Please HELP!!! HSG vs. Metformin Side Effects

[HeathJo]

Ladies, I am in dire need of your wisdom. As a few of you may know from a recent post, I started Metformin about 11 days ago, and it has made me EXTREMELY ill, basically grinding my life to a halt while my body adjusts. I have only been able to even leave the house once since I began taking it. I started with 500 mg in pm for 3 days, then 1000 mg for the last week, with the plan to go to 1500 mg as soon as possible.

I had planned on having an HSG done next cycle just to rule out any tubal issues. What I just realized, however, is that I have to get off the Metformin for 2 days BEFORE the HSG, as the dye they use is contraindicative to the medicine.

My RE initially suggested trying Femara and injectables next cycle, and then doing HSG the next if no BFP, but after hearing that it may increase fertility temporarily, I was thinking of just getting it over with. Plus, the financial issue of knowing if there is a problem (which she does not think there is), along with enhancing fertility, balanced against the cost of the meds, seems to point to doing it ASAP to maybe getting a  BFP sooner. I am on cd23, 8dpo, so it looks as if I would have the HSG late next week or early in the following week. BUT, the prospect of going through this Metformin hell again so soon is daunting.

I guess what I want to know is: how much does the HCG really enhance fertility, albeit temporarily? And, if it is a question of simply ruling out a possible but not probable issue, is it worth doing it this next cycle or waiting?

I value all your advice, so if anyone has any, please help.  :-(

[HeathJo]

Thank you ALL for responding!!

BabyBlue: the links were extremely helpful! That is so sweet of you to take the time to find those for me. I say, go for the injectables next month.

Scienceteacher: You are right, as it already has gotten a bit better. Patience, patience, patience. . .

Babyalive/LJ: I have come to agree with what you are saying. I think temporarily suspending the dose and then resuming will not bee as bad as this initial adjustment. Even if it is, the potential benefit far outweighs the negative. I found a study that showed pregnancy rates rose 55% in the two months following an HSG test when using a lipid-based dye. I am hoping that is what my RE uses! Either way, most resources dont give a % but say the increase in fertility after ANY HSG is marked, so I am going to go for it!

Thanks again to all of you!

[babyalive]

Hi Heathjo,

Well, I guess it depends on the Metformim protocol.  I don't know much about Met.  But, if you would basically be starting at ground zero with the Met. again,  I don't know that you would want to go through that initial adjustment.  But, if it is just a matter of stopping for a few days and then going back and your body will just sort of ease back into being on after being off for a short time, I would say go for the HSG.   Plus if you do have some kind of blockage then none of the injectables are going to do you any good anyways.  It would seem that clearing the blockage (if there is any) would be the first step, then injectables and getting those follies going is the 2nd step.  I guess what I'm saying is, my vote would be the HSG, unless it means starting at  ground zero with the met. again.

By the way, what is metformim for?  Is it only for those with PCOS?  I'm wondering why my doc. hasn't mentioned it to me.

Good luck with your decision!!  Lisa

[scienceteacher79]

This is just advice on the Met. I just went through ALL of that!! I was soooo sick, I felt like I was preggo. I was nausous from the time I woke up (literally) until I went to bed. I learned to take it AFTER I completely ate a meal. Good luck - it does get better - I PROMISE!!!!

[BabyBlue07]

I haven't take Metformin so I don't know what is side effects.  It's seem very serious side effects.  I don't know if I want to take it if my dr prescript me with this medicine.

next cycle my dr plans to put me on 150mg Clomid (3-7)+ Repronex injection (CD3, 5, 7, and 9)  I don't know if I want to do that or not.

I hope you feel better.  

Here are some link about this medicine

http://diabetes.emedtv.com/metformin/metformin-side-effects.html

http://health.howstuffworks.com/metformin2.htm

http://www.medicinenet.com/metformin-oral/article.htm

http://www.webmd.com/drugs/mono-7061-METFORMIN+-+ORAL.aspx?drugid=11285&drugname=Metformin+Oral

hope this help you.

Take care and keep us posted.