going to sound like a big wuss, but the HSG was the most pain I’ve ever experienced. It’s my 10 when they ask you how the pain is on a scale of 1 to 10. Giving birth to twins vaginally did not even come close to being as painful as the HSG.

When my RE scheduled the test, he casually said, “uh, do you have any percocet or something similar at home?” (as if we all have these things lying around the house for such occasions). When I answered no, he waved his hand and said, “it’s okay, it’s okay, I was just going to tell you to take one before the test in order to deal with the pain.”

I ended up taking an ativan because I was a bundle of nerves. I think Carolyn sums it up perfectly–if it’s your first procedure, it can be very emotional because it sets you on a certain path. The pain was tremendous, but the worst part was the radiologist. She looked at me when I screamed out a curse that begins with the letters “M” and “F”. And she said, “it doesn’t hurt that much.” Of course, she had never actually HAD an HSG so how could she know…

All I can say is that it was painful for me. And anything you can do to relax beforehand is good. And anything you can do to pamper yourself afterwards is good. And I agree with Carolyn that doctors sometimes just don’t get how huge this test is (emotionally and painwise) so speak up for yourself and make sure your needs are met.

2 serenity { 08.02.06 at 11:05 am }

One of the best things my RE told me before the procedure was to take 800mgs of ibruprofen an hour before the HSG. It really helped, I think – my HSG was still painful, but not horrible.

3 Anonymous { 08.03.06 at 12:10 pm }

I agree, it was the most painful thing I had ever felt. It only lasted a minute but it brought me back to the pain of my first miscarriage and left me a bundle of tears on the table. The doctor was cold and just walked out of the room, but luckily the nurse was kind and patted me on the back, which only made me cry harder.

4 Ann { 08.04.06 at 12:41 pm }

My HSG wasn’t all that bad in terms of pain. I think the reason was largely the nurse and tech (the woman who inserted the catheter and the dye). They had both had HSGs, so they knew what I was going through and what to tell. They were very honest about when something would hurt, and pretty much put me at ease.

The bad part for me was after the HSG was over, every time I tried to sit up I would nearly pass out. I’m not sure what that was about, but after the third time the nurse told me to stay laying down for 15 minutes and not try to get up. So she stayed with me and we talked about infertility and testing and treatments. She had been through most of the tests and done IUI, but had stopped before IVF when she and her husband decided to stop trying. It wasn’t a fun experience in the least, but it was my first experience talking face to face with someone else who’d been through what I was facing. Her honesty and kindness actually lead me to look almost fondly on my HSG. Crazy, I know.

5 Ella { 08.07.06 at 5:32 pm }

My HSG was really painful when I had scarring in my cervix and uterus (post D&C). It was definitely a 10 on your scale. But, after the scarring was treated with a hysteroscopy, I’d say the HSG was more uncomfortable than painful. I think it’s blocakge (whether it’s in the cervix or in the tubes) that correlates with the pain of the HSG. Also, immediately after the HSG – I felt irritated down there. Kinda itchy too, but that went away after 15 min. I think I had some sort of reaction to the catheter, not the dye. I’m not sure if this is common or not. Definitely take 2 Motrin an hour before the procedure.

6 Southern Comfortable { 08.14.06 at 8:50 am }

The most painful part of my HSG was when they inserted the catheter through my cervix. I had cryosurgery many years ago, and it’s apparently left my cervical opening smaller than average. (Thanks a lot, doc. Argh.) the dye itself was certainly not pleasant, but it wasn’t ungodly painful, either. It was not a “10” on the pain scale for me. It was, however, hugely embarrassing and uncomfortable. I took four Advil beforehand.

7 Anonymous { 08.28.06 at 9:15 pm }

My doctor said the HSG would be slightly uncomfortable.I have had two vaginal childbirths and donated one of my kidneys and will say i have a high tolerance for pain. It was more than slightly uncomfortable.However, whats been more of a puzzle to me is the bleeding that occurred immediatly following the test,and following sex.ANd now,three years later, i will bleed heavily after sex if its not gentle. Anyone experience this>?

8 J Rene { 08.29.06 at 7:25 pm }

I had mine done on friday. It hurt more than I was told that it would. They told me it would feel like my period was getting ready to begin.Yeah right! If I had periods like that every month, I have a sex change! Thank God we don’t have to do that every visit!

9 The Town Criers { 09.01.06 at 12:05 pm }

Anonymous–that sounds worrisome. Have you gotten it checked out by a doctor?

10 Heather { 09.27.06 at 12:49 pm }

My HSG is scheduled for next Tuesday (Oct. 3) and I am terrified. I just wanted to thank all of you for posting your stories. It has really helped me.

11 Anonymous { 10.01.06 at 11:47 pm }

I just has my first (and hopefully only) hsg on Thursday (today is Sunday) I must admit I have NEVER felt so much pain in my LIFE. I screamed like crazy. The doctor said he was having trouble getting the liquid to go through my right tube so he pushed super hard – I thought I was going to die. The bleeding has finally stopped but the pain has not (not severe but certainly uncomfortable) My husband and I tried to have sex for the first time since the test and I am in so much pain now – WHAT THE HECK! How long and how badly did you guys hurt after the test? (oh, apparently there are no abnormalities – it was just a little tissue blockage that is now gone)

12 The Town Criers { 10.02.06 at 10:59 am }

Anonymous–I’d call your doctor and report the pain. I felt sore afterwards, but the pain mostly stopped after the test ended. I walked out with some cramps, but not the intense pain that I felt during the test.

Are you also on antibiotics? The dye can cause an infection so antibiotics are usually given with the test.

13 shell { 10.24.06 at 7:54 am }

just been for hsg today was in pain dont get results till a month juat hope the pain doesn’t means there’s a blockage somewhere

14 The Town Criers { 10.24.06 at 11:16 am }

Shell–they should have been able to see on the screen immediately if there was a blockage. Did you see the dye spill out on the screen? It’s strange to have to wait a month for results because most of the time, you walk out of the test with the results (or receive a report from your OB a day or two later). Did they give any explanation for the wait?

15 Cassandra { 11.06.06 at 9:20 pm }

I had an HSG last week and it was definately very high on my pain scale. That being said, I also have two friends who have had them and both said it wasn’t bad so I suppose it all depends on your situtation and doctor.

At any rate, I wanted to add a comment here about it hurting more with a tight cervix. This is definately true.

My doctor actually stopped the test after trying for almost 40 minutes to do it becuase it was too painful due to my “small cervix”. (Of course I got home and was convinced that I was not only a wimp but was also in someway completley anotomically abnormal.) I’ve since been told that this only means that I have a small cervix – nothing more – and that it does, indeed, make the procedure much more painful.

To be specific, the dye felt like pressure on my organs in that area and made for some cramping but the actual clamps and pulling on my cervix are what felt horrible. Also, I’m not sure if it was due to my complications or not but I had some slight cramping for about three days and some spotting. I was also very sore in that area for a couple of days (imagine that after being propped open for 40 minutes – hahaha.)

Anyway, I second the ladies above who advise taking advin beforehand. I also agree with the comments above about this being an emotional test. If this is your first dip into the realm of this sort of testing, you should definatly have a supportive person with you.

16 Anonymous { 11.10.06 at 12:33 pm }

I had mine done 1 week ago today. I’d read the comments on this site and was terrified. I had truly worked myself into a barely controlled state of panic by the time I laid on the table.I took 2 Xanax and 2 ibuprofin 600mg before the procedure. The procedure itself was painless. The doctor had a problem finding my cervix. (I had cryosurgeries 13 years ago which may have been a factor.) but even with that, I barely knew anything was happening. I had *slight* cramps when he injected the dye but other than that nothing. Considering this, I was rather unprepared for the pain I felt on Saturday. My uterus was *very* sore and tender. I was okay as long as I kept up with the ibuprofin and didn’t do anything – walking and getting up were a challenge. Sunday I was still a little sore and tender but by Monday I was fine. I didn’t bleed or even spot.

After the procedure, I commented to the nurse that I expected much more pain. She said every person’s experience is different. It really depends on the size, shape and location of your cervix. The doctor’s competence is a huge factor as well.

I’m *NOT* posting this to boast or brag but to maybe reassure someone that it doesn’t always hurt. I’m grateful I had this information but it also scared the crap out of me.

17 Anonymous { 11.13.06 at 1:58 am }

My HSG wasn’t that bad but was emotionally difficult. Having a medal rod screwed into your cervix ain’t so much fun. It was really quick though. But I had no pain afterwards and hardly any cramping. I of course had a cranky(male) doctor and a x-ray tec and student x-ray tech. I was like – anyone else here want to see down there – we’re having an exibit!

18 Anonymous { 12.21.06 at 4:23 pm }

I had my first HSG yesterday. The pain was very severe. I cried and was squeezing the radiology tech’s hands so hard during the procedure you would have thought I was in labor! Anyway they did not end up succeeding in the procedure. They could not get the instrument used to inject the dye through my cervix. Therefore I went through all of that pain for nothing. They told me they would not try again because I had been through enough for one day. What I want to Know is why don’t they give you something to relax you during the procedure? What would be the harm in that!! Oh yeah, and I was never told that it was going to be painful.

19 ria marshall { 01.10.07 at 2:30 pm }

i had my first and last hsg on mon the 8th and it wasn’t very nice, the doctor was great and very gentle but it still hurt and was very uncomfortable, i wasn’t advised to take any tablets before hand but i wouldn’t want to go through that again, in the end it was worth it because my tubes are clear, other family members don’t understand what it’s like with their stupid comments.

20 Anonymous { 01.22.07 at 10:25 pm }

Alright, you guys have absolutely freaked me out. I have mine next Monday.

21 Anonymous { 02.23.07 at 8:17 am }

I was searching on internet regarding the HSG & PAIN, because it was THE MOST PAINFUL THING EVER and I think ladies should know that. I had it done yesterday (Cycle Day 10) and it was excruciating! I also cried on the table. I have had 2 mc’s and thought I could endure the pain. I was wrong. Ask your dr. for a sedative or something

22 Anonymous { 02.26.07 at 11:29 am }

I had my HSG 4 months ago and although the procedure didn’t hurt, I was doubled-up in pain within a few hours and nearly passed out. This continued for 2-3 days and then lessened. Now I still get cramps after orgasm, which worried me quite a lot. I’m just about to go into IVF and I’m worried that I could have been damaged in some way – can anyone help with this?

23 Anonymous { 03.05.07 at 8:31 am }

my dear is easier said than done, since the first day my personnal doctor told me to go for hsg, i rejected it immediately saying is not possible for me to have any problem in there, but unfortunatetly after 11 months of trying ,i was refer to a gyn. he told me the same, i made up my mind to take this bold step. i was looking for a radiologist that will do it without pain, i couldnt find one. infact the pain i went through seven days ago,i will not pray my enemies go through, in short it is painful. pls come up with something less painful

24 eyda { 03.20.07 at 6:48 am }

well, i had HSG like 4days ago and the pain was excruciating and terrible infact when i remember the pain i went through i have goose bumps over my body but the dye wasnt as painful as the procedure maybe ‘cos i have painful M, anyway the pain didnt last for long(dye insertion)and i didnt even take any pain reliever.

25 Anonymous { 03.28.07 at 2:37 pm }

I had my HSG today–and no one told me to take anything. It was extremely painful. I have lost one tube to an ectopic pregnancy and was very worried about the other one. At first no dye would spill at all, and then when they used more contrast for a few more minutes it all spilled out. Could this have removed blockage? Thanks for any info, the techs didn’t tell me much. 🙂 Thanks–ash

26 Anonymous { 04.02.07 at 11:12 am }

Hi Everybody. I had an HSG today. I was pretty scared, but learned a lot about the procedure before hand. I took 4 ibuprofen an hour before. For kicks, I also took a Xanax which I happened to have on hand. The staff were really nice and patient, which helped. It did hurt- but about as much as I was expecting. I wouldn’t call it “bad menstrual cramps” just because it came on so quick and was a rather sharp, deep pain. But once I got over the initial “shock” of the first bit of pain, I just breathed in as calmly as I could and that helped. My body reacted by getting hot and clammy and I was breathing fast- so I tried to control that. It was all over in less than 3 minutes. Luckily for me, I’ve never experienced a “10” on the pain scale, so it’s hard to say. I’d give it a 4 or 5.
But- we’re ALL different, and all experience pain in different ways! I felt crampy on the ride home- about 30 minutes, but no pain after that.
Hope this helps! OH- one more thing! Whenever I have a gyno appointment- anything uncomfortable and embarrasing like this- I schedule a chocolate sundae afterwards!!

27 Anonymous { 04.06.07 at 12:29 am }

I had my HSG today, was nervous all day about it but it turned out was nothing like what I thought. I kept reading everywhere that it was excruciating painful but I hardly felt a thing. Not much more than a papsmear for me. I had some spotting after but no pain. Hope this helps someone… guess everyone’s experience is different.

28 Anonymous { 04.17.07 at 8:53 am }

I had an HSG yesterday, and am having strange sharp (not crampy) abdominal pains on my right side when I stand up. I’m wondering if this is normal? As for the procedure, I really didn’t have much pain at all during and just some slight cramping after. The radiologist told me that everything looks normal.

29 Kade { 05.14.07 at 7:53 pm }

Petrified!
I am scheduled for my HSG on wed after reading all this I am really scared. My doctor told me to take a couple tylenol before. I was reading up on the procedure and it said you are not supposed to have sex for two weeks after does anyone know if this is true?

30 Anonymous { 05.22.07 at 7:24 pm }

I have my HSG this Wed adn am now petrified – more concerned though if anyone knows when you can have sex? some say 3 days some say 2 weeks…

i do not want to skip trying the month of June since we missed May due to business trips…ughhh

31 Tina { 05.24.07 at 8:53 am }

I kept hearing before my HSG that it would be a killer in terms of pain. But I actually felt nothing. I don’t know why. However, my doctor did tell me to relax as much as possible during the procedure (I think I was given Valium, not a painkiller). I do have a high pain tolerance (I went on to have two natural births — which did hurt, so I can feel pain), but I thought I should echo earlier posts that everyone is different — don’t psych yourself out expecting the worst pain in your life, because it’s possible that going in tense could make it worse! My two cents…

32 Anonymous { 05.30.07 at 10:57 am }

I just had my HSG yesterday. I was really nervous after reading everyone’s comments on the internet but it was not that bad at all. The worst pain was later that night after the test — very painful to use any of my stomach muscles. I took 4 Ibuprofein before the test which I think really helped.

33 Anonymous { 05.31.07 at 11:27 am }

I’m having an HSG tomorrow and I absolutely scared now. I keep telling myself it won’t be that bad. Afterall, giving birth is gonna be worse right?

34 Anonymous { 06.01.07 at 7:23 am }

I had mine today…wasn’t bad at all! little cramping when the ink was injected, but other than that it was like having a pap. I was really really nervous after reading all of these comments. I was really lucky or I have a great doctor cus it was painless!

35 Anonymous { 06.01.07 at 5:50 pm }

I just had my test, after reading these posts, I became so nervous, I asked the doc for some anti-anxiety pill. She gave me valium instead. I think the worst part of this all is that I got sick from all the medications I took. In the morning, I took the antibiotic, around 11 am, I took two Aleves, then at 12 noon, I took the valium. I had my procedure at 1 pm. When I got to the hospital, I was throwing up, maybe from all the meds and having an empty stomach and having drank lots of water. So be careful with the meds you take, don’t mix it all up or take it on an empty stomach.

All that medicine gave me a headache and I threw up twice, once in the lobby bathroom and the other, in the radiologist bathroom. It was mostly water I threw up, yuck. I thought I had to cancel the appt. because I could not breathe.

Anyway, the actual test was not bad. The worst part was when they kept moving my legs left to right to take photos. I didn’t feel the dye spray or anything, just a little pain when they stuck that long thing through my cervix, but very tolerable. After, I wore a small napkin, but hardly anything came out, a little blood, but I didn’t see no dye. Was the dye brown, I’m not sure. On the pain scale, I rate this HSG test a 3. On the pain scale for the meds I took before the test, maybe an 8, due to my headache, imbalance, and barf feeling.

Also, it helped that the doc I had was nice, he was gentle and you could tell he was not doing this thing in a hurry. The nurse was the tough one, whenever she moved my legs around in a rough way, I thought that thing was going to come out and rip out my cervix. But like I said, that was the thought and fear, it didn’t hurt as much as others here had perceived it.

Good luck to those about to do this, you can do it! It almost felt like just a papsmear, you know, when they stick that long q-tip and swab around in there.

36 Anonymous { 06.02.07 at 9:23 am }

I had my first HSG on Friday. The radiologist and tech were super nice. The pain for me was about a 7, but only after I left. There was only a pinch when the catheter was inserted and more like pressure when the dye was injected. My results were that one tube looked normal and one looked swollen and blocked. Neither of them spilled freely into my abdomen and I’m a little concerned. I was previously diagnosed with Endometriosis, so maybe there is some scarring. Does anyone know how long the wait is for intercourse? I’ve heard from a couple of days to 2 weeks. Keep me in your prayers.

37 Anonymous { 07.01.07 at 7:27 pm }

I had my hsg done on fri (today is Sun) and I wish that I had found this site sooner. Like many that I have read, this test was so extremely painful; I almost passed out in the middle of it. I went into this test not really expecting to find anything wrong, but was saddly mistaken while in the middle of the test, my doctor asked if I even had a right tube. Of course, this came as quite a shock since I of course assumed that I did since I have not had any previous issues that would lead me to think differently. When i said that I assumed that I did, they then said that there must be a total blockage since nothing was flowing thru the right side. Talk about emotional pain along with the physical pain that I was feeling. I am now just wondering how to find out what it could be and how to solve it; it is hard since everyone including the doctor just keeps saying, “Well you only need one tube to get pregnant”. If they only understood what it is like to be trying and not be successful. Good luck to all that go thru with this test, and hope that it is not painful for all. I agree, I don’t wish this on anyone.

38 Anonymous { 07.16.07 at 3:02 pm }

Today i had HSG, and i had really need pain. I did take a vicodin before the procedure, which did help with any discomfort. I really believe that if your doctor is experienced you will have minimal pain. More important pray!!!

39 Anonymous { 07.16.07 at 9:36 pm }

Had my first HSG today – was very scared like everyone else. However, I have a college friend who is a radiologist and she told me to take 2-3 ibuprofen an hour or two before and have some on hand following the procedure.

It was definitely very uncomfortable – and they had to inject a second dose of the dye to find my other tube (they found both and apparently my fibroid is not distorting my uterus). I just kept telling myself it was worth the discomfort to finally know what was going on – and I tried to stay relaxed and go to my ‘happy place.’ 🙂 My doctor had an HSG while trying to get pregnant – so she was extra understanding.

Afterwards, I felt about 20-30 minutes of typical bad period cramps/nausea/blechy stuff – but then it cleared up (thanks to advil, apple juice and fig newtons!) and since then it has just been some sticky/spotty discharge.

I have my fingers crossed that the old wives tale of getting pregnant after an HSG is true (my friend has heard it a lot in the hospital as well).

Good luck to you all!

40 Anonymous { 08.03.07 at 1:58 pm }

Ladies, I just had my HSG (Aug 3) and I was really anxious and scared after reading all of the horrible stories. It was not painful, but slightly uncomfortable. Me being tense is what made it worse. The worst part was that my cervix was not cooperating and the Dr had to continually probe it in order to insert the cath. Otherwise, it went very quickly and was relatively painless. My tubes were clear so that might have played a role. So, I want to encourage those of you that are scheduled to have this procedure that it is NOT that bad.

41 Anonymous { 08.11.07 at 10:52 am }

I had an HSG yesterday, quite frankly the test was a breeze, I took 400mg of ibuprofen an hour before and I was fine. However about 3 hours later the cramping started and it was severe, much worse than any period I’ve ever had or even after my miscarriage, getting up and walking was close to impossible. I felt pain in both my upper and lower abdomen all night. However today the pain is only in my lower ab and it’s tolerable. I empathize with all you ladies who had a hard time during the test. All the best!!

42 Anonymous { 08.21.07 at 3:23 pm }

I had mine a few weeks ago and had worked myself into an awful state about it. In fact I cancelled it twice – I’d been told I have a very small cervix and that that would make it worse. Anyway,I took some painkillers and didn’t find it painful. Uncomfortable and embarrassing yes but painful no. (My tubes were both open though.)

I’ve since been told that I have an almost inaccessible posterior cervix which menas that an IUI I had the other day was agony. I have another tomorrow. I think the HSG nurse must have been vg as it is largely the same sort of procedure.

I’m just thinking about the IUI and thinking “well it’s over in a few minutes”. Good luck everyone. xx

43 Anonymous { 08.25.07 at 7:20 pm }

I just had my HSG 8/21/07. i went on my lunch hour, being that muy specialist said it was a nothing procedure. Boy, was that far from the truth. When the dr. inserted that cath, it was uncomfortable, when he started pushing the dye in- THAT WAS MY 10!!!! I could not believe the pain!!! I almost broke the assistance hand and boy was i voicing my pain. Turns out, my r tube had a minor block- the dr said that is why it hurt so much. he asked me to go to the bathroom and push all the dye out- as i did this, a yellow/brown mucos-like substance came out (I’m hoping that was the blockage) and had me come back and get 1 last xray. i sat in the waiting room for my xrays and wanted to pass out!!! i drove myself back to work, and when i finally got home, i had a small grade fever and cramps. i lay down for awhile and the was unable to walk properly. my husband had to tend to my every beck and call. i could not do anything. i had spotting up to 8/24/07- which i was told is normal. to finally rest, i took 4 advils… it was the only way i, or my husband, was going to get any rest that night!!!

i want to know if nausea, headache and pelvic pain is normal… since the procedure, i have not been feeling all that great…

44 Anonymous { 08.27.07 at 7:39 pm }

I had my hsg 8/24 and it was very painful and I really felt like i was in labor. I have been cramping and bleeding for 3 days now, i talked to the radiologist and the doctors office twice today and they don’t seem to think I should be bleeding and cramping the way I am and are putting me on hormone replacement therapy to try and stop the bleeding. Has this happened to anyone else?

45 Anonymous { 08.29.07 at 4:28 pm }

i had my hsg today and was very nervous, based on the comments here and elsewhere on the web. i had a sonohysterogram in the past and remember that was mildly painful and was expecting the hsg to be even worse. well it was fine, i did a lot of breathing exercises and had just minor discomfort and barely a cramp. i was advised not to take any ibuprofen or aspirin beforehand and to only take tylenol, if needed, afterwards because ibuprofen and aspirin cause bleeding.

just had to post this to let people know it’s not always horrifically painful. don’t be too scared, it’s all over in a matter of minutes.
oh, and my test was just fine. nothing is blocked! onward!

46 Anonymous { 08.31.07 at 10:06 pm }

My goodness! From these comments, I’m going to assume most of you have never had children. My HMO recommended 800mg motrin 3X before: the might before, the morning of, and one hour before, plus antibiotics the night before and morning of. While it was not picnic, the meds definitely helped.

I had a HSG after an Essure procedure; I’ve got two kids already. The uterus gets stretched in that process, generally making this whole ordeal more comfortable.
Again–not as fun as champagne brunch, but I’ve had worse dentist visits

47 Anonymous { 09.06.07 at 3:19 pm }

Hi all,

I had my 1st HSG today after eight years of avoidance. I am 35years with two ectopic pregnancies to boot. Yes, I know. How sad!! Tired of weeping.

After reading a lot of comments and hearing from friends, I was in a state especially as most have claimed that the tubes being blocked might make HSG more painful since the dye cannot spill out.

Well, my Gynae prescribed some antibiotics for before and after and I got her to prescribe some strong pain killers as well which I took an hour before the procedure.

Today was a terribly emotional day for me and I had worked myself into such a state; crying off and on. It really is so difficult to face the realities of your fertility even if you already are aware of what might come up based on history. Am sure someone out there can relate to this.

I had three ladies; one the doctor, the radiologist and the nurse. I let them know I was quite frightened of the procedure and this is important because they become aware that there’s need to be more delicate.

What happened? I am almost ashamed to say it was a breeze with the slightest of cramps if any when the baloon was inserted. I didn’t even get to be moved from side to side which I have read about a lot, rather, the equipment was swayed from side to side to take the pictures. What was I fussing about? I also tried to look at the screen and chat with the ladies, that helped a lot.

Over between 5-7mins, report not good: tubes blocked, scar tissue found in uterus. What can I say???

Have had slight bleeding and no noticeable soreness the rest of the day.

I think it all boils down to the expertise of the person, the equipment used and some strong painkiller before the procedure and of course practiced breathing.

Better luck to the next person. Now I am looking into my options.

48 Anonymous { 09.10.07 at 11:08 am }

I am scheduled for a HSG next monday I’m really nervouse yikes, I’ll be sure to take 2 extra strength Tylenol tablets…. hope that works for me;) hope I get pregnant soon!….as well as everyone else who’s trying!

49 Anonymous { 09.10.07 at 5:10 pm }

Hey guys, had my hsg today. I put it off for 6 mo’s because my risk of blockage was minimal. Finally, I decided to get it over with in case I need to progress on to injectables. I took 800mg of Motrin and 7.5 mg of Valium one hour prior to the test. I asked my tech questions such as how much dye was to be injected, would they need to dilate the cervix, length of time of procedure, etc. My procedure was quick. Fortunately, I am a nurse and my interest in the procedure itself helped, plus my MD kept me talking the whole time. Everything looked good for me and my tubes were open. I wonder if that has to do with the amount of discomfort each person has. Meaning the fact as to whether they have a blockage or abnormalities. I did experience some cramping during and for a short period after. The most strange thing for me was the bleeding. I was a bit shocked. It was a bit more than spotting. My advice to everyone.. medicate. Not only with motrin or aleive (tylenol will be ineffective) but with some anti anxiety med. Good luck to everyone!

50 Anonymous { 09.12.07 at 12:54 pm }

I’m do for a HSG in 2 week’s my doctor said to take “Motrin” or “Tylenol” I stated to her sounds painful from all I read about it from some post’s. She stated to me everyone is diffrent and I should not be dooped up when I get the precedure. She said it’s better to be aware what’s going on.

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