HSG- is it that painful and do I actually need one?

[margaritaontherocks]

HI,

Bit of background, I already have a DC (12) from a previous relationship.

When I was 18, I was diagnosed with PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) and was told I had a 10% chance of being infertile. Obviously I wasn't, as I conceived DC 3 years later.

My new DP and I are considering trying for a baby, but are both female, so it's not really a case of lots of early nights, unfortunately.

Because of my age (35) and my previous PID, I thought it was best that I have some tests before we begin officially trying, in case we're just wasting our time and money.

My GP agreed to send me for an HSG, but after doing a bit of research, I'm really worried about the pain. I find smear tests agony and so I would imagine I'll be one of those who find the process very uncomfortable. If I have to have it done, then I will, but given I conceived post PID, is it a necessary procedure?

TIA

I found it almost completely non-painful - a slight stinging feeling, but nothing like have a coil fitted, which I found totally awful, but is really fairly minor. I wouldn’t bat an eyelid about having a hsg again. The caveat of course is that everyone is different.

PID is progressive and so it’s possible it has gotten worse since you had your baby. In my case I have clear tubes but still found it painful both times I had to have it done - despite taking two paracetamol and two ibuprofen. But it’s worth it.

Well it's a lot less painful than giving birth.
In my experience it's just a little uncomfortable and can actually help clear your tubes to aid conception.
You obviously don't need to have it though. It would be your decision.

Sorry to bear bad news, but I found it absolute agony and nearly passed out from the pain. I have endometriosis and painful periods, but this was far worse than any period I've ever had. I'd driven to the clinic and had to call DH and his friend to come and collect me and the car as I couldn't drive home afterwards.

My DC was born by Caesarian so can't compare it to childbirth though.

How long have you been trying? HSG isn't normally the first thing that's done, blood tests are. If those are OK, HSG might be the next step. If you find smear to be agony, I wouldn't count on no pain. But it varies. Some people feel nothing, some just a little pressure, some feel pain but it's bareable, and others are indeed in agony. Especially if the tubes are blocked. While they advise to take a handful (800 mg) of ibuprofen two hours prior, I found it not helpful. Mine was insanely painful but mainly because I automatically tense up when there's a speculum inside. So you have to relax, I cannot stress that more. And breathe, deep and slow, don't hold your breath. I'd also ask your Dr to prescribe you something to relax you that is rather strong, even if it's just one dose for that morning. There're plenty of prescription medications that'll send you to a happy land for a few hours, just make sure someone is driving you.
Things to help you, no matter how painful it is, it's still not the end of the world pain-wise, and goes very quick, the whole thing takes about five minutes on a slow end, if tubes are blocked could be longer but the speculum and the dye catheter are removed at that point so its far less painful.

Thanks for all the replies and advice. Very much appreciated.

I have actually already had blood tests, which came back normal. We've not begun trying yet. If I hadn't had PID, I think we'd just give it a go and then maybe look at further tests if we were continually unsuccessful.

@margaritaontherocks can I ask what symptoms you have for PID. I’m currently being investigated myself and after googling symptoms PID seems to pop up a lot. Sorry for the complete change of subject!

I found the speculum part of a HSG less painful than a smear test- but the cramps you get are very like childbirth.

I've had two both not painful at all but then again I didn't have any blockages

Please be aware that they are really only useful to show if there is a blockage or not - they can't show if the tubes are actually working and able to push an egg through them

I learnt the hard way - both HSG came back perfect and still went on to have 2 ectopics and have lost both tubes now x

Carley, it was a long time ago, but I remember having a couple of months of a lot of discharge and then pain on and off. Then one day the pain hit me like a brick and I could barely walk. Actually ended up in A&E. What are your symptoms?

itwasalivelydream, I'm sorry

@margaritaontherocks well I get pretty bad hip/side back discomfort during what I think is ovulation on my right side. It’s more of a dull ache I can’t get comfortable in bed or sitting down and it’s tender to touch like if DP puts his arm around me. I feel nothing when it’s the left. And the pain goes after ovulation. I also get it slightly just before AF (some months are worse than others). The last few time I feel Iv OV on the right Iv had dizziness pretty bad but most recently it was severe... I couldn’t go to work because I just couldn’t stand the dizziness was so bad. It could be complete coincidence or my body regulating after the pill (came off over a year ago) I don’t know. It’s all head work isn’t it.