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Conception

When's the best time to get pregnant? Use our interactive ovulation calculator to work out when you're most fertile and most likely to conceive.

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Original poster

HSG hysterosalpingogram?

10 replies

sue10 · 17/12/2009 09:08

Hi ladies,
i am due to have the above done but google wont work so i am unable to research the procedure.
Could you tell me what it actually does and if the procedure is painful?
many thanks

OP posts:

asha76 · 17/12/2009 09:48

Hi Sue

I had a Hycosy last week which is the same thing I think. It's an internal ultrasound which checks the uterus and ovaries, then dye is squirted through a catheter to check tube patency.
It's not the most dignified procedure to go through - hence I kept DH outside the room while it was being done!!

Good side to it is that you know the results straight away, down side, for me, was that it was very uncomfortable when the catheter was inserted. It's comparable to very bad period cramp, but it did go away within an hour of the procedure ending and I could've gone back to work, but DH had offered to look after me, so what can a girl do?!

It really wasn't that bad and I was very nervous going, but I know everything fine with both of us now, and my mind's a bit easier.

Incidently, it may be just coincidence, but period has been heavier this cycle, so be prepared!
Good luck and I hope it goes well for you!

P.s. take a sanitary towel with you - there can be abit a leakage afterwards!!

emeraldgirl1 · 17/12/2009 15:48

hi sue, having one of these done soon myself, a friend who's had it done has told me it's ok, just like feeling quite bloated for a while. reports seem to differ, i think some people (eg asha) do find it a bit uncomfortable but on balance it sounds bearable!

good luck

islegrin · 17/12/2009 17:40

My HSG was done with flouroscopy (x-ray) with the colorless dye, not an internal u/s. It is only painful for about 5% of the population most people think it feels like bad cramps, is all.

Best of luck! It can tell you whether your tubes are open and if the shape of the uterus looks right. I've heard of women getting pregnant the cycle or two after because of the dye can open up tubes wider.

yellowflowers · 18/12/2009 11:11

I had it last month - was quite uncomfortable but that stopped as soon as procedure over. Made me feel like I wanted to poo myself but managed not to and they gave me preliminary results straight away.I bled a lot (some women do) so def take a pad (otherwise you end up with a massively thick hospital pad.

It was like a bad smear really. Afterwards I realised it was the build up to it that was worse than the procedure. I had a few days of odd twinges but not pain afterwards.

MyMyFruityPie · 20/12/2009 23:18

I had it done a couple of months ago and Yelloflowers is right, it is the build up that makes it worse. It is different for different people. I did feel a bit of discomfort but it does not last for long. You could take a couple of painkillers if you like beforehand.

It is good that you get to know your results straight away and it gets you just that bit further with helping you towards your goal.

Good luck

hester · 20/12/2009 23:27

I've had this done and it was quite uncomfortable but not really painful - I'd recommend taking a couple of painkillers beforehand.

The main thing, though, is that it feels unpleasant rather than painful - I can't really describe it, just a really weird sensation. Perhaps the best way of describing it is like this: you know how a smear is not really painful, but the feeling of being invaded can make you feel a bit panicky and you need to breathe slowly and keep calm? It's like that but more so and it goes on for longer. I had a nurse stationed at my head to hold my hand throughout, so I think a lot of people find it quite stressful. I'm not saying this to scare you, it honestly isn't a big deal, but I do think it helps if you go in really focused on staying calm and thinking about Pacific beaches or whatever.

Good luck - it really will be fine.

TaurielTest · 20/12/2009 23:36

I've had one, it wasn't so bad - quite interesting actually, if you ask to see the screen! I second Hester on taking a couple of ibuprofen beforehand, and if you can, take the rest of the day off. No bleeding for me, but the dye does find its way out so yes, use a pad for a day or so. Hope it goes well and the results are positive for you.

yellowflowers · 21/12/2009 00:38

Re the painkiller thing. I had mine at UCH in London and they give you a prescription for antibiotics and v strong painkillers that you take in advance (including a suppository for up your bum). To be honest the bum thing freaked me out most of all but was fine in the end.
Good luck. X

laurielou · 21/12/2009 12:54

I had one earlier this month & it was so painless I'm wondering if they did it right! I'd worked myself up into a right frenzy, taken some paracetamol beforehand (as advised) & off I went. I kept my eyes shut so no intersting screen watching for me. I honestly didn't feel a thing. I didn't even have any cramp or bleeding afterwards. Just a little bit of dye. The most painful part was sitting in the waiting room beforehand in a robe that was too short for a woman of my age!

And the results were favourable.

I wish you the very best of luck, x

PandaEis · 21/12/2009 17:29

hi,

i had a HSG in july and it wasnt as bad as i expected. it was a little painful/uncomfortable when the catheter was put in and then again as the dye was flushed through but only very mild at that point.

i would second others who say take a sanitary towel and painkillers and take it easy afterwards.

good luck.

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