[KB505]

Hi, I'm new here, my DH and I are just starting the fertility journey. My DH and I know the cause of our infertility, he had cancer when he was a teen and has no sperm. Still, my doctor wants me to do an HSG before we proceed with IUI with donor sperm. After reading the descriptions, I'd like to try IUI without the HSG for a while just to see if I get pregnant. Can anyone offer any guidance? What was your experience with HSG? What are the risks associated with it? All I'm finding on the internet keeps saying that you may feel "discomfort" and that you should be wary if you are allergic to shellfish, but I've also read that a bone marrow biopsy feels like a "sting" and that's one big bee if that's how they're describing it if you know what I mean. So any advice for a newbie?

[mnm000]

Hi and !!!

I have done one IUI and also had an HSG. You will see very different responses on here about the HSG. For me the 2 (an IUI and the HSG) were equally uncomfortable, but neither hurt. The worse part for me is the speculum thingy that they put in to open your cervix. That is always uncomfortable.

I didn't have the HSG until after we'd been doing treatments for awhile, and when things weren't working I was upset we hadn't. You risk going through the heartache of not knowing why something isn't wokring if you haven't done the HSG. If your doc reccommended it, I'd go ahead with it, but it's totally your call. If you want to try a couple cycles without, then I think that would be okay too! They also say you are more fertile after the HSG.

Good luck!!!

[mgmsrk]

Your Dr is following the prudent course of action, before you begin treatments you should have the basic tests preformed, blood work, HSG and U/S. It would be a great waste of time to go ahead with IUI if you have an issues that would prevent it from working. I found the HSG to be uncomfortable, it felt lake bad cramps, it was not unbearable. Things are usually as bad as you think they will be.

Good luck!

[Neta]

Originally Posted by KB505

Hi, I'm new here, my DH and I are just starting the fertility journey. My DH and I know the cause of our infertility, he had cancer when he was a teen and has no sperm. Still, my doctor wants me to do an HSG before we proceed with IUI with donor sperm. After reading the descriptions, I'd like to try IUI without the HSG for a while just to see if I get pregnant. Can anyone offer any guidance? What was your experience with HSG? What are the risks associated with it? All I'm finding on the internet keeps saying that you may feel "discomfort" and that you should be wary if you are allergic to shellfish, but I've also read that a bone marrow biopsy feels like a "sting" and that's one big bee if that's how they're describing it if you know what I mean. So any advice for a newbie?

I had 1 years and i do mean years ago, it was uncomfortable for me because i have a tilted uterus so they had to pull on the teneculum a little more than normal to straighten out my uterus for placement, once they did this it was a warm feeling from the dye and that was it a litle spotting and a little cramping so on a scale it was a 4-5 out of 10 for me. take 800mg motrin or ask for something to calm your nerves but dont let them tell you it wont be uncomfortable.... goodluck

[casb77]

I agree with other posters that if your doctor recommends the HSG first, you should do it. Otherwise you risk spending all the time and money on IUI without knowing if there might be issues with your tubes that would prevent it from working.

I had an HSG last year and it wasn't horrible, but also not fun. I had a slight pinch when the dr started injecting the dye and then no discomfort during the rest of the procedure. It was pretty cool to see my insides on the monitor. BTW, it does NOT look like the health class pictures in there.

By the time I was in my car afterward I'd started having pretty bad cramps. I usually don't get cramps with my period, so maybe I'm more of a wimp. The HSG cramps lasted two days for me and required a bunch of ibuprofen. But I found out that my left tube is blocked and my right tube is slow to drain, so for me it was very helpful.

[Persephone1881]

I would definitely have the HSG done if your doctor recommends it. I had mine done a little over a year ago and while I found it to be quite unpleasant, it's all worth it in the long run. I've seen other women say that the level of discomfort (and for some, down right pain) can vary based on where you are in your cycle when it's done. I had no idea about anything like that when I scheduled mine.. I just got the first available slot. Not to scare you away from doing it, but I have to be honest.. mine hurt like all get out. I was in tears almost the whole time. But the pain only lasts as long as the procedure does (about 10 minutes maybe) and then it fades. I had some light cramping later in the day, but not enough to take anything for it. If I was asked to do one again, I wouldn't hesitate for a minute though. Like the other ladies said, it would be a waste of time, money, and emotions to go through a couple IUI cycles only to then find out that there was a problem with your tubes. Good luck!

[CryingInside]

My HSG was a couple of years ago. I found it to be very uncomfortable, but I also did not take anything beforehand. The pain didn't last but for maybe 10 minutes. I went shopping afterwards and felt fine, I just took it slow.

If you get pap smears and those are fine, then your HSG will be fine. I have problems with the speculum that made the HSG worse and usually makes the IUI painful too. I would agree with your doctor. If you have insurance coverage for IUI's then I guess it only be a waste of time if something else were wrong, but if you don't have insurance coverage for IUI's then it could also be a waste of money.

[scrappyqban]

I had my HSG done last month. I was scared and nervous because everyone told me how much it was going to hurt. I had no pain at all. What I did feel was just uncomfortable and pressure. My RE did mine and she talked me thru the entire process. I got to see the fluid going thru my tubes on a screen next to me. They basically give you a shot of anestaesia in your uterus. Then they clamp your uterus and begin to put the liquid in. As the liquid is making it's way thru the tubes they will be taking xrays. It's over in like 5 min.

I agree with all the ladies, there is not point in going on without knowing if your tubes are open. Also, you are more fertile 3 months after your HSG. So those are two positive reasons to go ahead and have it done. Also, follow your RE's advice and take the antobiotics a few days before the procedure and then a few days after. They are going to put several tools inside of you and an infection will only hold up your IUI. Good luck!

[Persephone1881]

I don't think there is always anasthesia involved. There is no way mine hurt like it did if I was given an anasthetic. My former OB did mine and I think he is kinda unaware of how sensitive an area he's dealing with. I'm not sure he even noticed how much pain I was in or the tears streaming down my face. He was a little rough with the internal u/s he did to diagnose my PCOS too. The nurse I had, who was SO nice, said that most women feel the most pain when the dye is being pushed through the catheter and I had three vials of dye run because it was all coming out one side and they couldn't tell if there was a blockage or if it was just because of gravity.

[KB505]

Thank you for the advice. I think I'm a bit hesitant for the following reasons:

1. I'd have the HSG done in June, but I wouldn't be beginning IUI till September after I return from a trip, so I wouldn't get the "fertility burst"
2. When my DH and I visited our first fertility center (after he had cancer), they did a workup on both of us including a transvaginal ultrasound for me and the Dr. said things looked great on my end.
3. Unlike many who start infertility treatments, my DH and I haven't been "trying" yet. We always knew we'd have to go with IUI due to his cancer, so I'm still in the "wouldn't it be exciting to have a baby" phase and not in the more sad/emotional phase that the friends I have from a fertility support group are in.
4. I worry that the risks (infection, possible sensitivity to the iodine, possible scarring from the procedure, etc) don't outweigh the benefits yet. If I wasn't pregnant after two-three IUI attempts, then it would seem more worthwhile but right now there hasn't been evidence to suggest that my tubes are blocked.

I see your point that the doctor is just being thorough in her analysis. After having a husband in the hospital with cancer, I've started to question tests before going ahead with them. His drs would order a number of tests on him that were so not necessary (including a pregnancy test, on a man, come on!!)

[jencat215]

I am on the please please please do the HSG before you do an IUI side. I had my first IUI last May (w/ clomid), got pregnant, and it turns out it was an ectopic. I almost died...was rushed to the ER with a blood pressure of less than 60/40 and had to have a transfusion. Also, read below for my answers to your concerns...


1. I'd have the HSG done in June, but I wouldn't be beginning IUI till September after I return from a trip, so I wouldn't get the "fertility burst"

I had my HSG in July, a month after my ectopic. I did not get pg during the 'fertility burst'.

2. When my DH and I visited our first fertility center (after he had cancer), they did a workup on both of us including a transvaginal ultrasound for me and the Dr. said things looked great on my end.

I had u/s's before my IUI...they do not show if your tubes are blocked or not. I don't think they can even see the structures of the tubes with just a transvag u/s...

3. Unlike many who start infertility treatments, my DH and I haven't been "trying" yet. We always knew we'd have to go with IUI due to his cancer, so I'm still in the "wouldn't it be exciting to have a baby" phase and not in the more sad/emotional phase that the friends I have from a fertility support group are in.

This is a good point, but there is an increase (it isn't huge, but it is there) in the possibility of an ectopic with IUI. I had 2 prior pregnancies (both m/c's, non-ectopic) so there was no reason to think I had a tubal issue.

4. I worry that the risks (infection, possible sensitivity to the iodine, possible scarring from the procedure, etc) don't outweigh the benefits yet. If I wasn't pregnant after two-three IUI attempts, then it would seem more worthwhile but right now there hasn't been evidence to suggest that my tubes are blocked.

I was put on an antibiotic. The risks of infection and scarring are the same as with the catheter for an IUI. The dye doesn't cause scarring/infection (it is sterile). This gets done by a professional. Iodine sensitivity, well, if you have had an issue before, then there are other tests that can be done, but if not, you shouldn't have a problem. I am allergic to shellfish, yet I have had CTs w/ contrast and the HSG and haven't had a problem.

Since I had the 2 pgs and both confirmed in my uterus, there was no evidence to suggest that my tubes were blocked either. And if you do have a slight blockage in your tubes, the dye from the HSG can push it out (clean out your tubes).

I see your point that the doctor is just being thorough in her analysis. After having a husband in the hospital with cancer, I've started to question tests before going ahead with them. His drs would order a number of tests on him that were so not necessary (including a pregnancy test, on a man, come on!!)

Okay, your DH's Dr is an idiot for ordering a pregnancy test on a man. WTF? And yes, definitely question everything. But I didn't have the knowledge of an HSG before my IUI. Yes, it is uncomfortable. I shed a couple of tears. But it was done in 5 minutes. And the pain was gone. And I think it is better to know that yes, your tubes are fine, then go on and always wonder. If your RE is suggesting the HSG because IUI or IVF is the only way you can get pregnant, wouldn't it be better to know what your tube situation is before you waste money on IUIs (if you are blocked) and possibly risk an ectopic?

Just my 2 cents. Definitely you gotta do what is best for you. Let us know what you decide to do.

[KELLIF4]

I agree with everyone, you should have the HSG done before proceeding You want to make sure there is absolutly nothing in the way of your future treatments. I've had one done AND I also work in radiology where we do them often. One a personal level, mine was quite uncomfortable. I believe it was due to the physician's lack of experience doing them. She couldnt get a good seal and the dye kept draining out. 45 mins lator she was finally able to do so. Typically .... the whole procedure take's 10 to 15 minutes. Most girl's have a lot of cramping, especially if the tube's are blocked. As far as allergies to shellfish, the HSG doesnt really apply to that guideline. We use a lot of dye ( Isovue ) that is higher in iodine, so chances are if your allergice to shellfish, you'd have a reaction to a product with iodine.

[infertilitynovice]

Just throwin' my opinion in real quick too...My HSG was one of the rare, really horrible experiences, but I'd still do it again. We also weren't "trying" before we decided to go to fertility treatments. For us as well, that was always the only option, but I was surprised how emotional I was about/during the process. Even though I too hadn't spent months or years with repeated disappointment before our first IUI, I'd still been waiting years for a child of my own and didn't want to waste any time. There was no reason for my OB to suspect blocked tubes either but she ALWAYS does an HSG before starting the IUI process for her patients. My experience was terrible b/c my cervix wouldn't open and my doctor had to puncture it to get the cath through. She had a terrible bedside manner and I've since fired her, though she was the one who got us pregnant. Plus, generally, we who use DS spend more money per cycle than those who use their husband's. It is more expensive to buy commerical than wash DH's, so doing the DIUIs first with blocked tubes can be an expensive mistake. BTW: My HSG did not show that I had blocked tubes but it was well worth the pain to know for sure and I got my on the first try (something even my doctor assured me the day of our IUI wasn't going to happen...clearly it did )

So, after all that, I say do it first. Do not waste your time or money doing the IUIs first. In the end, you're going to experience pain and discomfort as a part of normal pregnancy, regardless of how your child was conceived anyways. This is a minor blip in the scheme of things. Good luck!!

[mgmsrk]

Originally Posted by KB505

I see your point that the doctor is just being thorough in her analysis. After having a husband in the hospital with cancer, I've started to question tests before going ahead with them. His drs would order a number of tests on him that were so not necessary (including a pregnancy test, on a man, come on!!)

HCG levels are frequently used in cancer treatment (to mark progress) and diagnosis on both men and women, particularly for testicular cancer in men.

[KB505]

I guess this is part of my thing as well. I kind of feel short-changed on having the pregnancy experience I wanted. I wanted to have our child come from a romantic night at home, not a visit to the doctor's office, to tell my DH that we were expecting after taking a pregnancy test at home, not learn about it from a Dr a few weeks after my IUI, etc. If I have an HSG, and it says my tubes are fine, I should be thrilled, but instead I'm going to be angry that I had a test that wasn't necessary that just added to the number of doctors visits and other reminders that DH and I were robbed of something special. Sorry, I'm still a bit emotional about all of this. Even though I knew this was coming after DH cancer, I guess I haven't fully dealt with my anger over it. I was hoping for people to say wait a while and see or give me a good scientific reason for saying no so I didn't have to use an emotional one. Sorry for venting like this, it's been a long week.