HSG - should I, and if it's bad, how do they FIX it?

greyt00 · 10-20-2009, 08:10 PM

I'm contemplating doing HSG. I'm scared of it because of the pain factor, but the next step is to do this or to do trigger + ultrasounds. As a diagnostic test, HSG is probably covered by insurance. Trigger + ultrasounds probably not, and assuming I need 2 ultrasounds to verify my follicles are big enough, that would cost me $650 per month. It's $250/ultrasound (meds are about $150).

I think I should do the HSG because if my tubes are blocked, we are throwing away time and money. My husband is OK with us trying a month of the other (trigger + u/s) to spare me pain. That's sweet I guess! Maybe he is also coupling that with an assumption that nothing is wrong with my tubes.

But that leads me to this question -- what do they DO if the tubes are blocked? Surgery? Is that likely to fix the problem or just as likely to backfire (scar tissue, complications?) I left a message for the doc to discuss with me, but I'm so impatient.

One more thing -- the internet (I know, it might not be correct) says HSG is done during days 7-10. If you do HSG, does it make that same cycle a bust? Are you not supposed to TTC that month? Would I not be able to do the other stuff the same month, assuming everything else is OK?

I'm such a moron for not TTC sooner. The internet also said sometimes the dye alone dislodges something that was in the way of the tubes.

Thanks for any advice!

RDeems · 10-20-2009, 08:20 PM

Honestly, the HSG test was the worst thing I have ever had done to me. The doctor said that the curve or tilt of my uterus made it really difficult to place the catheter. The entire test was supposed to take around 5 minutes, however, it took them 26 minutes just to place the catheter! By the time the whole test was done, it was about 35 minutes and I was sobbing. Hopefully your results won't be the same, but I want you to be prepared for what you may face. I certainly had not expected my test to be that bad.....awkward and uncomfortable, yes, but not that bad.

I, too, had read that the dye can clear out blockages, but no luck for me on that one either. As far as what they do if your tubes are blocked, I think that really depends on the severity and on your doctor. My HSG test revealed a problem with my left fallopian tube, but the doctor said that she thinks it still works, it is just swollen at the end.

Best of luck to you!

evilbee · 10-20-2009, 08:23 PM

I highly recommend doing it. As you say, if there's an issue, you're just throwing away time and money if you keep doing things without treating the problem. There is also the idea that your likelihood of pregnancy increases after the test because it "clears things up".

It's really not that bad. A bit of pain, a bit of cramping. The ibuprofen is good for that.

I'm not sure what they do about blocked tubes. I've read up on deep tissue massage that's supposed to help a lot more than surgery, though.

We were not told to cancel the cycle when I had the HSG done, and I'm sure they would have if we were supposed to.

Good luck to you!

Gwenneh · 10-20-2009, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greyt00
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

But that leads me to this question -- what do they DO if the tubes are blocked? Surgery? Is that likely to fix the problem or just as likely to backfire (scar tissue, complications?) I left a message for the doc to discuss with me, but I'm so impatient.

One more thing -- the internet (I know, it might not be correct) says HSG is done during days 7-10. If you do HSG, does it make that same cycle a bust? Are you not supposed to TTC that month? Would I not be able to do the other stuff the same month, assuming everything else is OK?

I'm such a moron for not TTC sooner. The internet also said sometimes the dye alone dislodges something that was in the way of the tubes.

There are a few options, mostly surgical in nature, if your tubes are blocked. Sometimes only one tube is blocked. If I were in your position and paying out of pocket for treatments, I would definitely have one done. Yes, it's not the most pleasant procedure in the world but do you really want to sit around wondering if there's something in the way of the target?

You can TTC in the same cycle - I had my HSG in July shortly before my first IUI. And you're absolutely correct in that sometimes the dye can dislodge something in the way. There are a few girls on here - can't think of who, exactly, off of the top of my head - who got their BFP the month they had their HSG! So it really doesn't carry any risks for you, only benefits at this point.
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Good luck!

Chrisy · 10-20-2009, 08:25 PM

I spoke to my doctor about the fear I had for the pain. I sometimes even faint during a PAP. So she gave me a mild sedative. That REALLY took the edge off. It wasn't enough to make me loopy, but definitely helped!

sabrinacrystal · 10-20-2009, 08:26 PM

I have not had it done, but I know 2 people who have. 1 got pregnant the month after having it done, 1 didn't. They both said it hurt really bad.

My Dr said to call on the first day of my AF to schedule my appointment so it can be done before I ovulate for the month. If I don't get my BFP I will be calling on Monday to get mine scheduled.

sLvrMop · 10-20-2009, 08:35 PM

I would do it. My RE would not prescribe anything without doing an HSG as part of the diagnostics. He is better able to create a plan of attack once he knows everything that is going on. My experience was not that bad. I mean, don't get wrong, it wasn't pleasant, but the cramping and discomfort only lasted 3 minutes. Not to mention, everyone is different. My friend had it done and said it didn't hurt a bit. I'm pretty sure you can conceive that cycle as long as you ovulate - you only have to abstain for 2 days afterward.

greyt00 · 10-20-2009, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RDeems
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Honestly, the HSG test was the worst thing I have ever had done to me. The doctor said that the curve or tilt of my uterus made it really difficult to place the catheter. The entire test was supposed to take around 5 minutes, however, it took them 26 minutes just to place the catheter! By the time the whole test was done, it was about 35 minutes and I was sobbing.

This is what I am worried about since I have tilted uterus, too. I was in tears just from the sonohysterogram (with the saline).

Thank you for all your responses. I really appreciate it. Hearing your experiences, even though it confirms my fears, is what I needed. I have decided to schedule it. The pain is temporary and if I have even one more unsuccessful cycle I will wonder what if. I might ask for a mild sedative.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sabrinacrystal
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

If I don't get my BFP I will be calling on Monday to get mine scheduled.

Good luck! And same here, I think AF will be here tomorrow or Thursday, so I will set it up for the earliest possible day (maybe day 7). I don't want to blow another cycle.

ChaoticChris · 10-20-2009, 09:02 PM

Mine is scheduled for next month. My RE called in zanax and vicodin for me, but the vicodin is only because it's the only thing I can take for pain besides tylenol (which doesn't even help my cramps). I'm scared out of my gourd, but ready to have it done. I really would've preferred it was done first. The money I've spent over the last year alone would put a kid through college for at least a year. I'm also going to guess that the physical pain of it is nothing compared to the emotional pain of BFNs month after month.

greyt00 · 10-20-2009, 09:16 PM

How soon do you get results? During the sonohysterogram they told me on the spot what they saw. Is this more complicated?

heatherhopes · 10-20-2009, 09:18 PM

I had it done, and it wasn't that bad as far as pain. They had to re-place the catheter because it came out during scooting, but even so...I'd do it again. I got my first BFP that month, but miscarried at 9 weeks. (I hadn't been diagnosed with PCOS yet at that point, wasn't with an RE, just my normal OB/GYN.)

greyt00 · 10-20-2009, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChaoticChris
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Mine is scheduled for next month.... The money I've spent over the last year alone would put a kid through college for at least a year. I'm also going to guess that the physical pain of it is nothing compared to the emotional pain of BFNs month after month.

Christine, I'm sorry it has been so hard and expensive for you. Your final note about the emotional pain is a good way to put in perspective. I wish you the best of luck with your procedure next month. For me I hope it's something just to eliminate, and then the trigger deal will give me what I need and I won't worry about wasted $, but I hope you get what you want out of the HSG.

ChaoticChris · 10-20-2009, 09:43 PM

I hope you do too! Best of luck to ya.
To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

aimes16 · 10-20-2009, 09:54 PM

Mine wasn't that bad. Uncomfortable as the doctor put the dye further in to see as he explained what he was doing. I didn't have any blockage. I cramped for the rest of the day. It was definitely worth doing to know if there is a problem.

Juliann95 · 10-20-2009, 09:55 PM

I had it done and took 3 advil 30 minutes before going in. I took the day off work cause everyone had me freaked that it was going to be painful and honestly I could have gone to work that day. The cramps lasted about an hour and that was it. I too have a tilted cervix and it wasn't bad. I think the speculum the doc has to use for IUI's hurt worse then the one they did for the hsg.