To HyCoSy or not to HyCoSy?

[sensiblefootwear]

My partner and I will need IUI to conceive as we are same sex couple.

I went for an initial appointment at the clinic where they took blood and did an ultrasound, everything looked normal and ready to go apparently. I'm 32 and have never had any issues with my periods, always regular and not too heavy or painful.

Not sure whether to now do a HyCoSy or not. They said I could if I wanted to but it's not required as I have no obvious fertility issues. Obviously it costs extra and all the procedures are going to be very expensive anyway...!

Anyone got any advice or stories to share on this? Those who've had one, what made you go for it? Also wondering what the likelihood is that I'll have an issue with my tubes without ever having any signs that have suggested it?

Thanks!

I declined one as we needed IVF for male factor issues, so the results of a HyCoSy would not have changed the treatment plan for us. I felt that the risks (cost, pain, risk of infection) outweighed any benefits.

In your situation if you're going to use IUI you obviously do need your tubes nice and clear. I'd say it's 50:50 in this case- as you say you've no indication of fertility issues, however if the HyCoSy showed blocked tubes then that would change the treatment you'd choose as IUI wouldn't be suitable. How much does it cost nowadays (we started with fertility stuff 10 years ago so I'm probably out of date on diagnostics costs)? And how able to afford it are you? These would be the deciding factors for me I think.

Mine was part of my pre IVF treatment as we had male factor issues. There was nothing known to be wrong with me but, by some miracle, we got pregnant naturally two cycles later (after trying for over a year) so maybe the HyCoSy helped somehow?

Thanks both for your replies.

@TeddyTonks it is £500 at my clinic so almost half of our IUI itself!

I hadn't factored in risk of infection so thanks for bringing that up.

@TheBirdintheCave congratulations on your little one! I have actually heard a few anecdotal reports about people conceiving naturally after the procedure as I think it can clear mucus from your tubes even if they're not actually blocked per se.

We were exactly the same @TheBirdintheCave - in your situation @sensiblefootwear using IUI, I can't see it's necessary personally!

@sensiblefootwear Thanks :D He's a small whirlwind of energy now at nineteen months and a huge joy :) Wishing you loads of luck on your journey!

I am on the NHS so it’s a totally different ball game for me and I had one as I had an ectopic which resulted in the loss of my right tube… so naturally they wanted to check my left one wasn’t blocked. But I honestly feel after having one… that the peace of mind is worth it. But I haven’t been in the position where I need to pay for one!

It’s nice to have the reassurance that your tube isn’t blocked. Also - some women have reported it increases fertility as it can dislodge any debris build up (mucus etc) in your tube. My sonographer told me that today! It can’t fix a blocked tube… but it can flush out debris which increases fertility for some people :)

I got pregnant the month after having my tube (singular after ectopic in the other tube) flushed in the HyCosy after trying for 18 months since my ectopic.

@Theduchy hoping I’m the same as you!

Hello! I had exactly the same experience as @theduchy. Trying to 18-months, then had tubes flushed and fell pregnant with my first the next cycle.

Good luck!

Ahhhh this is so encouraging!!! I will update this thread as I go

It's a difficult decision. We've been trying for many years, I have pcos and was due to start clomid medication but held back for some months now as after my last fertility app my consultant suspected I had fluid build up in one tube as it was showing on ultrasound, which they shouldnt if normal so I had a hsg ( Same as hycosy but hsg they take xray) few weeks ago to check my tubes before commencing treatment. My result came back normal , my tubes are open so I'm not sure weather it went away itself, if consultant was mistaken or of hycosy cleared out any build up which apparently it does clear out your tubes .
To be honest had I of known my tubes were clear tho I would have been hesitant just because there's a risk of infection that could end up causing damage to your tubes .
We also have male factor issues and we're advised we'll likely need other treatment anyway so i went ahead with the hsg out of curiosity .
I think it's really your decision to weigh out the benefits. There's a risk of infection of course with any procedure but if your Investing money in iui you want to know your tubes are clear and not wasting money.
Also there's no obvious signs of having blocked tubes. Most women have absolutely no symptoms and don't realise they have blocked tubes until they start trying and have the tests

Update to this as I said I would. Just got my early BFP at 10dpo. Hycosy on 15th Dec. Ovulated 23rd Dec. AF due 8th Jan. praying this is real

If it's half the cost of one IUI I'd probably get it done to give yourself the best chance of the IUI (and any subsequent ones you need) working. If it's half the cost of a course of IUIs that is more of a disincentive. It's not the nicest of procedures but quite short - I recommend a hot water bottle for the cramps afterwards.

I just had my Hycosy yesterday and still have cramps and feel a bit unwell. I found the procedure extremely painful. Did you have cramps after ? How long before they go completely? I wished I hadn’t done it because of the extreme pain but after seeing so many people saying they conceived after their Hycosy it’s making me wonder if it might help me get pregnant.

Just seen this.. how amazing. Really hope your pregnancy progressed! :-)

Sorry to hear. :-( didn't find it so painful, but one of my best friends found it unbearable. I think strong pain killers, hot water bottle and rest. Really hope it resolves by tomorrow.

It worked for me, my friend and a few others on this thread. So really hope it was worth it for you!🤞

Oh sorry, just realised I am very out of date on this! Just saw it come up on my feed. I don't come on here much! Sorry for late replies. 😜

Having blocked tubes don't produce any symptoms. Most women aren't even aware until they start trying.
There's benefits and risk with hycosy.
It may also be a waste of money if your tubes are open , but in the event they are any kind of blockage your wasting money anyway as if your goung to attempt iui you need clear tubes.
It also boosts your chances by 30% for upto 3 cycles.
I had one in nov last year and fell pregnant that following month ( ended in loss but we were 17+years trying) so I personally highly recommend it to anyone struggling to get pregnant but if you haven't tried to get pregnant before it may be a waste of time for you

@AvocadoEater7 I had some pain on and off for few days. Conceived next cycle after many many years struggling .
It can help flush your tubes and also stimulate your ovaries.
My pregnancy didn't stick but I'd highly recommended the procedure to anyone who's been struggling . It was definitely worth it. I'd have it again if I could. I know there's risks from it but at the end of the day I wasn't getting pregnant anyway

Thanks. Sorry I only just saw your response. Do you mean you got pregnant after yours? I had my IUI last week so hopefully it will work! 🤞🏻