Having an HSG test next week eek

[MyMyFruityPie]

Hello

Going for one of these next week. What can I expect please?

Thanks

[islegrin]

It's like a vag exam on a xray table (they use a speculum). They inject a small amount of dye through a catheter then watch it via xray to see what the structures of your anatomy look like. They especially look to make sure your tubes are open and everything appears normal. For most women, it only feels like mild to heavy cramping. For a few (5%-10%) it can be more painful, but it's a short duration.

Also take a pad with you because the dye can stain clothing, depending on which one they use.

Best of luck!

[MrsHappy]

I had one of these last year.
It didn't hurt at all but I took 2 paracetomol and 2 nurofen about 40 mins before my appointment to be on the safe side!
There was a certain amount of fiddling around with the speculum and the catheter which was not terribly comfortable (like a smear test but took longer) so I found it helpful to take deep breaths and pretend to be elsewhere. My cervix is quite high which I think did not help.

There was a screen by my head and I could watch the dye go through which was v interesting.

I was spotting a wee bit when I went and the dye washed out a load of blood so definitely take a pad or two. I went for the test during my lunch break and was fine to go back to work in the afternoon. I had a few minor periodish cramps, but that was all.

You'll be fine - having the test helped to put my mind at rest.

[MyMyFruityPie]

Thank you Islegrin and MrsHappy. Great tips and heads up.

[islegrin]

Oh, and I forgot to say that it can increase fertility for a month or two after. Some think it's because the dye opens up the tubes a bit. So that's something to look forward to.

[MyMyFruityPie]

Ooh, if only Islegrin Thank you

[LeviStubbsTears]

I found it completely easy - a few seconds of pain, but only very mild. And I forgot to take the painkiller beforehand, so was quite nervous! But it was a breeze.

I did get a tiny bit of bleeding, and some mild cramps for a couple of days afterwards, but nothing bad at all.

You should be fine!

[yellowflowers]

I have mine next week and for some reason am very scared.

[yellowflowers]

just to update in case anyone searching these threads for reassurance before thier hsg - it was a bit painful and they took a few attempts to get the speculum in and I am bleeding but it was far less bad than I thought and overall completely bearable. Better still - showed no blockages.

x

[MyMyFruityPie]

Good to hear about your update Yellowflowers. It was the same for me too re the speculum. Glad to hear that all is clear x