Questions about hsg and varicoceles repair - Infertility Message Board

andvari · 09-11-2009, 11:30 AM

My husband and I have been ttc ~16 months now. Had my appointment yesterday with the infertility specialist. She's sending me off for LOTS of cd3 blood work and an hsg at some point before cd10. She also strongly recommended varicoceles repair for my husband. His numbers aren't impressive but not horrible either and she's convinced it will help increase his motility most of alland the pain he gets from it. If his urologist refuses to do it she can get him to see an infertility urologist.

So here are my questions:

first about the hsg. I know it can be painful but please if anyone has any tips or can provide their experiences I would really appreciate that. How long does it take? My doc said we would talk at the appointment to decide on follow up (I'm guessing based on the results) but am really not sure what to expect. Also this might sound weird but I'm a curious person. Did the doctor allow you to see what was going on on the xrays at all? I know when I do us's they always turn the monitor away but I figure it's my own body and I want to know what it looks like lol. I also heard at times it can clear up any little residue and some women get pg easy within 3 months, did this happento anyone? And any 'prep' advice???

While on that note. Would it be better that I fasted prior to my cd3 blood work or does that not matter?

Second about the varicocles repair. I know there are various options. I'm wondering if I can get opinions on whichever your dh's have done. Embolization or surgery, if they were knocked out or just frozen, any discomfort and how long for recovery. And most important, the sa results afterwards (improved, same or worse) and how long it took to conceive thereafter or how long it's been and still going.

I know I'm asking lots in one post so if you cn only answer one question then that's fine.

My doc has said we are young in fertility years meaning there's plenty of time to get things working right. We are not ivf or iui candidates, just that there are slight problems with both of us that require attention and in time she's convinced we will get pg.

I hope so!!!!

Thanks

Rae37 · 09-11-2009, 01:38 PM

HI. I don't know about varicocles repair really. A freind of mine's husband had it done and they got pregnant after, but she also had endometrioiss and she had surgery for it and it helped.

I had a HSG. It is not at as bad as some people make it out to be. It takes about 10 minutes. My RE showed me the xray as it happened and explained what he saw. It feels like getting a pap smear. Maybe a little more cramping for a second or so, but that's about it. They make you lie flat, stick the catheter up there, which really doesn;t hurt and then he injects the dye. Takes xrays as the dye is in there. Its really quick. I didn't really feel anything afterwards. Some people suggest taking advil or tylenol before you have the test.

Basically, they are looking to see if your tubes are clear. They can tell this right away when they inject the dye. Also, he can see any uterine fibroids or polyps as well.
Its' a good test to have in your initial fertility workup. I have heard some people get pregnant afterwards since they think the injection of the dye "clears" out the tubes if there was anything inside them.

Good luck in your journey.
Rae

andvari · 09-14-2009, 07:20 AM

Thanks for taking the time to reply

I've had quite a bit of u/s's (internal/external) and bloodwork done.. so this is the next step for us. I'm really hoping that between my cd3 blood work and the hsg they'll find something EASILY treatable! I'm thinking more and more the reason for our problems have less to do with his swimmers and more with me, as his numbers are chopped in half from his condition however, still within the normal suggested range of the WHO. So, what's left to assume?? lol. Will hopefully know soon after what's going on.

I think as precaution I'm going to take a few advils before hand. I think depending on if your cervix is closed tight or not, or the position, makes the difference with pain from what I'm reading. Some people say it didn't hurt and others say it was horrible pain. Hit or miss the way I see it.. I'll just be prepared for it in case it happens lol.