Hi there,

my RE said I would need to do IVF. And HSG was ordered.

A few questions here about HSG.

1. I heard many people said that HSG can cause problems by carrying bacteria into the tubes, if the patient already has inflammations. It can cause infection to the tubes or ovaries, or some other problems, so if there is any existing inflammation, then it has to be treated before doing HSG. But my RE didn't order anything or any test to check whether I have inflammation.
Is this normal? How can I make sure that HSG doesn't cause any problem?

2. Does everyone has to do HSG before IVF?

3. It's said that HSG hurt a lot, does it? Is it neccessary to take pain killers?

Any idea? Can you share your experience?

Thanks a lot in advance!

iminusa

Hi iminusa :wave:


My experience with the HSG wasn't bad at all. I suppose there is always a risk of infection, they are sticking something into your uterus. However it is done in a sterile environment(mine was done at the hospital). As long as you show no signs of an infection...ie..yeast infection, bacterial vanginosis, then I'm sure you'd be fine for the test.

The HSG is uncomfortable. They will stick a cath. into your uterus, and then blow a balloon up, to hold it in. At that point they insert the contrast dye into the cath. and take constant x-rays so that they can trace the path of the dye. As long as your tubes aren't blocked, then it should be pretty painless. I had some cramping with mine, but my tubes were pretty narrow. The dye actually helped open them up some. My cramping was in my back/side area tho. Kinda like back cramps when AF is gettin' ready to come, or similar to a Kidney infection, if you'd had one of those.

After that, it's done. There will be some light discharge for a couple days, but thats it! Why is the doctor quick to jump to IVF? Have you tried any other methods yet?

Hope I helped alittle bit!

Heather

Edit! : It's probably good to take some Advil, or some other over the counter pain reliever an hour to two before your test, just to be on the safe side. I prefer advil, b/c its an antinflammatory! :)

hi Im --I hadn't heard of HSG causing problems like you described. Mine was also ordered w/out checking out other things you mentioned. I think that's pretty standard. You should take a pain killer before going in.. he may prescribe something a little stronger, or you could just take tylenol or an equivalent. As far as the procedure itself it's not too bad in terms of pain... they'll be lots of things that are uncomfortable or a little painful through the IVF process so just try to prepare yourself for them. Really just try not to think about it and instead think about the little baby you want while you're going through it. The HSG isn't too bad! And they say it can actually increase your chances of getting pg naturally afterward as it can flush out slightly blocked tubes or something and make it easier for the ovum to transport.

Hi Iminusa!
My HSG was ordered by my OBGYN in the early stages of IF. To be honest, I did experience pain with it, even though everything turned out to be clear. The good part is that the pain was over very quickly! I also recommend taking some pain relievers before you go, just as a precaution. I have heard other women say that they didn't have any discomfort at all, so that's always a possibility. I think I was taken off guard, because I went in expecting the test to be easy and pain free, so mentally I just wasn't prepared. I know the nurse told me to watch for any signs of infection, but I never had any problems, not even any discharge or blood. Anyway, I wish you the best! All of this will be worth it when we are holding our little ones in our arms! ;)

Kathy

Hello Iminusa!

I just had an HSG done last week. It's exactly like the others have described, and my GYN ordered it for me to have done before seeing an RE. I hope to get my results tomorrow, and take them to my RE I see for the first time on Friday. After reading a lot of threads, it's just something good to have done to rule out any problems with your tubes, so that future med's aren't a waste of time (if there is something wrong w/your tubes).

The most painful part for me was when they inflated the balloon, it caused the most sudden pain and pressure. When they injected the dye, it was uncomfortable, but manageable. I also recommend taking Advil or something beforehand, and having it with you to possibly take after, if needed.

Good luck, and keep us posted!
Christin

great timing of this thread. DW is having a HSG done friday morning. Before that though, a followup OB/GYN visit thursday morning. she had her yearly about 3 weeks ago. they wanted to do another vaginal sonagram to check her lining. Luckily, RE and ob/gyn are across a small parking lot from each other, in the same medical complex.

*sigh* Hope all is well with you others out there.

paulie

I had my HSG done about three months ago, it was manageable but lots of cramping afterwards, the Dr said its always good to have pain reliever about 20mins before the procedure so you should probabily ask for it. For infections, I had none and I believe if well done, the chances are minimal. Take care.