Sonohysterogram
Saline Sonohysterogram (SSH, saline sono, hysterosonogram, saline infusion sonogram)
by Kelly (she’s gaining on you, Carolyn! 
Why would you be having a SSH?
This procedure is used to determine if there are any abnormalities (such as polyps or fibroids) of the uterine cavity that could interfere with pregnancy.
What you can expect
The physician will place a small catheter into the uterus and sterile saline will slowly be injected into the uterine cavity. This will slightly inflate the uterus so that most abnormalities (polyps or fibroids) can be visualized with ultrasound. After the procedure, the saline will slowly drain out of the uterus, so you will need to wear a pad to protect your clothing. You may experience some light spotting (bleeding) after the procedure also.
My personal tips/experiences
This procedure was worse for me than the HSG because my cervix is tilted. It was performed by the nurse who couldn’t seem to get the dye to go to the right place so they were never able to determine whether I had a polyp.
The worst part of this was that when I left I had the most horrible cramps that I have ever had – I think because she had injected so much dye (because she kept trying over and over again to no avail). I drove myself home from the appointment which was a big mistake – I would definitely suggest having someone come with you just in case yours goes anything like mine did. I almost had to pull over because the pain was making me nauseous (I only live about 10/15 minutes from my doctor’s office, but the ride felt like an eternity).
I came home from the appointment and lay down because my cramps were so bad. I think the best thing though is to walk around and let the saline drain out of you. Once it started to drain out, the cramps started to subside.
I would also suggest taking motrin or advil prior to going. They suggested this for the HSG for me but not for this procedure so I wasn’t prepared for the cramping.
Also, wearing a pad is a good idea because once the saline started to gush out (yes, mine did not slowly drain) I felt like I had peed myself (lovely picture, right?).
I did not have spotting immediately following the procedure but I did have it start a couple of days later. It was relatively heavy and lasted a good 4 days or so.
Honestly though, I think that this procedure goes pretty smoothly for the majority of women. Most women that I have heard from say that this procedure was much easier for them than the HSG so I definitely believe that experiences will vary greatly among people.
70 comments
I finally found a wedsite that confirmed the side effects of a sonohystogram. I had mine last Tuesday (a week ago). Absolutely no problems with the procedure. No pain during or after.I used a pad after the procedure thinking I would have discharge. None. Wednesday night I woke up in the middle of the night with the worst pain since labor. The pain was a gripping pain around my lower chest and lower back on the right side. I could not breath during the attacks. The pain would come and go in any position- better if I walked around. This pain intensified until I had a gush of red blood and water discharge. Although, I felt a lot better. I have been left with a sore, stiff back. Doctor thinks the fluid must of got stuck somehow. Don’t know why I have back pain???
What’s the follow-up if you still have back pain?
I had a sono a little over a week ago, even though there was no clinical reason to have one. My partner and I need ot use donor sperm, and the clinic requires the sono, so off we went. I took the anti-biotics like a good little girl, even though I don’t like taking such things, had the procedure, which was “uncomfortable”, to say the least, and now have a raging infection. My tubes and uterus were all clear, and are now busy being clogged up by an infection brought on by the sono. I know it is a necessary thing for many people, and that infections are rare as a side effect, but, be wary, and jump on ANY residual pain. None of it is normal and it won’t just go away.
Kate
I am so glad I found this blog by chance today. I am having this procedure done Monday and afterwards have to work. I may need to change that plan though. I was planning to have my fiance’ drive me to it though. Great, buying pads- i’ve not done that in years… I have to say I pretty nervous about this procedure. I am having it done for reasons other than fertility at this point. I do worry however that in the future this could cause problems when I am ready for children.
I am having this procedure done wed. the 21.Should I be concerned?Is this neccesary prior to a hysterectomy?
shirley l.
I had a sonohystogram two days ago and I, too, have been suffering from a raging infection ever since. I think the diagnostic procedure is worse than the actual illness. I would think twice about this if you’re considering it.
Kate, how did you get rid of the infection?
I had one of these a few months ago and all went fine. I took 400 mg of ibuprofen an hour prior to the procedure and felt some mild cramping during, and that was it. I was pretty worried about it beforehand after hearing some horror stories, but the whole thing was quite easy for me.
Thank you so much for writing this! I am having one next week and I am rather nervous. Your advice is good, and I will make sure to take ibuprofen and a driver to help make it easier.
I am going for my sonohystogram on Tuesday 12 July 07. I am pretty scared about the whole thing.I did go for a biopsy which was very uncomfortable but fortunately i had no pain,some bleeding though.I was told that my sample was not enough to derive any results.How cool is that? Why is there no procedure to bring out the dye after the sonhystogram is done? Why did Tracy need to suffer this? What about the infection? Why does Kate and Lori need to go through this?
hi friends,
I had my sonohystogram done today. It was not too bad after all. The procedure is uncomfortable but not too much painful. It took about 1/2 hr. I had some mild to moderate cramps during the procedure and i did hv some bleeding after the procedure . I am asked to take antibiotics ,a day before ,on the day and the day after the procedure. i took 3 advils 1/2 hr before the sono was done. It is not all that bad and hopefully i wont have an infection.
my REI called this afternoon while I was at work to tell me that I have to be in tomorrow @ 8am for a sono. He didn’t tell me anything about antibiotics or to take ibupro. Should I be worried? I had a terrible experience with the tv ultrasound, they forgot I had a latex allergy and I ended up with terrible cramping a rash and difficulty breathing for 3 days. I am sooooo scared after doing some research and finding out that there’s always more to the procedure than the docs are willing to explain..am I overreacting?
Hey everyone!
I had my sono done a couple days ago. Let me tell you…i am sooo afriad of doctors and after reading what i was gettin myself into i was really concerned. I took 2 advils about an hour before i went into the office and drank a lot of water as requested. thankfully it wasnt that painful but yes it was uncomfortable. i guess the worst part was the saline injection. it jus caused really bad cramping. after it was done i put on a bad and left. the whole thing took about 15-20 minutes. i started bleeding heavily the same day and still am. i guess its my long lost period…
I’m so sorry to hear about all the folks that have had pain and infection follow this procedure.
My experience was much better, and I didn’t have to take any painkillers or antibiotics. When they put the cath in, it hurt, but otherwise, it went very smoothly and they were able to discover some polyps that hadn’t appeared on my HSG (a much less pleasant procedure). Most of the saline gushed out when I sat up, which likely reduced the cramping other women had to endure.
Bring a pad with you: You will likely spot or have some of the solution emerge after the procedure.
I had a sono on wed.and was very nervous b/c i have had a hsg in the past that was pure misery! i had a seizure and passed out, so going into the sono i was expecting almost the same pain. But it was quick and not that bad, alittle cramoy when they inject the saline. I did not spot that day after the procedure but yest.a.m. and today a.m. i spotted alittle very light pale? so hopefully its ok? good luck to everyone, my husband and i are starting out 1stIVF cycle this month……yeah!!!!!!
Hello all, I had a sonohystogram about a week ago and i was freaking out when they described the procedure to me. It turned out not to be so bad at all. It was basically like getting a pap and i did not feel anything the whole time. I was told that i may cramp afterwards and to take something but there was no need. I say that if you go in there and relax and breath deeply (I did alot of that) then things will move smoothly.
Also, I hear people on this post talking about infections, how do you know if you have an infection or not. I have noticed that i have been cramping latly but not sure if my cramps are just coming waaaayy late from the procedure or something.
one sign of infection is fever & another is burning…i’m not sure what else you need to look for
I had the sono and let me tell you for a minor procedure, I have never felt so much pain afterwards. I had the worse cramping ever. I keiled over in pain while driving I went home and took two T3 with absolute no effect the pain never deminished at all. A few hours later I couldnt even walk. I was hunched over grasping my stomach. The pain was so severe I ended up in the hospital
I thought I had prepared well for this beforehand by reading all about it online, but I guess the after-effect I had is so uncommon, that I couldn’t have prepared myself for it. The procedure itself wasn’t awful – the worst part was the speculum (I hate speculums!) and the cramping at the insertion of the saline – even that wasn’t too bad. Afterward, I was told to wait in the waiting area for 15 min to make sure I was okay. During that time, but shoulders were hurting, but my husband thought it was likely b/c I was tensing up during the procedure. I dismissed it and went home. As soon as I got out of the car I realized something was really wrong. I was having sharp, shooting pain in my right shoulder and through my right side – more intense than anything I’ve felt before. I went home and tried to google what was going on, but found no link between SHG and shoulder pain. The doctor’s office said sometimes gas escapes into the body and moves upwards, causing pain until it dissipates. My mom (also a physician) thought possibly the gas bubble was pushing on a nerve in my diaphragm that is connected to my shoulder – hence the severe pain in both places. The only solution the clinic offered was to lie flat on my back until it disappeared – it was awful – I was bedridden for three days. Hot water bottles helped, but the minute I got upright, the pain would come right back. After three days, it subsided, thank God. Then, I got a UTI! The clinic insisted it had nothing to do with the procedure, but I’m inclined to think it did.
At least after all that suffering, we got the green light that everything is 100% clear and looks good in there.
I had my sonohystogram today. I was not told anything about taking any motrin beforehand, nor was I told to take any antibiotics. I arrived, had a vaginal ultrasound then the doctor came in and inserted the balloon and catheter to inflate me the size of being 6 weeks pregnant in like 4 seconds…talk about horrible. They said that it is easier on women who have ever delivered children vaginally, which I did deliver a 21 week baby who had died 13 years ago, but no pregnancies since then. I went to work, thought I would be ok but everytime I would get up and have to sit down I would have horrible cramps. I finally was having such horrible cramps that I left work early to go home and lay down, even though the fluid they injected kept draining out of me and causing me to go to the bathroom every so often because even with a pad on I hated feeling like I was leaking. After I rested a few hours, I began to feel much better and hope that this was the worst of it and that I don’t have any linger pain after tomorrow. If so, I will call my doctor because I fear infection. But, they did swab my cervix with 3 swabs of betadine…maybe that will keep the germs out well enough. Good luck to those who are going to have it done, be on the safe side and just take that day off and go home and rest after even if you don’t feel that bad during or after, better to be safe than get to work and be miserable and have to drive yourself home in agony.
I agree that it must be easier on women who have given birth. I had this procedure done about two weeks ago and I’m glad I didn’t read here first! It was no different from a pap smear to me except the gush of saline afterwards. I decided not to just let it trickle and forcefully pushed to make the saline and any air that could be in there come out as quickly as possible, and it mostly worked. Luckily, because I had to get on a plane to go back across the country directly afterwards by myself and would’ve been up shit’s creek if any of these complications had occurred! I was prescribed abx but did not take them because I felt the abx were more likely to wipe out my immune system leaving me more vulnerable to infection, and I knew I could always take them in case one did develop. But that’s a personal decision.
Had a Sonohystogram 5 days ago. I had a Leep 15 years ago and really don’t remember it being a big deal. I have a tilt which maybe made it even worse, but it was pretty bad for me. I would not consider myself “sensitive” but…after 800 mg of advil the night before and 800 mg of advil 2 hours before…It was not enough by a longshot. No mention of antibotics by my dr. During the procedure the dr had some issue with Leep scaring making it difficult somehow and Ouch! I had moderate pain the whole procedure and nothing easy about it. Glad when it was over…after a few minutes the cramping stopped but… a couple of hours later, I had huge pain and sitting was not easy – I could only lie down. I told endless amounts of advil and it didn’t help to finally it was my stomach that couldn’t take the advil but the pain remained. The next day was better but still sore. It took 3 days to feel ok, but still I have bloating after all these days. After everything I read online, I’m calling the dr. tomorrow because I still have faint pain and it is uncomfortable to sit and bloating…Has anyone else felt bloated by this procedure????
I had been very nervous about having either a HSG or a SHG … My dr told me that the HSG is way more painful than a SHG. I went in feeling brave .. inserting the cathetar was mildly painful for me but when it came to the ultrasound bit .. that was very painful .. I was crying. After the shock of it all .. I sat and waited to get the instant results from my DR who confirmed that my tubes were blocked and now they are unblocked … but the pain ….. so severe I became nauseas and fainted. I was given an injection for the pain immediatley and it subsided .. however when I got home i was still cramping and could hardly move. Its now about10 hrs later I am just starting to feel a bit better. My advice to anyone .. be ready to have the whole day off just in cases cos everyone reacts differently. And have somone a home to help you with making a cup of tea etc .. i couldnt move .. and dont plan to drive home!!! Good luck ladies .. I hate to think of the pain of HSG if thats worse??
I had this procedure done and it wasn’t all that bad. There is about a 10 second burst of extreme pain that occurs, and then it’s not bad. I did have some minor cramping, but nothing too bad and I was able to go to work right after the procedure. Be sure to take some tylenol or advil prior to having this done.
I have had the procedure done twice exactly a year apart. My first experience was horrible b/c I did not know what to expect. I do remember it being very uncomfortable and painful. However, the second procedure (one week ago) was painfull and uncomfortable as well b/c the doctor could not get my uterus to come down and had to use some type of instrument to grab hold of it and insert the cathera.(ouch) I think mentally it was not as bad the second time because I knew what was going to happen so deep breaths was my partner while having the procedure. There were cramps afterwards and light bleeding. Oh yeah the doctor had to use more saline than normal which increased the cramping. I did not return to work that day but went home, took so tylenol and went to bed. The next day occassional cramping and no spotting. I think my biggest issues with this test (SHG) is that its so evasive.
Hello all! Just wanted to share my experience. I am 30 years old and I have had three sonohysterograms. They did not turn out to be horrible so I think that it just depends on the person. The first time, I took advil before I went. The next two times of having this procedure done, I didn’t take anything and did not feel anything either. The only think that I noticed is that I got a yeast infection after the last two times which is irritation.
I am having a very hard time hearing how some women endure these tests more then once. how do you do it? I received a not so lovely present from a gyno when he insisted on performing an endo biopsy and I will never, I repeat, never let anyone back in there unless it’s a surgery and I am out. Out like a light that is. Why do you allow them to do these painful tests once you realize the lies they tell us on the pain and infection rates? If we all stood up and said, that’s enough, maybe insurance wouldn’t make us go through this with only advil. Wonder if they make the men go through this stuff with nothing for pain? I bet not.
I just wanted to share my experience with my sonohystagram yesterday. I read these posts previous to going in and it really helped to know what to expect. I took the equivalent of 2 alleve before going in and I only felt pressure, when they inserted the balloon and then the saline. It did not hurt, just a bit of pressure. I have only had mild discomfort since then, 24 hours ago, and with just advil it has kept me pretty comfortable. The only thing I have felt is like mild gas pain in my body. The doctor also put me on a strong anti-biotic in case of infection after the procedure. Had I not read these posts, I would not have had a “clue”, because my doctor told me nothing of what to expect! I hope this helps women are seeking some info. about this experience. Apparently it is truly different for each person. Keep the faith and remember to breath!
I had an SHG today and I was very nervous. I took 600mg ibuprofen 45 minutes before. The ultrasound tech told me that it was easier than the HSG (great! the HSG was a piece of cake for me, virtually painless), so I was pretty relaxed when the doc came in and got started. It was excruciating from the moment she inflated the balloon all the way through until the saline started to drain out, my uterus was protesting big time. The only good thing was that as soon as the saline drained, my pain was gone. I did bleed lightly the entire day. I could probably endure it again if I had to, but I’d prefer to never do it again if at all possible.
I’m so glad I found this. I thought maybe something was wrong with me. After getting the sono done, I never want to have another test again! I had the sono done last week and it was horrible. The doc said it was hard because I had never been pregnant. He had to use a device to bring down my cervix, and then he had trouble getting the catheter through it. That was enough to take my breath away. Once they inserted the saline, I thought I was going to die! I’m scared to death that I may eventually have to get an HSG done.
I’m also a little worried, because I’ve noticed that now it is slightly painful to have sex. I feels like my cervix is sore. Is this normal? I go in for my annual soon, so I’m bringing it up with my doc.
Thanks to SAHW for talking about your experience with your shoulder pain. I have been having shoulder and shoulder blade paion all day since coming home fomr the test (which was crampy and irritable but tolerable) but the pain in my shoulder is intense and although it comes in waves, each time it comes back it doesn’t lessen. I will be calling my doctor tomorrow to make sure there isn’t something more serious, but it’s good to know i am not the only one! Also i look forward (read sarcasm)to the yeast infection i will get shortly because i get them because of everything else, so why not this too!!!!!!
signs they infected you with these tests:
Burning Cervix, burning painful sex, terrible abdominal pain going from mild to severe to doubled up excruciating. Fever, could be mild, could be high, could not be at all.
get thee back in to the doc with any of these sings, they most likely infected you like they infected me. Good luck getting any pain control..
never again will I let these quacks do me like that. Never.
Well, I had read all these comments before I went for my saline sonogram yesterday… I took the two ibuprofen before leaving for the office. Note, that my doctor NEVER told me anything about taking painkillers beforehand, nor was I ever told the risks of the procedure….
Anyway, I would rate the cramping that I experienced at about a 6 or 7 on a scale of 10. Then, suddenly, the entire front of my abdomen felt like it was on fire! The sweat was pouring off me so badly, I soaked my shirt clean through. Soaked! The worst pain of my life! 10+++ on the scale.
Now, I have never been pregnant and I tend to have bad cramps with my periods too. I’m sure this affects the experience.
The pain subsided immediately after she removed all the crap from my body and the fluid gushed out. However, now, in the middle of the night, I have a continuing low-level burning sensation and am wondering what kind of infection has been introduced.
The whole procedure was performed under conditions that would hardly be rated as sterile. The saline itself came from a little bottle that was kept, unrefrigerated, in a drawer! The ultrasound probe was covered with a latex glove by the nurse who did not wash her hands before putting in on the probe. Gawd!
I swear–medical care for women borders on the barbaric. I can’t wait until they tell men that they need to inflate their scrotums with saline in order to diagnose testicular cancer. Or squash their precious packages between flat plastic plates and shoot them with radiation. NOT!
The older I get, the more militant I become…..
I am having this procedure done tomorrow and after reading all the blogs am extremely scared and now worried that I will get an infection. Should there be need for concern?
I had this procedure done 2 days ago. During the procedure I experienced cramping which I was told would go away in 20 minutes to a half hour. It has been 2 days and I am still having cramping, soometimes pretty severe. I called the doc and she said she’d perscribe a pain med. However, would that just be masking the problem?
I just had my first Saline Sonohystogram and it wasn’t bad at all. There was some cramping, but nothing horrible. Most of the saline leaked out as the procedure ended (while I was still on the table), but I did leak a little for 30 minutes afterwards. I took the advice listed here and took some Advil beforehand, I’m sure that helped dull the cramps. I’m still experiencing some cramping (5 hours later), but it’s very minor, just like after an IUI.
I’m glad I had the procedure, because they found at least three polyps.
I just had a sonohystogram – I was also not given any prior advice about taking Advil or antibiotics. My doctor told me that it might be painful, that I would experience cramping and that I may have shoulder and neck pain afterwards. I have had all of the above and find that the pain is quite uncomfortable when I walk around but I am fine laying in bed. I definitely wasn’t planning on spending the day in bed! I am glad to have read the other posts and will go to work prepared with pads and advil and be on the look-out for signs of infection.
I had a SHG yesterday afternoon. I was told about the entire procedure at my prior appt, and right before the actual procedure. Everything was very sterile. The doctor even yelled at the nurse to unwrap the tools the correct way, and instead he just took over handling the tools himself. I was impressed. I wasn’t instructed to take any antibiotics or ibuprofen before. He explained everything he was doing. At first they interested the speculum, but he said it’s a larger one and it may be more informtable than a normal PAP. Then he said he was sterilizing the cervix, which took a few minutes. Then he said he was insterting the cathiter and I may experience some mild cramping, or nothing at all and that it’s different for all women. A few seconds later —EXTREME PAIN. I screamed and started crying. He seemed shocked and told me to tell him when the pain stops. It did after a few seconds. He had repositioned the cathiter. He then asked if I was okay to continue the procedure and I said yes. He then inserted the vaginal untrasound wand, and then said he was intersting the saline through the cathiter. Immediately it began pouring, but he was able to to get some good screen shots. He said the reason the saline came out so fast is that he didn’t blow up the balloon, because it would be very painful for me, and he didn’t want to do that to me. He said at that point the SHG wouldn’t be able to be 100% complete, because of all the pain I was experiencing. He actually didn’t want to continue – I thanked him because it was awful. He did ask me if it was okay to just do a comprehensive vaginal ultrasound instead, since I was tolerating the wand inside me. I did have some light bleeding after, and my belly is sore and tender today.
Good luck to everyone!
I just got back from my appointment. It was nothing! I’ve had pap smears worse than this appointment. It is unfortunate that other posters had adverse side effects, but I just wanted to say don’t stress!!
I took 600 mg of advil an hour before and had no cramping during and only minor cramping a few hours after the procedure.
Just had mine this morning. It was done by a nurse — is it normal not to have a doctor do such an invasive procedure? She used the jumbo speculum at first, until I screamed for her to stop (it was so incredibly painful – like tearing me inside). She said she couldn’t, but the technician suggested she just use a regular speculum, which she then did, and it was a lot more tolerable (like a regular, uncomfortable procedure). There was some cramping when the saline went in, but mild in comparison to the sharp pain of the speculum. Hours later and I still have a lot of abdominal pain (not cramping, just pain). There was no mention of antibiotics. I hope there’s no infection. I would never agree to this procedure again.
Hello there, I just had my sonohysterogram done this morning and I have to say, I wasn’t expecting for it to hurt as much as it did. It’s for a reason, that when you get pregnant the baby grows so slowly, so you don’t have to experience the pain of a sonohysterogram when your uterus goes from small to the size of a 10 week pregnant woman in about 30 seconds!
Well, I had a Endometrial Biopsy last Thursday, and it hurt less than this procedure. Anyway, I came back to work right after, and about two hours after everything was over, I started cramping like never before. I took two Advils and went to the bathroom to push whatever else I could out of me! nothing but a bit of blood came out, still really sore although the advil helped A LOT.
I wasn’t told to take or my doctor didn’t prescribed any antibiotics. Neither for the biopsy. I guess I’ll just watch for signs of infection. Hopefully this is all over soon. Good luck to the ones that are going to get it done. You’ll be fine, remember to breath like you are giving birth during the saline injection, and relax; it’s really all you can do. Wishing you the best results possible. Think of it this way, after all, it’s better to get this done and know that you are healthy, than be afraid of the procedure and end up with bigger problems later on.
Take care
i had my 4th sono last week. None of my sono’s were bad at all,until my app. last week. My doc. put me on antibiotics the day before sono
just in case of infection. The day after my sono i woke up with terrible pain on my left side.I couldn’t even walk and was trembling with a fever.When the pain sub-sided i drove my self to my dr.’s office. He did blood work
and told me that my white blood cell count was rising,which is not good!!!Needless to say i was admitted to the hospital and put on iv for 3 days. I was told the my fallopian tube on my left side was infected.After this horrible expierence i will never have this test done again unless it is absolutly necessary.Has anyone gone through this before?
I've had 2 of these. The first was fine, not too painful – just a little crampy.
The second one was a f****** nightmare! The doctor screwed up and the balloon fell out of my uterus and water was coming out of me from her pumping it in so my uterus started to contract and spasm. I started to cry. She pulled it out and said she had to start over again with a new one. Lord! So she starts again, my uterus is far less happy and I just started to cry and wince.
When she was done I sat up and she was telling me it went fine, blah, blah, blah but I heard nothing because I was still in such agony that I just wanted her to get the hell out of the room. When she left, I sat on the table and actually cried like a little girl. I felt like I'd been friggen raped – the pain was still intense. Probably ten minutes before I could stand. I was bleeding plenty with water fluid. They said it was "normal."
Holy smokes!
(Incidentally, I had an endo biopsy that was a piece of cake by comparison – though I was medicated)
I just had my first sono 6 days ago, and while I haven't had as horrible an experience as some, it definitely wasn't a walk in the park. I had some pretty bad cramping throughout the procedure and afterwards for about 24 hours. It seemed to be better when I was sitting or laying down (I curled up on the couch with ice cream and Seasons 1-3 of Supernatural). I had some medium bleeding for about 4 days afterwards as well. The part that freaked me out was the intense right shoulder/neck pain that didn't let up for 2 days. It felt better when I stretched and I slept with a heating pad on it for the first night. Luckily I haven't had a fever or any burning or extreme pain, but I am having some bad cramping right now, six days later.
My technician and doc were great, I was told about the advil/tylenol and infection possibility ahead of time, and the doc actually deflated the balloon a bit to reduce some of the cramping. When I went and saw my GP, she said it would have been worse for me because I've never had kids and my cervix was more closed than women who've given birth.
All in all…it sucked. But at least I know my tubes aren't blocked now.
My gyn just told me that I need to have this done today while I was at an appointment. Now since reading some of these post, I am very scared. I had the endo biopsy done 2 weeks ago, and my doctor thinks that I have some polyps. So she says I need to have the sono to see the polyps, then set up a D&C. Since she already knows I need a D&C and with that they scrape everything out, I don't understand why I need this extra procedure. I really hope I don't have as bad an expierence as some of you ladies…I'll just have to remember, I am doing all of this so I can have a baby. Thank you all for your advice.
-Angie
My experience with the sonohystogram was much better than with the endometrial biopsy. This procedure was a million times faster and easier. I took a mild pain killer before I went and although I felt a pinch when they entered the cervix, it was not unbearable. I just concentrated on breathing and it was over pretty quickly. Definitely take some pain meds as a preventative measure! Glad I had this done because my dr. was able to see some uterine polyps and I finally have some useful info after years of blood testing.
I had my SHG done 6 days ago and I am still bleeding as if I was on my period. My period ended 3 days before I went in so I am not sure why this is going on. I am making an appt. to get checked tomorrow but has anyone had this experience?
I had a sonohysterogram this morning … I was so worried and nervous about it after reading about some people's experience, but it was NOTHING. I literally almost felt nothing except a tinyyyyyy little pinch when the catethader passed through my cervix. It was over in no time and I wish I hadn't been so nervous and worked up. It was a breeze. I DID take 3 200mg ibuprofen before hand and was fine!
OMG. The. worst. pain. ever.
I don't want to scare anyone, but I was expecting this to be much easier than the HSG, which I only found mildly uncomfortable. It was HORRIBLE. It hurt from start to finish and by the time he was done I was shaking from the pain.
I took 4 advil an hour before the procedure, but I don't know if it made a difference. The worst of it felt like a crippling AF cramp–the kind that make you want to assume the fetal position, which of course you can't do while spread eagle with feet in stirrups.
I have a retroverted uterus, so even a regular ultrasound is painful for me. He didn't have any problems getting the catheter through my cervix (although it was pretty painful). The balloon was also painful, but the saline was where it really got bad. I felt so bad 15 minutes after it was done that I was still catching my breath in the parking lot. I would take a HSG, or hell even a cystoscopy, which I didn't think anything could touch, over this any day of the week.
It's been two hours and my uterus is still screaming at me, especially when I stand up.
Wow I am so sorry all of you went through this. I went to the dr's to get one and agree even though this was a very nice dr. office I didn't think the prep work was too sanitary. Same thing all the cath. and clamps in a drawer. Granted they were in plastic but still didn't seem very organized. Yes they used gloves. They tried 3 different sizes of clamps and after literally having a doctor and the nurse both facing in there with large swabs tell me my cervix is too closed to do the procedure…even after they tried with some kind of medicine. Maybe my cervix is clairvoyant to all the pain you guys witnessed! I told them to stop trying after the third attempts with the clamps. I was headed in there to check for a endometrial polyp that was there two years ago and mysteriously disappeared but I am still not getting pregnant after 2 artificial insems, and two ivfs so need to check and see if that is still causing some havoc. Going to try a different dr. office. Not thrilled with this dr. group anyway! Maybe they can knock me out for the procedure…ugg.
I just had a sonohystergram on Thurday and it felt like I was giving birth. I took 800mg of IB an hr before and took the antibiotics before and after like they told me. They gave me a pad to wear and said I may leak and bleed. Well I had it at 4:30 and was in bed by 9 in pain. It's now Sat night and I am still bleeding like full flow and I just stopped my period on Tuesday????
Wow, I’m due to go in for a Sonohysterogram and after reading all of these accounts (except for a few), I’m really scared now. I keep putting off making that call to make the appointment.
I’ve been prescribed antibiotics prior to the procedure and told to take 2 Advil one hour before.
I’ve already had a Uterine Biopsy and read the posts about that procedure as well. Thankfully, it wasn’t as bad as what I’d read about people passing out and being “in shock” and crying in their cars, throwing water across the room and nearly falling off of tables. Holy crow, that scared the everliving daylights out of me. I was shaking as I went in just through the accounts that I’d read about it. All that I can say is that for me, it was not at all that bad! It was a quick pinch, an intense cramp for a second or two and done. I was up and out and other than some menstrual like cramping and some light flow bleeding for a couple of days afterwards (Advil helped the cramping tremendously), it was really nothing like what everyone was describing.
So, onto this Sonohysterogram with the hopes that I’m more like the few who have posted a good experience as was the case with my Endometrial Biopsy.
I sometimes have to put things into perspective. Each of us has a different pain tolerance and even then, some days, we can endure more than others…even the strongest of us. The one thing is that if we need these testings done, we have to have them. I also have to keep in mind (as I think everyone should), the majority of people who have these tests aren’t necessarily posting on the net so, the majority of those who have no real big problems with the testings are not on forums, posting their experiences necessarily. That means that oftentimes, we get “lopsided” in our view of things because we’re only hearing the stories of those who have had experiences bad enough that they are still feeling the effects or remember them vividly and post them. We are not hearing ALL of the “good stories”. Those people just don’t tend to feel the need to post them. I feel sorry for those who have had a very difficult time. My heart goes out to them and of course, I hope to be one of the “good stories” and am thankful to those who have posted their good stories as it’s rarer to hear the good ones than the bad ones.
Anyways, wish me luck and I wish others luck as well who have to go through these testings. It sucks that we have to go through them but, I guess, in the long-run, we should be glad that we have this type of thing available for us so that we can be healthy and in the case of having a baby….get to that end result.
My best of wishes to those of you who are trying to conceive and start a family! May your arms be filled with bundles of joy soon!
By the way, I just meant to mention one thing. I remember when I was pregnant with my daughter (first child for me). It seemed that everyone who had ever given birth, felt the need to tell me some “horror story” about their experience with giving birth. There was always some gripping point to their story that had me flipping out. I remember being in the labor room, going through contractions, thinking of all of these horror stories and yeah, it was painful in the last few hours (mainly because I didn’t know that I could have had the epidural…DUHHHHH!
) but, I was talking to the nurse about the horror stories and she said, “My dear (she was an older nurse)…and, how many children did these women have?” I thought about it and all of them had at least 2 children or more. “Two or more,” I replied. She simply smiled and said, “Do you really think that they’d go back and do it all over again if it was THAT bad?” Well, she was right. I survived quite nicely.
And, now…..for my horror story………
JUST JOKING!!!
I had an S(saline) HSG. My doctor’s office recommended taking antibiotics 2 days before and several days after the procedure. About the last two days of the antibiotics (about one week after the shsg) I noticed symptoms of burning and raw vagina and some ricotta cheese type discharge–believed to be yeast infection. The yeast infection treatment (over the counter) said that those who were treated with antibiotics were also at risk of getting a yeast infection. The antibiotic treatment kills the good bacteria which is supposed to protect you against a yeast infection. I would also recommend eating yogurt which is supposed to get your vaginal ph back to normal. Talk with your doctor for more information.
I had my Sonohysterogram done 3 weeks ago in order to prepare for IVF. I am the worst with pain; I was literally shaking before the procedure. However, everything went fine, and it was only minor discomfort. I took 3 extra strength Tylenol before as recommended by my Endocrinologist. Also, she prescribed me a sedative to take an hour prior. If you are afraid or concerned about this procedure, please be sure to talk with your doctor. If they do not listen to you, find another fertility center. I had a HSG done through an obgyn, and the procedure was never explained to me nor was I prescribed antibiotics. I stopped the HSG midway through due to the pain. Needless to say, I found a very reprievable fertility clinic. The Endocrinologist performed the sono. herself. She took the time to make sure I fully understood the procedure and talked with me about my pain tolerance. Infertility is a stressful journey, so please be sure you find a place that treats the emotional side too.
I had my SHG yesterday, and I took some ibuprofen beforehand, so I only had a bit of cramping and a little spotting.
However, the RE inserted bubbles during the procedure to check my tubes, and I started feeling left shoulder pain during the procedure, which I thought was just because I was straining a little to see the monitor. However, as the night when on and today, I’ve been experience extreme pain in both my shoulders and one side of my neck.
I am so glad I found this site tonight, and realize that I am not crazy, and others experienced this too! I called the number they gave in case I was having problems, and the doctor on call said that the bubbles are probably what is causing this pain. He told me to elevate my hips, and to call again if it doesnt go away by tomorrow, or if I develop a fever or other symptoms. I really hope this pain goes away soon, because it is seriously awful!
I had a sonohystogram 2 weeks ago and while the procedure
was being done I felt a sharp pain in my lower back which
subsided after but on the way home I had to pull over because
I was getting intense pain in my lower back again. Well. it’s
been 2 weeks and I have pain in my lower back and into my
sciatica nerve. My Dr. said I have no infection. By the way,
I never felt any solution come out of me.
after reading, the comments on the site; I immediately canceled my appointment. I decided that the cure was more severe than the problem. I guess I wil deal with heavy period, at least I won’t have and infection. Thanks
I have an SHG scheduled for Friday and I’m freaking out. I had a HSG done 12 years ago while trying to get pregnant and it was a nightmare that I swore I would never do again. I read up on the SHG and it’s basically the same procedure. Granted I think I had a blockage last time because they couldn’t see one side, but I don’t know if it cleared up or not. I bled for 12 days heavy after the HSG so maybe? I was put on Clomid and was pregnant 4 months later so it was worth it I suppose. Maybe if I knew that specifically was why I got pregnant I would be more positive about it, but it could have been the Clomid as well. Anyway, I was reading this website today and the OB/GYN office called conveniently and I explained what I was reading and my past experience. They said they can’t sedate me! What??? But they can prescribe Valium. That helps “some” types of pain from what I read, but I get the feeling not THIS type of pain. Not sure what I should do. I really want to cancel my appointment, but I’ve been spotting for over 2 years now and only get one good week a month. It’s obviously causing issue with my husband. He works nights and always seems to be his first night off I’m “broke”. I want to do the endometrial ablation, but apparently the SHG is a pre-requisite. Someone’s supposed to call me so I guess I’ll make my decision then. Wish me luck.
I felt I needed to add my experience to give balance as well. I’m very sorry for everyone who had such awful experiences.
I had my SHG yesterday, and after reading through these comments I was so scared my legs were literally shaking in the stirrups. I kept waiting for the intense, awful pain, but it never came! I took 800 mg of ibuprofin about an hour before, and that must’ve prevented any pain from occurring. In any event, I know the pain wasn’t as bad as labor, because when I was giving birth there is no way 800 mg of ibuprofin would’ve taken the pain away.
I did feel a lot of pressure, and a sort of “pinched” feeling a few times, and I had a bit of very mild crampiness afterwards. In fact, my left side still feels a little crampy – I’m not sure why I would feel that only on one side. But I don’t have a fever or anything, so I guess it’s probably not an infection. Hopefully it’ll go away on it’s own.
I had an SHG on Monday and am experiencing cramping and bleeding. Nobody told me this would happen or prepared me for the test. The pain seems to be getting worse now, so I started “googling” the procedure to find out what I should do. The procedure was extremely painful for me (and I got little or no compassion from the staff). I felt and feel very violated and it’s made me rethink this direction for infertility… I’m thankful this site was here because I haven’t been able to find anything else on this.
In any case, did any of you have to go in for further treatment for the pain/bleeding or did it just go away after a while?
I am finding it soo weird that after all the searches I tried, I cannot find information to confirm my side-effects of the SHG except here!! Thanks to all for posting your experiences.
Unfortunately I am not one of the lucky ones that walked away unscathed!! I had the sono performed yesterday and have never experienced such pain (other that child birth I suppose) Of course I was told by the technician that she thinks that the SHG is way more pleasant than a PAP test and I may just feel mild cramping.
The test itself did not hurt at all. Just mild discomfort when they inserted the cathiter. I was told to take 2 Advil an hour before which I did and that I may want to sit in the office for 15 minutes afterwards. I got dressed and felt only mild cramps so didn’t feel like I needed to sit so I headed down the hall to get bloodwork done aswell and still was just mildly sore. Turned out I was supposed to fast for the bloodwork and couldn’t get it done (which turned out to be a good thing!!) so I headed out to my car. This was probably about 10-15 min after the test. By the time I got to my car I was sweating, felt like I was gonna throw up or pass out. Both of my arms went numb, my legs felt week and my stomack was in agony with cramps!!! I could barely sit still (obviously couldn’t drive in that state) for the pain. I honestly wanted to cry!!! My chest fluttered and pounded like crazy aswell. Not really sure what that was all about. I think I ended up sitting in my car for about half an hour trying to relax enough to drive home. By the time I got myself home I felt fine. Back to mild cramps and that was it untill a couple hours later when the severe cramps came back to the point that I could hardly walk let alone move at all. When I layed down it was better as long as I didn’t move!! When I took deep breaths the right side of my chest had sharp stabbing pains. Couldn’t cough, sneeze or anything without alot of pain. The pain and cramps extended from my ribcage down to my pelvic bone and side to side. Advil did nothing and by the evening I had a fever aswell.
I ended up having a somewhat good nights sleep and woke up without a fever and the pain is still intense but atleast I can walk today. I still have stabbing pain in my chest at times. I called the lab to see if I should be concerned and they told me to see my doctor if the pain was that bad but that the SHG probably had nothing to do with my pain!!! Give me a break!! I called the doc and he said that what I am experiencing is fairly normal and to keep taking advil and use a heating pad on my stomach.
Guess I will just monitor to see if it gets any worse. After all of that I have not had any spotting!! (Yet) Such a strange thing… the exam took 5-10 minutes and the actually SHG didn’t hurt at all but caused such havoc after it was done!!!
I really hope I never have to get it done ever again BUT having said that, if it works and is able to detect issues in my body…. I probably would get it done again. Next time someone will be driving me there is all!!
I had a sono on May 4th and have had light bleeding ever since until 3 days ago and it’s been flowing like I was about day 3 of my period now. I am not due until Sunday so I’m not sure if it has just come early or if it will still come but it’s a real pain to deal with. I don’t have any pain, the procedure itself was uncomfortable with some cramping but I had none of the horiffic side effects I’ve been reading about. Just lucky I guess. It is not comforting when you call the doctor’s office to only be told they don’t know why this could be happening but if it progesses into a fever then I should go to the hospital.
I had one Friday to see how things healed after my septum removal. I took 600 mg ibuprofen beforehand, since I wasn’t sure how bad it would be, based on the varying experiences.
The procedure itself wasn’t too bad. There was some sharp cramping but nothing like the HSG. I had mild cramps the rest of the day though. Didn’t have any spotting.
I had mine done on Friday, it is now Monday and i am cramping really bad. I take 6oo mg. ibprofin and a goody powder. Eases it for about an hour or 2 but then comes back. No bleeding just BAD cramping. I hope to NEVER have this done again. I am using a heating pad which eases it a little but who can lay with a heating pad all day? NOT ME!!! Hope to never do this again!
I had an SHG done last Wed. Was not told to take any pain meds or given antibiotics. Was told it could be a bit uncomfortable and mild cramping could be expected. The procedure itself was a breeze. HOWEVER, on Friday afternoon I started to have cramping that continued to get more severe and by 11:00 I was crying and balled up in pain that felt like a non-stop contraction. Did not have any bleeding or discharge. It was nothing like a bad menstrual cramp. It never let up. The pain was so severe that I almost vommitted. After taking 2 Oxycodone that I was prescribed after my c-section and a muscle relaxer, still no relief. My husband took me to the ER. After an u/s, blood work and urine test I was told that it was inflammation and muscle spasm from the prodedure. Pain didn’t go away until they gave me IV pain meds. Over the next few days pain would come and go and the Motrin 800 they gave me seemed to stop working….I was taking 2 at a time and no relief. Ended up in the ER again on Tues night b/c pain became unbearable again and no meds would help. I was literally taking anything I could get my hands on…..lucky I didn’t OD. Finally got something stronger and it’s now a week later and started to feel better just yesterday. Today was first day w/out meds. Uterus and right side of pelvis (ovary maybe) still hurt when I go to the bathroom. If it’s not gone by Monday I’m going to see my family physician. My ob/gyn has been useless in helping pinpoint the problem. She gave me antibiotics after receiving the report from ER that showed no sign of infection in my labs and a different pain reliever that did nothing. I’m pretty small and delivered an 11 lb baby vaginally so know what pain is and the after affect of the SHG was horrific. I wouldn’t wish that experience on my worst enemy.
Thanks, all, for sharing your experiences. I thought I’d share mine, because it was nice for me to read so many different stories before and after, so here is one more. I had my sonohysterogram a week and a half ago. (My doctor opted for the sono over HSG because I have a lot of allergies..he was concerned I would react to the dye). The procedure itself was not that bad for me. I took one Advil, about an hour before. I had a strong cramp when the catheter went in, and again with the fluid insertion (although by that point I was distracted by watching it flow on the monitor). I thought the ultrasound probe was the most uncomfortable part, but I have a backwards-tilted uterus so that probably didn’t help. I did think the whole procedure was a bit “fumbly” – he had trouble getting the sono probe at the right angle once the catheter was in, and in the end his nurse had to operate the computer keyboard for him because he couldn’t reach over to it (maybe that is typical??). I went by myself, and came home myself, and felt a little crampy/mild pain for the rest of the day, which Advil seemed to help. No pelvic pain or fever, thank goodness (I didn’t have antibiotics). But…1.5 weeks out I’m still having a lot of gas/digestive discomfort. It seems weird for that to be related …since the test was in a different area, not my stomach! but it did start right afterwards; it’s unusual for me; and others here have noted problems with gas. Maybe the structures next to my uterus just got irritated?? It doesn’t seem like any kind of infection… so I’m hoping it will just resolve on its own.
Thank you for all who left their stories. I read them and was comforted and fare warned at the same time. I took a painkiller prior to going in since the cramping I had for the dye test was difficult for me. I had very strong cramping… worse than my regular menses. My DH was there holding my hand and, for me, breathing heavily helps to control the pain. It was done, literally, in 5 minutes (the actual inserting saline solution and sono). Afterwards I had very light cramping for maybe an hour. I had spotting for the next 2 days. Just go in, knowing that this is to help diagnose/prepare for a baby. The pain is brief so hang in there. It will be over before you know it.
I had a sonohystogram today and all I can say is AVOID if at all possible. This is some of the worst pain I’ve ever experienced. I cannot walk, my back is in pain. It hurts to laugh, cough, sneeze, etc. I want so badly to get out this bed but it’s almost impossible. There ouughta be a law for Dr.’s to explain the risk of this procedure to you. They maje it seem like it’s so simple, quick, non-harmful!!!….huh!!!!…..It’s been 6 hrs and I’m STILL in pain. I don’t wish this pain on anyone. If you have a giud experience consider yourself lucky. Others……BEWARE!!!….this procedure is NOT what’s up!!!!!
I have mine schedule for this evening and after reading these posts, I’m not sure I can go through with it.
I read this post as well as the 69 comments with it right before I went to the Dr. for my SSH and it literally prompted an anxiety attack. I freaked out and told my husband he had to meet me at the Dr’s office to drive me home, I cried, I worried about infection and worried about it hurting more because of the Leep procedure I had 10 years ago. I was so stressed that I came about as close to stress-induced vomiting as one can get, without actually vomiting.
And for what…it wasn’t that bad at all – and she even had to re-insert the speculum because she hadn’t pushed the catheter far enough into my cervix on the first try.
Now, it was hardly a pleasant experience but it didn’t require me needing a ride home, didn’t cause any weird shoulder pain, didn’t cause any bleeding, didn’t cause an infection and I wasn’t uncomfortable after it was over.
While I understand that a great many of you did have a horrible time of it, I thought it only fair that I post my experience in the hopes that I can alleviate some of the potentially unnecessary panic for others who stumble upon this page pre-test.
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