Hysterosalpingogram

[mish01]

Hiya - looking for some advice. Been to GP and hospital and diagnosed with PCOS (although have none of the symptoms) - however could not get an appointment with the gynie for 4 months so went to a private clinic and was precribed clomid and metphormine. Have been taking for 4 months 2 more to go and have been asked to go for a hysterosalipingogram - should I wait until the course of clomid etc has finished as worried the test might wipe out a month of potential?? If anyone has any advice would be gratefully received...

How did they determine that you have PCOS?.

Clomid and metformin together is quite a powerful combination.

Are you being monitored whilst on it?. If that is no the short answer is that you should be monitored whilst on it. Clomid is not always suitable for women with ovulation problems, this is why monitoring is an essential requirement.

What clomid dosage are you on?.

What is their next stage of treatment in the event that clomid/met is unsuccessful?.

The HSG won't wipe out a whole month of potential at all. The HSG is a useful test to have done as it can give information not easily accessible by other areas. Deformities INSIDE the tube can only be seen on x-ray. The HSG should be relatively painfree (you should be given painkillers beforehand) providing they inject the dye both carefully and slowly into the uterine cavity. Also you will need to use a sanitary towel post procedure, that little bit of dye used will come out!.

The clinic you are attending should be very forthcoming with any information re tests and you should feel free to ask them any questions. It is vital that the three of you can work as a team.

mish01 - I'm interested in this. How was it suspected you had PCOS if you had none of the symptoms? Sorry for butting in.

Just because we had be trying got the best part of a year and nothing happened so I was referred by my GP for a scan (internal and external) and all was revealed...bit of a shock to be honest...

So did you have regular periods then?

The reason I ask is because it's one of the possibilities I'm starting to think about myself. For no real reason really. But AFs vary between 29 and 33 days (which I'm told is considered normal, but there you are) and also I'm getting paranoid at all the little things I read here and there (e.g. hairy toes!)

Been prescribed clomid 50mg for the standard 5 days and metformin 850mg twice a day every day.
Went back to the private clinic month 3 for a check up and was told all was looking a good - two eggs were developed one on either side and they looked healthy however no success in getting pregnant so far - haven't been asked to come back until I reach the end of the 6 month course.

Hello Ariesgirl - yes have regular periods (lasts for around 4 days not particularly heavy) that are generally between 28 - 32 days. Am not overweightm overly hairy or ever had acne, have been using ovulation kits and 9 time out of 10 can pick up a health LH level (although not this month just gone) so that was why it was rather a surprise....worth asking for a scan if you concerned as they can see right away..

Blimey. I'm alarmed now.

All the best anyway.

Using ovulation kits is a waste of time if using clomid as clomid can increase LH levels markedly. The kit reads the level of LH present (which is what the clomid is producing!).

Also usage of these kits if PCOS is an issue anyway is not at all advised. Many women have an excess of LH, the kit reads that excess level and thus gives a false and multiple positive result.

PCOS is a very individualistic disorder and affects each woman with it very differently. Not all PCOSers by any means have problems with acne, hirsuitism etc. The commonality though for all of these women is the multiple cystic follicles on the ovaries.

Its bad practice of the clinic only to see you every three months. You should be seen far more regularly than three monthly by them because they should be scanning you to see if an egg is actually leaving the ovary.

I had a Hsg x Ray and it certainly wasn't pain free! If you have it make sure that someone drives you and collects you. I'd get some sedation on board too, it was a shocking procedure to have.

Not trying to scare you but prepare you.

Attila - thank you - you sound very knowledgeble.
I will book an appointment on Tuesday to have a check up and see if I'm actually ovulating. Probably around day 14 would be the best bet I suppose??

I have had two HSGs over the last few years and both were entirely pain free. By all means take a painkiller if it relaxes you and stops you worrying but honestly, HSGs don't always hurt.

My HSG was fine, mildly unconfortable but that was all - forgot to take any painkillers and drove straight back to work afterwards.

Thanks guys - your notes are definitely making me feel better about - particularly if it doesn't wipe out a months trying...