HSG now or later?

[blamber]

Hi everyone,

I have just been diagnosed with pcos. They are going to measure progesterone this cycle to see if I ovulate and then probably put me on clomid.

The consultant was talking about doing an HSG as well to check for blockages in the Fallopian tubes. He gave me a choice though. He said they could do it now, or postpone it and do it after having been through 3 cycles of clomid if unsuccessful. He said he gave me the choice because the procedure is unpleasant. He also said that from my history there is nothing to suggest a possible blockage.

What would you do? I suppose there is not much chance of a blockage, but then again I wouldn't want to waste 3 cycles on clomid and then find out there was a blockage! I know the number of cycles you get is limited. Any advice or experiences are welcome!

[emelyne]

Hi,

Thought I'd share my experience of HSG. My husband and I were trying to conceive for 2&1/2 yrs after stopping the pill. During this time my periods never really returned to any regular pattern and I was told that this was probably due to pcos as I had other symptoms too.

We did manage to conceive naturally after one year but unfortunately this pregnancy ended early in miscarriage, for which I needed an ERPC.

Following this we were referred to the fertility clinic and one of the first tests I had done was a HSG. Personally I didn't find the procedure any more uncomfortable than a smear. I took some pain killers before and had some mild cramps for a very short time after. My tubes weren't blocked but they did find some small adhesions in my uterus that they thought were probably due to the ERPC.

I ovulated 4/5 days after the HSG and conceived again the same month. I am now 35 weeks pregnant and currently in hospital waiting to be induced in the morning after my waters broke prematurely a few days ago. I saw a Consultant during my pregnancy due to some other complications and he said the HSG had acted like a 'chimney sweep'!

Personally I would go for the HSG first and wouldn't let the possibility of it being an unpleasant procedure put you off because you never know.

Good luck whatever you decide.

[blamber]

Thanks emelyne, that is very helpful. It doesn't sound too bad the way you describe it. I guess it will put my mind at rest as well if they do the test now.

[AttilaTheMeerkat]

My HSG test felt a bit uncomfortable at the time but not overtly so. It should not hurt provided the dye is injected both slowly and carefully. HSG is a useful test to have done because it is a tubal x-ray; deformities INSIDE the tube can only be seen on such a test so it gives information not normally accessible by other methods.

I was also given some painkillers beforehand and they helped. I would also suggest you wear sanitary protection afterwards as that dye does come out (its about a teaspoonful that is used).

Were you previously monitored whilst on clomid, I hope you were!. Clomid should always be given with a degree of caution to PCOSers as they can become clomid resistant. Also monitoring (with both blood tests and ultrasounds preferably) is essential as this drug can increase LH levels; as many PCOSers have an excess of LH to start with, it should be used with caution to such women.

Usually clomid is used for a maximum of six months after which time other treatments are tried. I would also be asking them what they intend to do next in the event of clomid not actually working.

[blamber]

emelyne, I forgot to say, good luck with the induction!

Atilla, I have not been on clomid before. The whole process only just started, with progesterone tests first and then another appointment to discuss starting clomid. Thanks for the info!

[jessplussomeonenew]

Like Emelyne I am sure having hycosy (similar to HSG) helped us get our long awaited bfp - it is known to increase chances of conceiving for a few months, so doing it as you start clomid could give you a double fertility boost.

Having the dye injected hurt for a few seconds but nothing much, the cramps afterwards were a bit worse than a period so take painkillers beforehand and plan an evening on the sofa with a hot water bottle. I'm certainly glad to have done it now though!

[blamber]

Thanks, Jess. I didn't know there might actually be advantages to doing it! I think I'll have it done before I start clomid then.

[jessplussomeonenew]

That's what our consultant said, and it seemed to work for us (BFP on the 3rd cycle afterwards). Basically the dye flushes out the cervix and tubes making them a bit easier to swim through! Good luck!