Hsg test ? What to expect ...

[Lifesforloving1]

I had an ectopic in March ( right tube removed ) and then got pregnant last month but lost it at 5 weeks . My doctor has requested a hsg test for me to rule out another blockage on my left tube. It’s this comming Wednesday ! What am I to expect ? Will it really hurt...

Hi I had one when I was TTC with my first
I was so nervous and apprehensive I didn't know what to expect but it didn't hurt me at all. The worst part was the not knowing and seemed to be a lot of people in the room! Like it was a procedure - which I guess it was

The procedure itself just felt like a smear and I was waiting for the pain but it never came
They can see the screen right in front of you so I wish I asked questions coz at the time she told me I had one tube blocked and one fine. This was 10 years ago and now I'm TTC my second I wish I could remember what tube. She also said it may not be blocked ? Just that it wasn't opening that day which didn't mean a blockage
Was always confused about that
Especially now as TTC my second and have secondary infertility

I'm hoping i can have another one of these so I know what's what

You will be fine x

@Lifesforloving1 I didn’t want to read and run, but I just wanted to let you know this is the last test I am waiting to go for, I’m hoping to book mine for next month.

I’ve had friends who’ve had them who have said it’s not painful as such more just a little crampy.

I think it affects everyone differently. I had a horrendous experience, it was very painful. My tubes weren't blocked. Make sure that you you take painkillers before the procedure. They told me there and then what they'd seem.
Good luck.

Oh and also to add I fell pregnant that very cycle after my hsg even though they said one tube wasn't working, this was my 17th
cycle TTC - cd10 was my hsg and never got my period

Yes agree that it affects people differently
Take pain relief and relax as much as you can and as you get results there and then that's a positive so it will all be over soon and hopefully good news

Sending good luck baby vibes x

I've had it done twice and didn't find it painful - just a bit uncomfortable

Just to manage expectations the HSG can only tell you if there is a blockage - it can't tell you if your tube is actually working. I had perfect HSG test results and aril went on to lose both tubes to ectopics as my tubes Just didn't work

@ivfdreaming sorry to hear that.
Well if the dye runs through surely they see that as the tubes working? That's what happened with my results and I got pregnant that cycle. They said the other one wasn't blocked but it wasn't open? She said sometimes the dye shocks them and they don't open but doesn't necessarily mean they aren't working? Hence why I would like another one done to see as it was such a long time ago
Obviously not the case in your situation and sorry to hear about your ectopics and the loss of your tubes 😞
Sending hugs. So are you now having ivf ? X

No unfortunately the dye running through them doesn't mean the tubes actually work just means there is no blockage - they contain millions of tiny hair/muscle like structures which are what move the egg through them to the uterus - there is no test to confirm these work other than having a successful uterine pregnancy and they can't be fixed if they don't work

It's a common misconception sadly and why many doctors don't offer HSG after ectopics where there was no obvious explanation eg a blockage as the the test can give false hope

Yes I've moved onto IVF but unfortunately IVF also increases the chance of having an ectopic so I lost my second tube after an IVF transfer but I'm now 10 weeks with twins x

@ivfdreaming ah I see. There's so much to it isn't there ! When there's people getting pregnant left right and centre and not even knowing anything about infertility!
Oh wow congratulations- well deserved after what you have been through

I had HSG on my lunch break, it took much longer than they had said because they attempted multiple times to get the dye into one of my tubes, the other one was okay and it went through without any hassle. So for me it was just awkward as they were asking me to get into all sorts of positions to get a better angle!
But it didn't actually hurt.

@Lifesforloving1 Hsg did not hurt so much, felt only cramps like a period. I took painkillers and I used deep breathing in and out techniques like in yoga/meditation. My Hsg result was sad, I have blockage.

Mine didn’t hurt a bit I’ve had more uncomfortable smears I was really a surprised x

Mine was only a bit uncomfortable as the doctor had to apply pressure to get the liquid to flow through the tubes as if they were a bit sticky. Got pregnant the following month after five years infertility and failed ivf. Wish I'd had it sooner.

On that note if anyone had it done privately in London and had a good experience I'd love to hear where you had it done as I want to get it done again as now have secondary infertility 🙄😔.
First one was nhs at Guys and apparently they don't offer it there as a private service. Took a lot of persuading to get them to do it first time round.

Good luck with yours OP!

Hi @Lifesforloving1. I had an HSG and found it horrific. I took painkillers beforehand and relaxed as much as I can and was in lots of pain afterwards. I had no issues Eg blockages or anything.

As you can see though, it seems to be a variable thing as to whether you find it painful.

I hope it goes well for you!

Mine was very painful and Couldn’t get the tube up

ended up having under a general

Which is when they found i had a closed cervix

But for most they say it’s like a smear. Tad uncomfortable but ok

And you will wee green afterwards

Mine wasn't that pleasant tbh, felt like cramps that steadily got worse and just as I thought it was really getting painful it was over! Worst part was waddling back through the waiting room with the ink dripping down my legs! My tubes wasn't blocked.

For those saying it doesn't show if your tubes are actually working, what does this mean? I thought if they wasn't blocked an egg would travel down, is this not the case?

@cosmo30 I was confused by this too
I had one and was told one was closed and one was open and then conceived that cycle. Remember them saying it didn't necessarily mean the closed one wasn't not working?! But as I fell pregnant I forgot what else they said. Now I'm TTC my second I'm wondering if it's due to one tube closed
I know someone mentioned they had both tubes open then said they may not be working
I would just think as there is no blockage that is a great sign and not to worry as much as you can anyway
How far Into investigations are you?
You might be like me and fall this month
I'm sure my hsg helped xx

@strawberrysummer19 I've been ttc second child for three years now. Had my hsg about 15 months ago, didn't clear anything out for me! I've got pcos so think my problems stem from that. Although now on metformin and have regular periods, still no baby! Very frustrating. Everything has come to a standstill with the nhs so I've actually got a private ivf consultation booked in now.
How long have you been trying for your second?

@cosmo30 ah I see
I've been off contraception 5yrs and nothing. was always if it happens it happens and money/house move / job have got in the way but after becoming ill with thyroid problems a few months ago and being 38 it's given us a kick up the bum and wanting a second is really what we want so we are officially TTC

I've had CD21 and sa which come back fine. Awaiting fertility app through nhs
Unsure if they are on hold or not, have been told I will get phone call by 17th with an appointment. Although won't get ivf as I have a child from previous relationship so Gp said they will help with testing

So we will look into ivf in new year is our plan

I'm on a 6 week reflex session and I've just signed up for a 6 week accupuncture and have TCM tea so just trying to do something nice and relaxing and positive whilst we wait
X