Fibroid - HSG test or wait to see if it's a problem?

[Anonymous]

We are close to TTC and I just discovered that I have a uterine fibroid. It's not causing any symptoms, but was discovered on an unrelated test. Would you go through HSG to find out if it's going to be an issue? I have heard that HSG can be very unpleasant. The alternative would be waiting to see if we can't conceive, but if we find out at that point and then I needed surgery, that would set our timeline back by a year. I'm 30, FWIW.

[Anonymous]

Double check with your gyno but I think it’s pretty rare for them to cause problems, so I’d personally wait. But FWIW my HSG wasn’t bad at all.

[Anonymous]

What does your doc say? I agree that HSG isn’t a big deal (I’ve had several).

[Anonymous]

I've also had several HSGs and they are no big deal. Wasn't even uncomfortable for me.

They usually know the location of the fibroid. Many are not within the uterine cavity so don't matter.

[Anonymous]

HSG is mainly to ensure your tubes are in good shape. If they are a concern, you’d most likely need a hysteroscopy.

[Anonymous]

I have multiple fibroids and one grew to be bigger than baby at one point during my pregnancy. But most of the time fibroids don’t affect ttc unless they’re in your uterus/blocking your tubes.

As far as HSGs, I’ve had two. Only the first one hurt because my tubes were blocked (not by fibroids). Just take a Tylenol or ibuprofen beforehand. If you are worried, getting tested might give you some piece of mind. TTC is as mental as it is physical so you might not want the “what if” hovering over you.

[Anonymous]

Remove fibroids

[Anonymous]

I spent 14 months trying to conceive my second child. (My first took awhile too for other reasons.) My doctor assumed my tubes were clear (since I’d gotten pregnant before and hadn’t had complications/ infections) but eventually sent me for an HSG. It wasn’t bad (I took ibuprofen in advance and said the pain level was similar to brief period cramping) and I conceived immediately after. My sister also conceived right after an HSG and the nurse said she heard stories about that surprisingly often.

[Anonymous]

Id get the HSG. What appeared to be a fibroid was actually a polyp that was preventing pregnancy.

[Anonymous]

HSGs aren't for fibroids. They are usually for suspected endometriosis.

I did a MRI and regular ultrasounds to visualize the fibroids. Depends on where the fibroids are, but generally they don't negatively impact pregnancies. If they do you can get them surgically removed.

[Anonymous]

Its only uncomfortable/painful if you have a blockagein the falopian tubes. Sometimes it can even clear the blockage. I didn't feel anything, but I didn't have any blockages.

[Anonymous]

HSG is like a 3 on the discomfort scale, the outpatient surgery to remove a submucosal fibroid if found is similar, and you could be diagnosed, treated, and back in TTC shape within 2-3 months. I’d do it personally. I’ve had that procedure and surgery twice and they are both easy and effective where needed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:HSGs aren't for fibroids. They are usually for suspected endometriosis.

I did a MRI and regular ultrasounds to visualize the fibroids. Depends on where the fibroids are, but generally they don't negatively impact pregnancies. If they do you can get them surgically removed.

This reads like you aren’t familiar with submucosal fibroids which are diagnosed via HSG and are most likely to have TTC impact. Thankfully they are also the easiest to remove.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I spent 14 months trying to conceive my second child. (My first took awhile too for other reasons.) My doctor assumed my tubes were clear (since I’d gotten pregnant before and hadn’t had complications/ infections) but eventually sent me for an HSG. It wasn’t bad (I took ibuprofen in advance and said the pain level was similar to brief period cramping) and I conceived immediately after. My sister also conceived right after an HSG and the nurse said she heard stories about that surprisingly often.

Count me in the anecdotal tally about HSGs leading to pregnancy. Had been TTC for 6 months, got an HSG which was moderately painful due to a blockage- and then pregnant the next month at 39. Tried for a 2nd one year after first child born, and after another 6-7 months, got an HSG - no pain at all- and conceived child #2 at 41.5.

[Anonymous]

I had an HSG and it was a bit uncomfortable. I think I had only slightly blocked tube so they ran the test over and over again. If it had only been one time it would have been no big deal. It didn't lead to pregnancy either. Had to do an IUI for that which worked the 2nd time.