Tell me about your HyCoSy experiences

[SnapDragon5]

I've been referred for a HyCoSy after 6 cycles of failed IUI.

I'm really scared of the pain. I normally get pain in the IUI procedures - sometimes quite bad - and that isn't even meant to be painful. So, I'm pretty terrified about something that IS described as being painful, and I don't know whether to go ahead with it.

I ovulate regularly and our issues are male factor (we are using a donor). They are telling me I am normal/ healthy, I'm under 35, and can't see any reason why I haven't already got pregnant, hence why they want to check the tubes... but there's also no reason as such to think they would be blocked.

Should I go ahead with it?

How did you find this procedure if you've had it? If you get pain from IUI's, is this worse or is it similar?

(Also please don't suggest I try IVF - I can't for various reasons)

It's OK, to be honest. It's more painful than I was expecting but it's over pretty quickly! You'll be glad you did it. Maybe take a painkiller first. Better to make sure there's no blockages.

Hi @SnapDragon5 - like the PP it was painful for me too, maybe because one tube was blocked, but I'd agree that it's definitely worth doing. I haven't had an IUI so I can't compare, so I'd say very painful but not vomiting/fainting painful. Sorry that's not very encouraging but it doesn't last too long so it's doable. I would definitely recommend painkillers.

I would agree with the posters above. It was painful but only during the procedure. I even walked home afterwards. I would say that it is definitely worth doing. I know 2 people with unexplained infertility who became pregnant within 3 months of their hycosy. Unfortunately I didn't get pregnant after mine but still worth it, as otherwise you will always be wondering if it could have helped. Good luck 💜

I didn’t find it painful at all but I also didn’t find IUIs painful. They wouldn’t do IUIs without a hycosy first on me.

Hi, I had it and I did take a strong prescription painkiller beforehand that I already had for my periods (which are excruciating due to endo). It wasn’t that bad, nowhere near as bad as when I had my IUD put in. I would recommend taking a strong painkiller about 30 minutes before the procedure if you can, it helped me a bit. Otherwise it just felt a little uncomfortable and crampy.

Thanks everyone, it sounds like quite mixed experiences overall. I'm sure I'll get pain because I get it so badly just with the IUI :(

@graygoose can I ask what the painkiller was? I wonder if my fertility clinic will prescribe me something stronger than paracetamol, which is what they've advised to take but honestly it doesn't even touch the sides with my periods let alone something like this!

@SnapDragon5 it was arcoxia. I think there are different forms of it - it’s a very strong painkiller that I would take once a day during bad period days so I wouldn’t be bed bound with pain. Worked very well for the procedure.

I found it quite painful tbh! It was like the worst period pain you've ever had, ten fold. When they insert more liquid you cramp up and it's awful. I took paracetamol but it did jack shit. Maybe take codeine? I was fine after, went to the pub and had a glass of wine with my husband 😂

@Marilala That does not sound fun, bless you! Glad you were OK afterwards.

Eeek not looking forward to this but I am going to request a stronger painkiller and see what they say.

the good thing is it’s over fast and the pain is only while the procedure is happening but definitely do take a stronger painkiller if you can! If I can do it, you can do it! Only lasts a short time and it’s worth it for the cause