cervical shock during fertility treatments/tests - what next?

[TwiceLemonDifficult]

Afternoon all,

I've just come home from what was meant to be a HyCoSy test at my clinic but they couldn't do it because I went into cervical shock right near the beginning of the procedure. This also happened during my first IUI (we've had 3 unsuccessful natural IUI cycles now) and once during the worst period I've ever experienced.

It's apparently a rare reaction to have to what's considered a pretty un-invasive procedure so now I'm scared that any other procedures are going to be as bad or worse. Plus it means I don't have any hycosy results to know if my fallopian tubes are blocked or not.

So we now have to decide how to proceed and I'm feeling totally lost and frustrated and scared. Do we jump straight to IVF which I'm now terrified will be horrendous if I'm this reactive to any handling of my cervix?

Or do we try more IUI (but medicated) not knowing if there's any chance it's even got a chance of working?

Has anyone has a similar experience of cervical shock during treatments, or can anyone tell me if the egg retrieval and implantation procedures are similar to the hycosy?

Thanks all.

I'm sorry you're going through this and I understand your anxiety. I'm weird in that I seem to hardly feel any pain when I have had procedures done but I do have periods that are so painful I just cannot cope. When I had my HyCosy the clinician was completely confused about my lack of pain as she said it is usually very unpleasant for women. I have also spent way too much time on these forums to have seen many women really struggle with procedures- so it is really not that rare. Many have worked with clinics to find solutions- such as having these tests with mild sedation. Most clinics sedate you for an IVF egg collection so you don't feel anything until you wake up. With the right painkillers after, this should be totally doable. I have seen women also having pain during the embryo transfer, but here it is also possible to have sedation.

I hope you can have a good conversation with your clinic about your worries and your pain issues. I don't know what your diagnosis is but perhaps the problems with your cervix are connected. I do find it a bit strange that they would give you IUI without checking your tubes first. I wouldn't be able to advise you on how to proceed in terms of treatment. I have male factor infertility (although they are now thinking I may have endometriosis in my bowels and bladder) but I have always been discouraged from doing IUI because the chances of success are so low. But I really want to reassure you that there are plenty of possibilities despite your pain. You may have to argue your case and fight to get the right treatment but I'm sure it will work out! Take care and good luck! Xxx

I've experienced cervical shock when having a coil fitted and it was absolutely horrific, so I can understand the worry. I was very anxious about IVF, particularly the embryo transfer as I would be awake. I told the consultant and he was great about it, very understanding and reassuring. I didn't have any issues during the embryo transfer. Unfortunately it didn't work, but I'm not as frightened going into it again.

If it's any help at all I found my fertility consultant incredibly proficient at fitting a speculum etc. Far far less uncomfortable than smear / coil fitting / colposcopy. He was far better than any nurse / GP which made less anxious / embarrassed / uncomfortable about the whole thing.

I don't know if there is the same thing, but I'm a cervix fainter?

I have a super sensitive cervix, which is set off by catheter through cervix - I'm not in pain (I mean I'm not exactly comfortbale) but for me its triggered by drop in blood pressure caused by vasovagal reaction. Its a normal and nautral response for some women.

I had it happen once before after treatment for pre-cancerous cervical changes - I had an unexpected hemorrhage after discharge, and ended up in A&E because I kept losing conciousness (from my cervix, rather than due to the hemorrhage).

My HyCoSy was ended slightly prematurely because I began to feel faint and 'zone out' (I can tell when its happening and warn staff) but we did get through enough of it for them to know everything was ok. On 2 out of my 4 IUIs I nearly passed out after as well.

I've managed to get to the point where I've starting to master it - the staff all know I'm a fainter at this point so they take extra care and I have a nurse by me checkin in throughout during procedures now and they give me extra time to get up after procedures.

The real trick seems to be to keep my toes wiggling throughout the procedure (it keeps blood pumping), and making sure I'm not slowing my breathing too much to be honest - laughing, or a small gasp of air if its sore actually helps - anything that keeps the blood pumping.

Last 3 times (2 x IUIs and 1 fresh transfer) I've been fine. The more times I don't feel faint, the more confident I am in making it not happen :)

Just found this and wondering if @TwiceLemonDifficult or anyone else found a solution to this?

I had cervical shock during attempted coil fitting many years ago and vowed never to let anyone near it since! I passed out quite badly for minutes, full body sweat, and the cramp sensation was horrendous. Had to turn down a colposcopy a few years ago as they refused to book it with proper sedation and I am terrified it will happen again.

Now I'm TTC (have never conceived) and booked at a fertility clinic and already worrying about how I will deal with things that might come like if I need IVF etc if they have to go near my cervix. The answer will have to be no. Not unless I am heavily sedated and anaesthetised.

Have others found a way around this (other than PP wiggling toes etc - v brave of you but personally that wouldn't cut it for me!)

@m00ngirl Honestly my solution was I just kind of got used to it! I did 2 more transfers after I last posted and was fine, had a baby, and then had another transfer trying for a sibling and didn’t have the same experience.

When you’re planning your treatment with the clinic I would let them know you want sedation for your transfers as that is an option at my clinic - just be aware it does mean you might pay extra and you will definitely need someone to accompany you if they are using sedation as you won’t be able to get yourself home
by yourself. I think other than wiggling your toes and deep breathing there isn’t much else you can do x

Congrats @2mumlife that's wonderful news, and thanks for the pep talk - you are obv v tough! Not quite sure I am but will find out I suppose 🤪 X

Hello! Hope your treatment journey has gone okay so far.

Just to reassure you that since that message I had a very smooth and successful IVF treatment and now have a 22 month old daughter, and planning on a FET in about 6 weeks time!

The shock during the hycosy and first iui procedure turned out to be the only times it happened. The rest of the treatment was fine, just the regular fertility treatment uncomfortable (I don't think anyone ever gets used to internal ultrasounds and three people staring at your bits). I was even fine with stretch and sweeps and midwives checking dilation during labour which I fully expected to set off the shock reaction.

I think (in my totally non medical knowledge opinion) that the reaction comes from a very specific sort of pressure down/through the cervix that only really happens in very odd circumstances. Most of the fertility tests and treatment won't require it, and on the off chance it does happen the staff are really knowledgeable and look after you. Do tell them that it has happened to you and you're concerned so they know to look out for it and be ready but don't be surprised if they aren't too concerned. It's horrible to experience but they know it isn't a high concern compared to other problems that they're focusing on. Hopefully everything will go smoothly for you! 💗

@TwiceLemonDifficult that's so wonderful, congratulations!! ❤️ and thank you for sharing this, it's really, really reassuring. Good luck with your next steps ❤️