[deedee2]

Has anyone else had a really painful experience with the HSG Test? Two years ago, my OB/GYN tried to do the procedure and just inserting the tube was so painful that I begged him to stop. (But I was told it's just like having a Pap.) I saw another OB/GYN and I explained the pain I experienced and she suggested using anesthesia. But I went on to see an RE and she tells me that my insurance requires an HSG Test before we can try IUI. I'm dreading having to go through this test again. I've already left a message with the nurse asking if I can use anethesia. I haven't heard back from anyone yet.

Could something be wrong with my uterus? I've had two ultrasounds of my uterus to check the size & shape and they tell me it was normal. But maybe the ultrasound is not a good enough test?

Any advice or reassurances would help me get through this. Sometimes it's hard for me to believe doctors when they say it's a simple procedure. (Sure...it's simple on their end.) I'd feel better to hear from other women who went through this test.

[cubby14]

I don't really have much advice about how to get through the HSG, but I just wanted you to know that I too had an EXTREMELY painful experience with it. The tube fell out of place before they could complete the test so they had to do it all over again. I do have one blocked tube, and I've heard that it's much more painful with a blocked tube. I think that is one of the main reasons they do the HSG, to find out if your tubes are clear. In my case it didn't matter because I was doing IVF, the dr. just wanted some good pics of my uterus. I have done two IVFs, with countless shots, and had one miscarriage with a D&C, and the HSG was by far the most physically painful part of the whole experience. I was just told to take some kind of pain medication a couple hours before the procedure, but it sure didn't work. If they would do it with anethesia, I'd say go for it. Good luck, I hope things work out well for you!

[AllyBourbeau]

I had a horribly painful HSG and hope I NEVER have to experience it again! It's weird hoe some women are perfectly fine and barely feel a thing while others have excrutiating pain. In the end my HSG looked great. The tubes were clear and the size and shape of everthing was perfect. So I really have no idea why it hurt so bad but it was one of the most painful things I have ever done. They told me it would be a simple procedure with no pain so I had no idea. If I would have known I would have at least taken some Tylenol or something!

[shutterbuglaurel]

I had an extremely painful HSG also. It normally takes less then 10 minutes from insertion of the catheter past the cervix till they remove the catheter. However in my case I was on the table for 58 minutes and 52 minutes of that time was the actual procedure. Most women only get half to 3/4 vial of contrast, I was given a little over 4 & 3/4 vials of contrast. I had a severe reaction to the contrast, I had to go to the ER and get an injection & a nebulizer treatment. They pulled tension on my cervix (not normally done) to induce a contraction to see if I had a competent cervix. I had spasms in my left tube, so they kept me on the table longer to see if they could get an image of the tube in the none spasm state. It was horrific! I could barely walk after the procedure. I asked my orginal RE(she was brand new) if this was normal..she said yes. I changed to a different RE in the same office, told him how horrible it was & explained what had happened. He was shocked and horrified by it and said nothing about that HSG was normal. He reviewed the results and contacted the radiologists and asked what had happened during my HSG, why did it take so long, why did they use so much contrast, why did they pull tension on the cervix to induce contractions, why didn't they note this in the patient history and results? It was crazy! I told him if I had to do one of those(HSG) again, I needed valium or something like it to get through the procedure. He said normally they don't do that, but because of my experience he would make an exception. I feel for ya. There was nothing abnormal with my cervix, uterus, tubes or ovaries. I think it has to do with being very intune and sensitive to things going on with your body.
My suggestion is a muscle/anxiety med like valium and a IPOD to tune out and focus on something else. Maybe a sleeping mask as well. These are all things I will do if I have to do another one. Goodluck!

[Paige4]

I have had 2 HSG's and I think some of the discomfort that can be experienced with the catheter placement may have a little bit to do with the skill of the doctor. My cervix was difficult to get to and also "very rigid." The doctor had to use a different catheter (the non-flexible one). And, one time the catheter was not placed properly and the dye ran out all over! But, once switching to the non-flexible catheter and getting the cervix in the right position, it was just fine.

Also, the second time my RE prescribed valium (their protocol changed to using it all the time). I did not take it only to find out that they think not only does it relax you--it relaxes your uterus. Good luck to you!

[Ryles]

Sorry to say my HSG hurt like HELL! Some of the reasons for this I think is because I have a very small cervix and it takes a 90 degree turn. I was howling so loud my husband heard me in the waiting room. The thing my doc said that I will remember is this is just temporary. You will feel just fine when it is through. I did feel fine that evening so he was telling the truth. I took some Ibprophen before the proceedure but it did nothing. I would try to get your hands on something stronger if possible.

[deedee2]

Thanks for all the replies everyone!

I spoke to the RE and explained my concerns because of my previous bad experience. But she could not recommend anesthesia for this test. If I were to use anesthesia then she suggested laparoscopy (which I have not done yet). This might require a week's time off from work, which I don't have the time for right now. So, I agreed to try the HSG test again without anesthesia. Knowing that the doctor knew about my bad past experience helped me feel better.

This morning, I had the HSG test and this time it really was just like a pap! The nurse was friendly/chatty and helped keep me distracted while the doctor did his work. When the radiologist came in to start the x-ray, we watched the dye spread into this huge area. They were surprised and told me that the catheter must have slipped and the dye was spreading in the wrong place. So, the doctor redid everything (...and it didn't hurt the second time either...). The radiologist was called back again and we saw the dye spread out more. But the doctor insisted to empty the dye and then we saw the tubes and the dye passing through them. Turns out that my cervix was wider than normal and that's why they were initially confused.

By the way, the hospital told me to take 600 mg of ibuprofen (...not tylenol...) an hour before the test. It is suppose to relax the muscles. I think taking ibuprofen (...I didn't take anything during my previous bad experience...) and the skillful RE and friendly nurse helped make this test go much better.

I'm so glad to know that my tubes are not blocked! Now we can try IUI!

[wallace1]

My HSG was excrutiating. To this day I still get a bit peeved when I think about it. This procedure should be done under sedation.

[Elisa1978]

My HSG was very painful - and the results were completely normal. My best friend also had a lot of pain - but every other person I know who had one said it was painless. Both my best friend and I had ours very close to the end of our period and no one else did - so I wonder if that had something to do with it?? Or just a coincidence?

If it helps you get a baby then it is worth it I guess.

[MrsM]

I remember feeling a pinch when the catheter went through my cervix, then when the dye went in, YOWZA. My uterus totally cramped up like I had never felt before. I nearly jumped off the table. LOL.

But it was over relatively quickly, and my tubes were clear so I was just glad to get it over with. I did take a couple of Advil before hand and he prescribed Cipro for me as well to prevent infection.

I guess every woman has a different experience based on their doctor, and their particular condition. I also had a lot of pain when I had my second IUI, but the first was easy...

[Jolene]

My HSG was very painful. I almost couldn't take it! I wish that doctors were more understanding of this.

[lisa_kev]

I had mine last October performed by my then OBGYN at the radiology dept at the hospital. Yes, it was very painful. Not quite what I had expected. The cathater she used apparently was larger than the norm (mentioned to me by another tech after she left the room) I remember it burned a lot and when the die was injected it felt like my tubes were going to explode. I had mine done back-to-back at the hospital with no anethisia. HSG and another thing where a doctor injects saline, simular to the HSG but different spot. I can't remember what it's called, starts with a sali "something". Maybe someone can think of it.

I checked out just fine, so it doesn't matter if you have problems or not (I wouldn't think). I'm just glad I have that behind me now and hopefully I'll not have to repeat since we've moved forward with IVF.

Is anethesia covered by your insurance for this proceedure? If not, it can be quite costly and no longer than it took, although painful, it was quite quick and if having to have this again, I think I'd suck it up. After all the money being spent thru our process I'm all for saving money where we can. If you have coverage, then I'd say go for it, there's no need in being in pain no more than you have to be.

If you can, remember to take advil or something to help with the cramping prior to having this done. I wish I had, no one from the doctor's office told me to do this and when I was in, the radiology tech said "didn't you take something for pain?"

Good luck to you.

[jtonnis]

I had an incredibly painful HSG, too. I am probably about to have to get it done again. I am also going to probably have a repeat laparoscopy. I asked my doctor if I could get both of them done at the same time so that I will already be under anesthesia and he said yes, so you may want to consider that. I would rather get a lap done than a HSG anyday, so I am glad I will be able to get them both done while I'm asleep and unaware!