HSG.. What’s Next?

[WitchyWoo8]

Hi!

Serial reader, first time post.

I’m looking for some help on what to realistically expect.

Wee back story:

Early 30s, have had PCOS for over 15 years was diagnosed via internal scan and both ovaries were surrounded by cysts.

Turns out I’ve managed to cure it over the last 24 months with a lot of supplements so that’s good.

I have regular periods, cycle is about 31-33 days but after months of scans and tests I ovulate with no problem.

Had my HSG and there is no issue with tubes, they did have to put extra fluid through as it wasn’t flowing on once side as much as they wanted but she seen no issue in the end.

I’m wondering, what is the next step?

Consultant was not wanting to do any investigating (HSG) or clomid but my nurse is the most amazing soul going so she pushed for the HSG.

I’m just wondering, what is the issue?

I would love to hear all your experiences

Hi,

Didn't want to read and run, but not sure I can offer any advice! I'm also early 30s, PCOS. Ovulating with letrozole but still haven't gotten pregnant.

How long have you been TTC? Can I ask what you mean by curing your PCOS, do you no longer have multiple follicles? Is your AMH lower?

PCOS doesn't usually have cysts on the ovaries, just multiple follicles. Do you still have cysts?

Sorry lots of questions!

xx

Hello!

So lovely of you to reply, it’s made my day!

Sorry I was still a bit loopy after the procedure this AM when I wrote this.

I’ve not been on anything and ovulating naturally. All hormones are normal levels.

Yes follicles, well I learnt this year that we can grow out/manage/cure PCOS and PCO - who knew!?

I don’t have anything, ovaries look healthy and bloods are all great. Still have the hair thinning and chin stubble but apparently that will get better in a few months.

I’ve been trying on and off for around a decade but it seems that I ovulate much later in the cycle which I only really learnt this month. My OKPs are a hit or miss so I’ve just bought the CB fertility monitor and tests.

How long have you been TTC? I’ve never even heard of letrozole, I’ll look it up. How are you finding it?

It’s so lovely to have someone to talk to! Xxx

Aw I know! It’s nice to have someone in a similar boat!

That’s so amazing that your ovaries look better- what have you been taking? I think mine has improved since I started inositol as my AMH and LH have both gone down. Not sure about follicles though as I have so many the sonographers usually don’t even bother to count!

We’ve been trying around 18months, but haven’t had many ‘chances’ in that time as I ovulate so rarely!

Letrozole is like clomid, used to induce ovulation but apparently more successful for people with PCOS. I’ve been ok on it - no side effects and I have ovulated. My private consulatant thinks we should try IUI next, as I haven’t gotten pregnant yet but I want to have a hycosy first to check there isn’t another issue. How was yours? I’m scared it’s going to be so painful.

Has anyone mentioned clomid to you? I’ve heard of doctors prescribing it even when women are ovulating naturally, to induce a ‘stronger ovulation’?

How long is your LP? I ovulate late too and have a short LP (about 10/11 days) so worry that could be a factor.

Xxx

I know 🥰

I was taking inositol, zinc and magnesium. It made a huge difference but then I suffered a horrible month of blurred vision migraines and depression which resulted in MRIs as Drs thought it was onset MS, it wasn’t but I stopped taking them. They think it was the zinc that caused a change in my migraine patterns but I’m fine now.

How long have you been on inositol?

Oh I’ll have to mention that to them. TgTs fab you have no side effects too!

Yes, I was prescribed clomid the first time round about 5 years ago but it was just as I was starting my degree and I was worried so never took them :( silly I know..

Honestly, it was fine! I was so worried as I’ve not been able to get one in the past due to irregular periods then stupidly doing the baby dance 🙈 so I was sent home. This time round I was was so worked up, got diazepam from the GP, got up at 7am took the antibiotics the consultant gave me, was at my appointment for 10:40am this morning and was out by 11:10am.

The longest part was getting the tube in position as I was talking so my uterus kept moving 🤣 the tube going in felt like the smallest, shortest cramp/twinge and was literally half a second. Then I felt nothing. You know PCOS cramps are bad so this was a breeze! I kept asking if the liquid was being pushed in as I felt nothing and I had forgot to take painkillers too as the antibiotics made me feel really sicky. Honestly, I would say a smear is worse.

They had to use and extra 5mls fluid as one of my tubes wasn’t flowing as quickly as they wanted, I’m not sure if that means it was getting a good clear out, but they were really happy with my tubes. I would 100% recommend you get one just for your own reassurance.

We are very similar, my LP is around 10/11 days and ovulate around day 21 in a 31 day cycle.

That is the worry, we’ve spent months and years of our like following a standard calculation and it sometimes feels like we have just been wasting our time 🥺 it’s so frustrating.

What is the next step for you? Would that be your tube scan?

Xxx

OMG such a relief to hear your hycosy wasn’t bad! I’ve been stressing! How long ago was it? I’ve heard lots of stories of people getting pregnant right after as it gives everything a bit of a wash!

I’ve been on the inositol for about 4 months I think! How long did it take for it to improve your PCOS?

Hycosy is my next step, then will probably start the IUI the following cycle with my private clinic provided there are no problems. My NHS clinic doesn’t fund IUI anyway so will do that privately while I wait for IVF!

Xx

Hi

I’ve had all my test done, bloods, scan and hsg (did not hurt at all for me just a little uncomfortable). All results were normal and showed I ovulate. However my consultant put me on clomid for 6 cycles.

I have an appt in January hoping they refer me to ivf. Does anyone who how long it would take from there to actually have ivf?

Hello!

How are you getting on?

Hi @WitchyWoo8 !

I would have had my HSG/hycosy done shortly after my last post. I won’t lie it was horrific, the worst pain ever! So it must vary a lot from person to person.
But the good news is it clearly worked, as I got pregnant that cycle (literally ovulated a few days later!) and am due in a few days! So we never needed the IUI or IVF in the end, we got pregnant on my last round of letrozole. So thrilled it still doesn’t feel real.

how are you? I would love an update! Xx

Hello!

Oh no that is was so horrific 😭 BUT OMG THAT'S AMAZING! How far along are you? Oh you've made my day 💜

We are just coming the end of our first cycle of clomid, testing negative but only 9dpo.

I'm honestly so thrilled for you xxx