Infertility
Can a person relax their cervix?
TryingToStayRational · 29/12/2017 18:49
I know this might sound pretty weird, but it might help if I explain. Basically I had a hideously painful HSG earlier in the year, and the bit that especially hurt seemed to be the bit where they inserted the catheter through my cervix (before the dye bit - I felt that but it wasn't too bad). Up until this point I'd never worried about smears, and even when one was a bit of a mission (having to put fists under bum and shift about etc) it had never been painful or scary. So I thought I was pretty chilled about things involving a speculum up until this point.
The reason I'm bothered is that I'm due to start IVF in early 2018 and obviously that will involve things being stuffed up there. I've also been invited to take part in an endometrial scratch trial. I do want to take part, but honestly the thought of something like that HSG again is already starting to stress me out. And obviously embryo transfer is a similar type of process too.
So I guess what I want to know is whether there is anything I can actually do myself to make this better. Was it so painful because I was all tense inside? Are there techniques to relax my innards? Am I being ridiculous?
ps Anyone due for an HSG, they honestly are not normally a drama - I know plenty of people who had one that was absolutely fine, so please don't freak out - it'll be fine
EarlGreyT · 29/12/2017 19:39
The cervix muscle isn’t voluntarily controlled so I don’t think there is anything you can do to relax it.
On the positive side though, I found the HSG far far worse than embryo transfer or the endometrial scratch so try not to worry too much about them as you’ll probably find them ok.
TryingToStayRational · 29/12/2017 21:08
Oh that’s encouraging to know EarlGray
I’m planning to talk to the clinic about it as well so they at least know why I’m stressed about this.
ScottishJaggyNettle · 29/12/2017 22:53
100% tell your clinic it may be something they wish to look at. They check that they can pass a tube into your cervix before you start the IVF process. Dont worry though im sure that things can be done to remedy things like this.
I have been told although i dont know how true this is (Please take this with a pinch of salt)... that if you have difficulty with the HSG to try having sex in the most uncomfortable position (what ever that may be! Dont hurt yourself though.) as i was told if you are uncomfortable it most likely means that your cervix is more open/exposed and gives you a better "Shot" into the cervix. Might be worth asking your DR about because i suspect it could be a lot of rubbish. (Obviously only applies if you have a male other half).
My HSG was great and i hardly felt a thing (For those reading and getting upset at the future prospect of one.) But then again as the ladies before have said everyone is diffrent.
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