Any Downside to HSG Test?

[Anonymous]

After six months of TTC #2, I had an ectopic pregnancy in March. We're set to start trying again in mid-May, and I'm thinking about whether to do an HSG test in the meantime to check the tubes for blockages.

Is there a downside to doing this test? I've heard it can be painful if there's a blockage, but also that the test itself might clean things out a bit and make it more likely to get pregnant.

On the other side, I'm doing acupuncture (for stress management and fertility) and the acupuncturist is encouraging me to wait a bit on the HSG to see if things happen on their own. Basically, he's not a fan of injecting dye/chemicals in there unless truly necessary.

Thoughts?

[Anonymous]

I got pregnant the cycle after an HSG. There is a lot of anectdotal evidence out there of people getting pregnant after an HSG.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't worry about the dye/chemicals used in the HSG -- the radiation was a bigger concern for me.

But if you are going to use any ART (IUI or IVF), RE's pretty muchr equire that you have an HSG prior to treatment.

[Anonymous]

the dye is such that it gets absorbed by the body. the radiation is for a short period of time. the hsg test overall has less downside/risks compared to any infertility-related surgery, at least.

[Anonymous]

I got pregnant within 2 months after having the HSG the first time. Later, after I had had two kids (without assistance) and was seeking assistance in trying for a third, I was required to have another HSG. Despite having had a negative pregnancy test at the start of my cycle, it turned out I was actually pregnant the day of the HSG. The HSG caused the pregnancy to dislodge and become ectopic, and it ultimately ruptured and became a serious life-threatening emergency. This is a very rare situation. My only point is, take a pregnancy test the day of your HSG test. Best of luck.

[Anonymous]

and that's exactly why shady grove (and perhaps other centers) do a uring test before the HSG test to make sure that you're not pregnant. also, it's done only day 5-11 of your cycle.

[Anonymous]

It was with SG that this happened to me, so it sounds like they've changed their practices on pregnancy testing to test the day of the HSG. Good.

[Anonymous]

Thanks all. Good point about being sure you're not pregnant. We've been abstaining this past month to let the post-ectopic MTX clear my system. Probably could have used condoms, but we're paranoid and want to be extra sure we don't conceive this month. Needless to say, it's been a looooong month!!

Anyway, if I do the test, I'll still wait for my next period and then do it on day 4-8. Would love to hear others' thoughts/experiences if there are any.

[Anonymous]

What does your doc say? My HSG was very quick and totally painless.

[Anonymous]

Downside is the pain--PP said totally painless--not for me--excruciating. That said, got PG first IUI after. If you had an ectopic, it's probably a good idea.

[Anonymous]

I got pregnant after my hsg. I can say it was uncomfortable, not painful, but then, I seem to have a pretty high pain threshold and did not have any prior tubal issues. I had also been successfully pregnant previously, so entry through the cervix may have been easier. I had mine done at WRA b/c I couldn't get in with the RE. The pregnancy didn't stick, but heck, at least I got pregnant at almost 43. Now I am 43 and still trying.

[Anonymous]

I was told prior to my HSG (a few weeks ago) that it would be uncomfortable. I took the ibuprofen beforehand as instructed. It was more painful than I expected. On the first try of injecting the dye, all of the fluid just came straight out onto the table. The doctor said the opening in my cervix is small. She switched to an instrument with a smaller syringe and a balloon. The first one didn't have the balloon. She attributed the majority of my pain to the inflation of the balloon, though I also felt pain before the balloon was used. Anyway, the test was performed successfully on the second try and my tubes looked great. I just started my period today - 5 days earlier than expected and without the prior couple of days of spotting that I'm accustomed to. My luteal phase is usually 12 days so this cycle makes for a short 7-day LP.

[Anonymous]

Please don't listen to the acupuncturist. This just is so upsetting to hear.

[Anonymous]

I was about to have an HSG and got pregnant but ended up miscarrying. But I felt like at least I knew my tubes were not blocked. After about 9 more months of TTC unsuccessfully I finally did have an HSG (was about to endure some reproductive procedures/interventions). I had also been getting acupuncture weekly for about 7 months at the time. Well I got pregnant about 2 weeks after the HSG. And the results revealed that I did NOT have any blockage. Regardless it still really "lubes" things up in there or something...there's a lot of truth to this "phantom effect" of people getting pregnant after the procedure. TOTALLY WORTH IT.

[Anonymous]

i had an HSG in June! Still not pregnant and have been trying since March!! The test seemed fine, and I've had the first investigative cycle done with an RE and everything there looks fine! I hope this doesn't indicate an issue for me!