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Avatar universal

HSG test?

Hello All,

Here is the update from y'day. I went for review with my doctor and she said that she wld prefer continuing with Clomid, since she said that injection often tend to overstimulate the ovaries(especially for women with PCOS.

Secondly she said that she wld perform the HSG test on me, to make sure that fallopian tubes were open.

Can please someone tell me what this test is? And is it painful?

This time also she wants me to use the HCG(0vidruel) injection.

So, in short back to using Clomid 100mg, continuing with Metmorphin(150mg)...and then HCG injection and IUI and then the two week wait period.

This is so emotionally draining. But I still want to keep my emotions in check(which is very hard right now)

Also, she suggested the accupenture. Do you guys think that accupenture helps/aids in getting pregnant?

Please share your thoughts.

Thanks.
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Avatar universal
I must comment to all women out there terrified about the HSG test.  I am just waking up from mine since  I was on valium and 800 mg of ibuprophen.  I read other wonens comments and i wanted to just die rather than get this test done.  Please dont believe all you read. Do your homework about the test ask the staff performing questions. Make sure you have a plan ahead of time, i made sure my husband could drive me and support me.  No one knows how they will react but every case is different dont let fear deter you like i almost did. Remember if you cant take the pain make them stop but at least give yourself the benefit of trying.
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Avatar universal
Hi. I had an HSG about 2 weeks ago. It was uncomfortable but tolerable. I did take 800mg of Motrin an hour before my scheduled procedure and 200mg about an hour after.
Hope that helps.
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Avatar universal
Hello !!! I had hsg test last week.. Infact I read couple of articles and was very scared..  Luckily both the tubes were open... There is slight cramping when the doc is performing it.. but it lasted for a minute or so... After the test I was total normal...
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Avatar universal
I was absolutely terrified to have this procedure after reading all the posts. I get anxious just going in for a blood draw or a pap, so just thinking about this test made feel like passing out.  I took 4 Ibuprofen and one Avitan (.5mg). It was uncomfortable but not nearly as bad as I was expecting. The speculum seemed larger and was more uncomfortable than the one typically used for a pap. It wasn’t painful, but it took me off guard a bit and made me think, “if I’m already uncomfortable with just this, there’s no way I can handle the rest of it.” I mention this because it caused me more anxiety than warranted/necessary about what was coming next. I think my Dr. might have had some trouble getting the catheter through my cervix, so that was the worst part for me, but it still wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be. I felt cramping that was a bit different than regular menstrual cramps and a little pinch. I should also note that I wasn’t feeling good that day and already had some gastrointestinal cramping going into the procedure, so I suspect that might have increased my discomfort.  I hardly noticed the dye, and that part was over in seconds (normal results). I didn’t have to turn from side to side. It wasn’t even close to being excruciating or the “worst pain ever” as some of the commenters have mentioned. I know everyone’s different, but I wanted put a more “positive” comment out there because I know how anxiety producing all the horror stories can be. I’ve asked a couple friends who have also had it and both said it wasn’t that bad for them either.
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Avatar universal
Hello I had the hcg xray this afternoon after undergoing surgery last year for an ectopic pregnancy.  Last year I had one of my fallopian tubes removed due to it being ruptured.  After failing to get pregnant I went to my Dr. who informed I needed to have this test performed.my doctors office didnt prepare me much for the test I was told to take Motrin and they gave me two antibiotics to take.  I depended on forums like this for information..well Im here to tell you nothing I read prepared me for what I went through! They inserted the biggest speculum ive ever seen (im a nurse by the way) I was told that the speculum was so big to accomidate all the instruments they needed to insert..after that my cervix was clipped and the dye was inserted the ENTIRE process was very painful!! Even more than my tube rupturing from the ectopic pregnancy..it only lasted 10 minutes but I am telling you I felt as though I would pass out from the pain ..and I have given birth before nothing compares..I was told that sometimes this will clear everything in the tubes out and increase chances of pregnancy Im sure hoping so because Id hate to have gone through that pain for nothing!! Good luck to all :)
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Avatar universal
Hello I had the hcg xray this afternoon after undergoing surgery last year for an ectopic pregnancy.  Last year I had one of my fallopian tubes removed due to it being ruptured.  After failing to get pregnant I went to my Dr. who informed I needed to have this test performed.my doctors office didnt prepare me much for the test I was told to take Motrin and they gave me two antibiotics to take.  I depended on forums like this for information..well Im here to tell you nothing I read prepared me for what I went through! They inserted the biggest speculum ive ever seen (im a nurse by the way) I was told that the speculum was so big to accomidate all the instruments they needed to insert..after that my cervix was clipped and the dye was inserted the ENTIRE process was very painful!! Even more than my tube rupturing from the ectopic pregnancy..it only lasted 10 minutes but I am telling you I felt as though I would pass out from the pain ..and I have given birth before nothing compares..I was told that sometimes this will clear everything in the tubes out and increase chances of pregnancy Im sure hoping so because Id hate to have gone through that pain for nothing!! Good luck to all :)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I just had an HSG test done today and it was pretty much what I expected. I had heard from my doctor and from friends that it was an uncomfortable test and very much like getting a pap smear. The radiologist and nurse were wonderful with explaining everything step by step to me during the procedure. I did have some cramping when they inserted the dye but nothing that I couldn't handle. The cramping continued off and on throughout the day but I just took an advil and that helped. The radiologist said my tubes looked clear, thank goodness.Cross one potential problem off my list. Now my husband and I will meet with a fertility specialist. and hopefully get some answers.
Helpful - 0
2134043 tn?1342100954
After reading a lot of these posts, I wanted to share my experience and what my re told me about the procedure. It was a little painful, but not nearly as bad as I was expecting. With AF I normally get very very bad cramping, so this is what I was expecting, but the cramping and pain was mild compared to what I normally go thru each month. I had some spasming so it wasn't clear if my tubes were blocked or just spasming, and as we knew no mater what we would be doing ivf, due to male factor, I didn't have my RE try to run it again, she did offered. The worst part was getting the catheter in and positioned. Over all it was uncomfortable, but as I said no worse than my normal cramping with AF.

My RE told me a lot of the pain is caused by the placement of the catheter, higher up, rather than lower. And the speed at which they push the dye thru. The faster they push the dye thru the more it hurts. So there are reasons why some people may experience more pain than others.
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Avatar universal
Hi, Im 26 years old Ive had one miscarriage and 3 EP, my recent one was last year and had to get my left tube removed.My right tube might be a little damaged due to another ep from the year before.Your story has touched my heart and gave me tears. all I want to say is that it gave me a little more faith and not to give up. I hope when I go for my hsg test things will start to look up
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2183590 tn?1337837205
I read your comment and I felt very encourage. I had a hsg done, while at the the place she said that she could see the dye going thru my right tube, but my left tube was block...When I went to my doctor for the results, she said that both tubes were blocked. Only when I began to cry she suggested to retake the test right before she handed me a number to and expensive fertility doctor. I have my test reschedule in two weeks. I notice you mention scar tissue. The doctor mention it, but was really vague about were the blockage was. Reading your stories gives me hope!!!!!!!! Thank YOu! Lots of Baby dust!
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Avatar universal
I'm here to show support to all those whose been TTC.  I know it's very hard and tough.  My DH n I tried for two years, until I decided to seek for help.  I was refered to a infertility specialist due to my medical condition.  I was diagnosed with a didelphic uterus at 16.  I had one horn removed because it had caused internal bleeding and was life threatening.  When that was removed, they also removed the left Fallopian tube n left ovary that was attached to it.  At 26 I was trying desperately to conceive.  The specialist told me my chances were slim n if I did get pregnant the baby wouldn't survive.  He wanted to start me on clomid or try IF.  I refused, I jus believed in faith.  My primary order an HSG back in feb 2011, I came across this forum n had so much high hopes.  I read a lot of ppl got pregnant right away but the odds were really against me!  I would have to say it was the most horrific procedure I had ever done in my life.  The radiologist kept apologizing becuz I was squirming in tears, when the procedure was done I couldnt even talk or get up.  I nearly passed out becuz the pain was excruciating.  I had a list of questions to ask her but I could Barely breathe to let out a sound.  I jus remember her saying everything was good.  7 weeks later I was very sick, I was diagnosed with upper respiratory infection but I knew it had to be something else.  I had never felt so weak and sick.  It came to a point where my mother in law had to bring soup into the room for me to eat and clean up after me.  I couldn't get out of bed.  I knew something was wrong, at the same time I dreamt about my father whom passed away in 2009 from cancer.  He came to me and told me I was pregnant with a boy.  I really thought I was delusional.  My husband thought maybe because I was so depressed about what the specialist had said that it affected me deeply.  TTC is the most horrifying feeling.  Checking every month and getting a negative pregnancy test for two years was so heartbreaking.  Long n behold right after having this procedure done I was immediately pregnant.  Today I am a mother to a healthy 6 month old whos 20 lbs big.  He's the joy of my life, I can't believe he's really mine.  I can't believe I am so blessed to have him in my life.  The odds were so against me, this forum gave me hope, so I'm trying to give someone out there the same hope!  This procedure have done miracles.  I had so many negative feedbacks but I never gave up.  I was told my uterus was half the size of a normal uterus and also they found me to have numerous cysts and a 9cm cysts on my left side.  All disappeared after pregnancy.  I didn't need any surgery to have it removed.  The drs kept inssisting on removing the cysts before TTC but I refused becuz that would jus bring more scar tissues which isn't good for the reproductive system. Good luck everyone.  Don't give up.
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Avatar universal
hi everyone,
i had an hsg done yesterday and thats the worst procedure i have ever done in my life! i was told to lie down at the radiology dept and the specullum the radiologist inserted was really rough and painful,afterwards he inserted a needle like object inside my uterus and i was practically screaming.....thw worst part of it was that i didnt know it was a painful procedure and i was not prapared for the pain i felt,and the radiologist was not empatic at all,i think every woman should be told what to expect during the procedure....just to share my experince with you all
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Avatar universal
Well Im glad you hada good experience with your HSG. Just b/c he didnt say anything doesnt mean anything. Sometime the doc says no response is a good thing. So lets stay hopeful that everything went well. My Dr. and RD. both gave me the results right then. Im sure you are fine or else they would have had something to say at that point. **baby dust**
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi There everybody. I had my first HSG yesterday. I felt like sharing my experience I had. I went to the hospital with my husband. The nurse took me to the change room. I changed myself and she  then took me into the radiology room. I was asked to laydown as usual and the doctor inserted something inside my cervix. I was just relaxing by breathing but I had little bit of pain. Not more at all. He then said I am cleaning the outside just no to cause infection, I had no idea what he was doing as i didnt feel pain at all. He then asked me to look at the screen and he asked the nurse to take three pictures. I didn't understand anything when I saw the pictues though. I could just see a metallic triangle in between. I didn't feel the flow of any liquid however, the doctor cleaned off little bit after he took out the thing. The doctor said perfect after he was done. I didn't understand what he meant. Did he say perfect to the radiologist who took the pictures or did he mean that everything was ok. Later I was asked to wake up and I wa able to walk as usual. I had mild pain for about five minutes but I was completey alright. I am still awaiting results from the doctor. Not sure when he is gonna call me back. I need soem suggestions as to what might be the results. I had no pain, does it mean my tubes were all ok? Or does it mean I didn't have pain as both the tubes were blocked and nothing went in? Please help.
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Avatar universal
I'm new here! I want to say congratulations to everyone the got that BFP and gave birth! So today I went and had a HSG done. I'm on CD7. It was a tad bit painful. I just thought of it being like giving birth would feel. I love my Dr. An she was very informative during the entire procedure. I was so excited when it was over tho. LOL. I felt like I had to do #2. At first the RD thought it wasn't passing on the right but it was. I did have to lean to my left though. I'm very glad to say it passed on both side an my tubes are clear. She said go get cleaned up and keep using the prenatal pills and to start doing the BD. She also referred my fiance to a place where he can get a sperm analysis. I really hope all this pays off so I can get that BFP! I will keep everyone posted on my progress.** baby dust to all**
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Avatar universal
I am new to this webiste, but I had my second HSG procedure done yesterday. The first experience was terrible because they had to clamp or pinch my cervix b/c it is positioned to the left and is real low. I was in tears, but I kept thinking about the results of a child. The test was unsuccessful because my cervix was clogged with too thick of cervical mucous. So, I was prescribed some Robitussein to thin out my mucous. I did not bleed afterwards. Same results form yesterday. Although this time, I was told that my cervix is too small b/c they could not dialate it and could not get the catherdar through my OS. The radiologists informed me that I would have to have surgery in order to make me dialate.  I did not tke amy medications prior to both visits. I just kept trying to relax and not tense up. I don't know what else to do BUT to keep leaning on God.
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Avatar universal
For anyone nervous or anxious, get an anxiety/relaxant for your HSG. I was prescribed Ativan (took 2) and took 2 Advil beforehand as well. I have developed basal vegal reactions (dizziness, fainting, vomitting, increased heart rate, profuse sweating) during medical procedures since starting my infertility journey. I was shocked since I am otherwise not an anxious person and barely even sweat when I'm working out at the gym. It had been awful and dangerous for both me and those performing the procedures I'm sure!

I was way panicked to have the HSG. I got the prescription and took the day off work following too. Shockingly, I got through it fairly well. It was uncomfortable and a bit 'icky', but nothing near what I was expecting. I'm sure had I not taken the drugs, it would have been far worse. I was cramping for about 20 mins afterwards, and a little bit the rest of the day. To be honest, since I've always suffered from awful period cramps, the post HSG-cramps didn't even compare to what I've gone through if I haven't taken Advil early enough when AF arrives. All the years of awful cramps have I guess assisted me post-procedures when I cramp since it's much milder in comparison for me.

If I can get through it (with drugs), you can... it won't be pleasant, but be brave and you can do it and will get through it. My DH was ther with me holding my hand and alongside the jokes of the doctor and sonographer, and having taken a relaxant, that made it much better. My heart goes out to those who were so upset and in pain - this journey is an unfair one and from a painful HSG to heartbreaks along the way TTC, I wish I could take away the pain for all of us. Hang in there, remember drugs are your friend, and good luck :)
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1756475 tn?1330538713
the dr should have given you some antibiotics to take after.  I know I had to take them when i had mine.  
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Avatar universal
I had my HSG today. I have very high pain tolerance, and everyone kept telling me it would be mild discomfort. Well, as soon as it started (i think from the balloon bit) I bursted into tears and was in so much pain. He saw i wasn't blocked and hurried it up. The pain was so sharp, and intense and horrible. I wanted to keep grabbing my stomach, and a few times i did, and after that the nurse calmly held my hands behind my head. I really hope i never need another one! It's been around 12 hours later and i am having the worst pains too. I didn't get given anything afterwards so i am worried for infection. I'm making my mind up as to whether i drive myself to the hospital and jsut enquire!!!!!!!
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Avatar universal
I had my HSG today and did not know what to expect in advance. I took total 800mg Advil 1 hour prior, I was not at all nervous. When the procedure began I felt the worst pain ever, and the nurse was holding my hand just telling me to breathe. I felt that pain on and off during the procedure with the last sharp pain felt when the liquid went through my tubes. On a scale of 1-10 my pain to me was easily a 10. Everyone is different, and while many may not experience such high level of pain, I wish I would have known in advance that some people do and doctors should give you the option to take something stronger. On a happy note my tubes were clear, and I look forward to my ultrasound on CD13.
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Avatar universal
I had an HSG on 01/19/2012 and it was very painful to me. I was almost at my pain threshold and was ready to tell him to stop but then thankfully he was finished meaning the pain was so intense at one point I almost had to say I was finished, regardless if the test was complete are not. Both my tubes were blocked so the Radiologist shot more dye up there trying to unblock my tubes and I could feel every part of it. I have a high pain tolerance too and I was not expecting it to hurt as bad as it did. Good news my tubes came unblocked!! YAY!

Some women say it was just mild discomfort. So I don't want to scare anyone because even though it was painful it was worth it to me. TTC is hard enough, without knowing if all of your parts are working.
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Avatar universal
hi everyone, Im having the HSG test on the 23rd, really nervous about it but hoping its like a smear as i didn't find that so bad. My doctor hasnt told me much regarding the procedure especially regarding painrelief and antibiotics?? also what time of the month should u have the procedure done? Im v confused, Any answers would be great, thanx
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Avatar universal
hello everyone! i & my hubby are doctors and are ttc for 25 months now. dont know where's the problem... everything's normal and fine. my RE advised me HSG and i really want to share some pointers with u all. i had my HSG on 3rd January. i knew it would be painful so i took 3 analgesics about 2 hours before the test. now here is an impotant thing.. must take or ask your doctor to advise you a smooth muscle relaxant, like hyosine or drotaverine atleast an hour before your test. it will prevent any chances of your tubes etc going into spasm during the test. if you usually have menstrual cramps and if it's your first time ttc then it's very likely that you'll experience pain and cramping. For me the pain was greater than any period cramps i have ever had! despite taking 3 analgesics. But imagine the severity without the analgesics.. ! The uterus and cevix respond to the presence of any foreign body and they try to expel it. that's what causes the cramping, also the dye kind of irritates the lining of the uterus. another thing.. take plenty of water before the test, but empty your bladder and rectum especially before the test. that was a mistake i had made. i was feeling the urge to defecate but didn't and i paid the price. there was a sharp stabbing pain everytime the nurse injected more dye. take deep breaths and relax. i know it's easier said than done but it really helps. taking a glass of water after the procedure also helps with the cramping. Spotting after the procedure can vary person to person, for me it lasted about 3 hours, but the dye continued to come out bit by bit till next morning. your RE will tell you about the antibiotics. Thanks God it went well though for me. An experienced nurse is better than any Gynaecologist in my opinion, especially if they are nice and comforting. It would be better if you have had an ultrasound anytime before the test to rule out any abnormality in the structure of the uterus. it can prevent problems during the procedure.
please do pray for me . Wish u all the best of Luck!!!
Helpful - 0
1755745 tn?1313367131
I think it's really interesting that so many people have such different reactions to this test...I wonder why that is??? I was one of those people who honestly felt like the HSG was the very worst pain I have ever experienced in my life to date (I'm assuming child birth will be way worse!) That test totally traumatized me and I dry heaved in the parking lot. But then for so many others it seems to be no big deal...maybe it has to do with how the test is performed...some docs may be better/more compassionate/careful than others. I remember my doctor seemed like she was in a total rush to get it done and definitely seemed annoyed with me for sobbing on the table...I guess it's a different experience for everyone, so readers should just keep this in mind, I suppose.
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