Comments on: HSG (Hysterosalpingogram) http://www.stirrup-queens.com/2006/07/hsg-hysterosalpingogram/ Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:03:49 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Nicole http://www.stirrup-queens.com/2006/07/hsg-hysterosalpingogram/comment-page-6/#comment-77542 Nicole Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:25:42 +0000 http://www.stirrup-queens.com/test/?p=82#comment-77542 I just had my HSG this morning and am grateful to say that I had no blocks and was told I have a beautiful uterus. The only physical discomfort I experienced was when she inserted the catheter, it was like my worst menstrual cramps but only lasted 30 seconds. I wasn't told to take any pain meds nor was I given antibiotics. I didn't need the pain meds but am now worried about not being given antibiotics...should I be? Good luck to you all. I just had my HSG this morning and am grateful to say that I had no blocks and was told I have a beautiful uterus. The only physical discomfort I experienced was when she inserted the catheter, it was like my worst menstrual cramps but only lasted 30 seconds. I wasn’t told to take any pain meds nor was I given antibiotics. I didn’t need the pain meds but am now worried about not being given antibiotics…should I be? Good luck to you all.

]]> By: Mya http://www.stirrup-queens.com/2006/07/hsg-hysterosalpingogram/comment-page-6/#comment-77257 Mya Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:21:58 +0000 http://www.stirrup-queens.com/test/?p=82#comment-77257 I had my HSG last week and OMG.......It was THE WORST pain I have EVER felt in my entire life. I handle pain well,but this was just totally different. It could be due to an having a partially blocked left tube and an enlarged right one per the Radiologist based on what he saw at that time. The catheter insertion wasn't bad at all just uncomfortable. Inserting the dye is what sent me over the top. I needed assistance from the Tech to move from side to side I was in soooo much pain. After the procedure, the pain went away instantly. I had very lite spotting for about an hour. I felt sore on the inside afterwards for about 1 day and a half. I took 800mg Motrin before the procedure as directed by my RE and took it every 4 hours for a day and a half. Now to say the least I have pelvic and kidney pain on my right side. Dr .appt later this week. UGH!!!!!! I had my HSG last week and OMG…….It was THE WORST pain I have EVER felt in my entire life. I handle pain well,but this was just totally different. It could be due to an having a partially blocked left tube and an enlarged right one per the Radiologist based on what he saw at that time. The catheter insertion wasn’t bad at all just uncomfortable. Inserting the dye is what sent me over the top. I needed assistance from the Tech to move from side to side I was in soooo much pain. After the procedure, the pain went away instantly. I had very lite spotting for about an hour. I felt sore on the inside afterwards for about 1 day and a half. I took 800mg Motrin before the procedure as directed by my RE and took it every 4 hours for a day and a half. Now to say the least I have pelvic and kidney pain on my right side. Dr .appt later this week. UGH!!!!!!

]]> By: Anon http://www.stirrup-queens.com/2006/07/hsg-hysterosalpingogram/comment-page-6/#comment-77208 Anon Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:18:26 +0000 http://www.stirrup-queens.com/test/?p=82#comment-77208 I was told by my doctor to not write about my experience on the internet because it was so horrible but here goes. Normally the procedure will take about 15-30 minutes, I was in there for an hour. The first time he tried to insert the catheter into my cervix, it would not fit (apparently I have a narrow cervix not due to any previous surgery or procedure), so he had to get a instrument that slightly dilates the cervix (not comfortable). He finally got the catheter in and released the dye. This hurt quite a bit but the pressure pushed the catheter right back out. He tried it again, this time elevating my pelvis and was able to push the first syringe of dye. It did not go into the left tube at all and made it only slightly up the right tube. He inserted another syringe of dye to try to unblock the tube but it only went slightly further and was blocked again. He tried to push harder but I was in so much pain that they stopped the procedure. My right tube ended up becoming dilated to nearly 20 times its normal size and the dye had no where to go. I was in extreme pain, definitely a 10, but I believe it was mainly due to pressure put on my right tube and my uterus. It is now three days later and I am still in pain. I did take 800mg of ibuprofen before the procedure and had to take that much every 4 hours for the next 24 hours or so. I am now down to 400mg every four hours and have some spotting. I was told that it will take my body a while to recover and that I was an extreme case and that I had a very high pain threshold. On top of the pain, I learned that it is impossible for me to naturally get pregnant and my only option is IVF. Not looking forward to this but if that's how it has to be, so be it. I was told by my doctor to not write about my experience on the internet because it was so horrible but here goes. Normally the procedure will take about 15-30 minutes, I was in there for an hour. The first time he tried to insert the catheter into my cervix, it would not fit (apparently I have a narrow cervix not due to any previous surgery or procedure), so he had to get a instrument that slightly dilates the cervix (not comfortable). He finally got the catheter in and released the dye. This hurt quite a bit but the pressure pushed the catheter right back out. He tried it again, this time elevating my pelvis and was able to push the first syringe of dye. It did not go into the left tube at all and made it only slightly up the right tube. He inserted another syringe of dye to try to unblock the tube but it only went slightly further and was blocked again. He tried to push harder but I was in so much pain that they stopped the procedure. My right tube ended up becoming dilated to nearly 20 times its normal size and the dye had no where to go. I was in extreme pain, definitely a 10, but I believe it was mainly due to pressure put on my right tube and my uterus. It is now three days later and I am still in pain. I did take 800mg of ibuprofen before the procedure and had to take that much every 4 hours for the next 24 hours or so. I am now down to 400mg every four hours and have some spotting. I was told that it will take my body a while to recover and that I was an extreme case and that I had a very high pain threshold. On top of the pain, I learned that it is impossible for me to naturally get pregnant and my only option is IVF. Not looking forward to this but if that’s how it has to be, so be it.

]]> By: Meg http://www.stirrup-queens.com/2006/07/hsg-hysterosalpingogram/comment-page-6/#comment-76961 Meg Sun, 22 Jan 2012 03:02:10 +0000 http://www.stirrup-queens.com/test/?p=82#comment-76961 I had an HSG last year and wish I had researched it by other women's opinions BEFORE going through with the procedure. I was under the impression (from what the doctor had stated) that it was a pretty routine thing. Back to business as usual after leaving the hospital. NOPE. I was half an hour away from the town we live and work in. I had to call my husband out of work to pick me up and call off work as I had planned to go back after having the procedure performed. It was worse than menstrual cramps by far, nowhere near as painful as childbirth though. It was a quick procedure. The local anesthetic was pretty painful as the insertion of the tube and dye application. It was very painful cramping. Good news - no blockages or issues. Bad news, my husband found out he has Klinefelters and we have no chance (sub Divine intervention) of having biological children :/ Good luck, positive vibes, and prayers to all going through a HSG!! I had an HSG last year and wish I had researched it by other women’s opinions BEFORE going through with the procedure. I was under the impression (from what the doctor had stated) that it was a pretty routine thing. Back to business as usual after leaving the hospital. NOPE. I was half an hour away from the town we live and work in. I had to call my husband out of work to pick me up and call off work as I had planned to go back after having the procedure performed. It was worse than menstrual cramps by far, nowhere near as painful as childbirth though. It was a quick procedure. The local anesthetic was pretty painful as the insertion of the tube and dye application. It was very painful cramping. Good news – no blockages or issues. Bad news, my husband found out he has Klinefelters and we have no chance (sub Divine intervention) of having biological children :/ Good luck, positive vibes, and prayers to all going through a HSG!!

]]> By: Ashley http://www.stirrup-queens.com/2006/07/hsg-hysterosalpingogram/comment-page-6/#comment-76335 Ashley Sat, 07 Jan 2012 18:36:45 +0000 http://www.stirrup-queens.com/test/?p=82#comment-76335 I had an HSG on Wed (1/4/12) and I was absolutely terrified after reading hundreds of posts about this procedure. My RE mentioned that they can use anesthesia. I don't think it is quite as common, but if you are worried it might be worth talking about. For me it worked out quite well. I had a quick IV and was out for about 20 minutes. Everything came back all clear and my husband and I went to lunch afterwards. I do have some slight cramping and quite a bit of bleeding still, but nothing like a period. I am so glad that my RE did this for me. There are options out there so don't be afraid to ask! I had an HSG on Wed (1/4/12) and I was absolutely terrified after reading hundreds of posts about this procedure. My RE mentioned that they can use anesthesia. I don’t think it is quite as common, but if you are worried it might be worth talking about. For me it worked out quite well. I had a quick IV and was out for about 20 minutes. Everything came back all clear and my husband and I went to lunch afterwards. I do have some slight cramping and quite a bit of bleeding still, but nothing like a period. I am so glad that my RE did this for me. There are options out there so don’t be afraid to ask!

]]> By: Research Queen http://www.stirrup-queens.com/2006/07/hsg-hysterosalpingogram/comment-page-6/#comment-76101 Research Queen Sat, 31 Dec 2011 23:29:01 +0000 http://www.stirrup-queens.com/test/?p=82#comment-76101 I think what someone will experience during an HSG has mainly to do with three things: (1)the type of instruments and contrast material that is used, (2)patient's anatomy, and (3) the skill of the physician performing the procedure. 1.There is a variety of cannulas/catheters and contrast agents that can be used. Some cause more pain than others. The ballon catheter is usually much better tolerated compared to the medal cannula. Ballon catheters usually do not require the use of a tenaculum (cervical clamp), which can cause more pain. The type of contrast used can also contribute to pain. Oil-based contrast is thought to be less painful than water-based contrast because water distends the uterus and fallopian tubes more rapidly. Oil-based contrast is not considered as safe as the water-based contrast so most physicains prefer to use the water-based dye for that reason. Water-based contrast containing a majority of megumine may cause less pain than sodium formulations. 2. A woman who has never given birth will usually experience more pain than someone who has. If a woman has a tilted uterus, the physican may have a more difficult time with catheter placement. Women with fallopian tube blockages may have more pain when the contrast is injected. 3. The skill of the physican can have a lot to do with the amount of pain a patient will experience. If a tenaculum must be used, only a small amount of cervical tissue is needed for adequate traction. The more tissue that is grasped, the more pain the patient will experience. The tenaculum is like a ratchet, the more cogs engaged, the greater the closing force. A novice physician may not have these skill perfected. If a physician does not prime the cannula/catheter to eliminate air-bubbles, it can cause the patient discomfort. A physican has to be careful not to let the tip of the catheter touch the fundus of the uterus because this can also cause pain. The physician needs to inject the contrast SLOWLY because injecting it too rapidly can cause a spasm. A physican can also minimize discomfort by not overdistending the uterine cavity. A physician with poor technique can cause a patient to have a significant amount of pain. I had a bad experience with the saline infused songogram so I was prepared when I had to have the hysterosalpingogram. I did not take any pain medication with the SIS so that probably had a lot to do with how uncomfortable it was for me. I took 800 mg of ibuprofen, valium, and lortab an hour before the HSG was performed. I also filled a FemCap (female condom) with a lidocaine/prilocaine cream and inserted it over my cervix about an hour before the procedure. You will have to have a prescrition from a doctor for the cream and the condom. You can get more information about the FemCap at www.femcamp.com. The FemCap can also be used by a woman who is trying to get pregnant. You can put semen in the cervical cup and place it over your cervix for six hours to improve your chances of conceiving. It is a great alternative for artificial insemination that you can do in the comfort of your own home. I don't think the success rate is as high with the cervical cup as it is with IUI, but it is a less expensive alternative. I was pleasantly surprised when my HSG was complete. Although it was uncomfortable, it was nothing like I expected. I had a really nice radiologist. I requested that he use the ballon catheter instead of the medal cannula that was usually used at the hospital I had it performed. He did not have any problem with that, and said he would go very slowly. We could stop at any point that I wanted to. I was in control. I think what someone will experience during an HSG has mainly to do with three things: (1)the type of instruments and contrast material that is used, (2)patient’s anatomy, and (3) the skill of the physician performing the procedure.
1.There is a variety of cannulas/catheters and contrast agents that can be used. Some cause more pain than others. The ballon catheter is usually much better tolerated compared to the medal cannula. Ballon catheters usually do not require the use of a tenaculum (cervical clamp), which can cause more pain. The type of contrast used can also contribute to pain. Oil-based contrast is thought to be less painful than water-based contrast because water distends the uterus and fallopian tubes more rapidly. Oil-based contrast is not considered as safe as the water-based contrast so most physicains prefer to use the water-based dye for that reason. Water-based contrast containing a majority of megumine may cause less pain than sodium formulations.
2. A woman who has never given birth will usually experience more pain than someone who has. If a woman has a tilted uterus, the physican may have a more difficult time with catheter placement. Women with fallopian tube blockages may have more pain when the contrast is injected.
3. The skill of the physican can have a lot to do with the amount of pain a patient will experience. If a tenaculum must be used, only a small amount of cervical tissue is needed for adequate traction. The more tissue that is grasped, the more pain the patient will experience. The tenaculum is like a ratchet, the more cogs engaged, the greater the closing force. A novice physician may not have these skill perfected. If a physician does not prime the cannula/catheter to eliminate air-bubbles, it can cause the patient discomfort. A physican has to be careful not to let the tip of the catheter touch the fundus of the uterus because this can also cause pain. The physician needs to inject the contrast SLOWLY because injecting it too rapidly can cause a spasm. A physican can also minimize discomfort by not overdistending the uterine cavity. A physician with poor technique can cause a patient to have a significant amount of pain.
I had a bad experience with the saline infused songogram so I was prepared when I had to have the hysterosalpingogram. I did not take any pain medication with the SIS so that probably had a lot to do with how uncomfortable it was for me. I took 800 mg of ibuprofen, valium, and lortab an hour before the HSG was performed. I also filled a FemCap (female condom) with a lidocaine/prilocaine cream and inserted it over my cervix about an hour before the procedure. You will have to have a prescrition from a doctor for the cream and the condom. You can get more information about the FemCap at http://www.femcamp.com. The FemCap can also be used by a woman who is trying to get pregnant. You can put semen in the cervical cup and place it over your cervix for six hours to improve your chances of conceiving. It is a great alternative for artificial insemination that you can do in the comfort of your own home. I don’t think the success rate is as high with the cervical cup as it is with IUI, but it is a less expensive alternative.
I was pleasantly surprised when my HSG was complete. Although it was uncomfortable, it was nothing like I expected. I had a really nice radiologist. I requested that he use the ballon catheter instead of the medal cannula that was usually used at the hospital I had it performed.
He did not have any problem with that, and said he would go very slowly. We could stop at any point that I wanted to. I was in control.

]]> By: judy http://www.stirrup-queens.com/2006/07/hsg-hysterosalpingogram/comment-page-6/#comment-73674 judy Thu, 27 Oct 2011 20:08:33 +0000 http://www.stirrup-queens.com/test/?p=82#comment-73674 I had the HSG test today. Pain was not bad at all, but the doctor found a mucus plug in my cervix, or possibly a pollop and he biopsied it. He was able to get the dye in after two tries but I am freaking out. I always have normal pap smears and no discharge or irregular bleeding ever. What does this mean? Please help..the doc didn't seem overly concerned but I am. Anyone else have the same thing happen? Any advice? I had the HSG test today. Pain was not bad at all, but the doctor found a mucus plug in my cervix, or possibly a pollop and he biopsied it. He was able to get the dye in after two tries but I am freaking out. I always have normal pap smears and no discharge or irregular bleeding ever. What does this mean? Please help..the doc didn’t seem overly concerned but I am. Anyone else have the same thing happen? Any advice?

]]> By: Rooni http://www.stirrup-queens.com/2006/07/hsg-hysterosalpingogram/comment-page-6/#comment-71511 Rooni Tue, 16 Aug 2011 15:11:55 +0000 http://www.stirrup-queens.com/test/?p=82#comment-71511 I just had an HSG yesterday. I have to say I was very scared after reading some of the comments above (especially the ones about childbirth being worse than HSG). The whole thing was unpleasant but not anymore than a papsmear or a transvaginal ultrasound. I've heard that its different for everyone. I did take ibprofen about an hour before. My 2 cents: its really not that bad, take a pain killer before, and relax instead of clenching. I just had an HSG yesterday. I have to say I was very scared after reading some of the comments above (especially the ones about childbirth being worse than HSG). The whole thing was unpleasant but not anymore than a papsmear or a transvaginal ultrasound. I’ve heard that its different for everyone. I did take ibprofen about an hour before. My 2 cents: its really not that bad, take a pain killer before, and relax instead of clenching.

]]> By: Stephanie http://www.stirrup-queens.com/2006/07/hsg-hysterosalpingogram/comment-page-6/#comment-70709 Stephanie Fri, 15 Jul 2011 19:18:30 +0000 http://www.stirrup-queens.com/test/?p=82#comment-70709 I underwent the HSG on Monday and it is now Friday. The procedure itself went very smoothly: the doctor warned me about the cramping, which was about a 6/10 and brief. Then I felt the dye on either side which was a weird sensation, a bit like a low-grade burn. I was relieved when it was over that it went so smoothly, and my tubes are both open though apparently I have an inverted uterus. I had a bit of cramping that day / some clear beige liquid on my very light pad. The issue for me is that the cramping will not go away - I have had dull ache for 5 days now and it's getting really old. I also have the same dye-injected burning sensation in my pelvic area/lower back. It's all very low-grade, but between the pain and the worry, enough that I could not sleep Wednesday night. 400mg Ibuprofen takes care of the achiness but not the burning. The MD has since ordered a pelvic exam and blood test to rule out infection (which meant I had to go in again on Thursday). Now they want me to come in next Monday for an ultrasound if the cramping/burning has not subsided. From posts online, it sounds like some women get this sort of cramping afterwards, but my doctor makes it sound very uncommon. I'm 100% sure it was caused by the HSG as the sensation started with the dye injection. I'm starting to wish I'd never done it, though of course now I know I probably did not need it in the first place since my tubes were open. I underwent the HSG on Monday and it is now Friday. The procedure itself went very smoothly: the doctor warned me about the cramping, which was about a 6/10 and brief. Then I felt the dye on either side which was a weird sensation, a bit like a low-grade burn. I was relieved when it was over that it went so smoothly, and my tubes are both open though apparently I have an inverted uterus. I had a bit of cramping that day / some clear beige liquid on my very light pad.

The issue for me is that the cramping will not go away – I have had dull ache for 5 days now and it’s getting really old. I also have the same dye-injected burning sensation in my pelvic area/lower back. It’s all very low-grade, but between the pain and the worry, enough that I could not sleep Wednesday night. 400mg Ibuprofen takes care of the achiness but not the burning. The MD has since ordered a pelvic exam and blood test to rule out infection (which meant I had to go in again on Thursday). Now they want me to come in next Monday for an ultrasound if the cramping/burning has not subsided. From posts online, it sounds like some women get this sort of cramping afterwards, but my doctor makes it sound very uncommon. I’m 100% sure it was caused by the HSG as the sensation started with the dye injection. I’m starting to wish I’d never done it, though of course now I know I probably did not need it in the first place since my tubes were open.

]]> By: Rachel http://www.stirrup-queens.com/2006/07/hsg-hysterosalpingogram/comment-page-6/#comment-70376 Rachel Mon, 27 Jun 2011 20:08:40 +0000 http://www.stirrup-queens.com/test/?p=82#comment-70376 I just had this on Friday. Thank Gd I'm done, and thank Gd for the people above who suggested Valium and Vicodin. I was really nervous, but the doctor was so compassionate. Because I was blocked it was painful, (I'd truly rather have a laproscopy ANY DAY OF THE WEEK) but it is over quickly. I had to stay laying down for 10 minutes after the procedure, I was terrified I would pass out, so I'm glad they didn't rush me. I just had this on Friday. Thank Gd I’m done, and thank Gd for the people above who suggested Valium and Vicodin. I was really nervous, but the doctor was so compassionate. Because I was blocked it was painful, (I’d truly rather have a laproscopy ANY DAY OF THE WEEK) but it is over quickly. I had to stay laying down for 10 minutes after the procedure, I was terrified I would pass out, so I’m glad they didn’t rush me.

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