HSG testing...how bad does it hurt?

[Anonymous]

I think it varies by individual. Although I did not have blockages, mine hurt. Mine hurt because to expel the dye, your uterus contracts (just like your period). I have endometriosis and have always had painful periods. To me it was like a bad period. I was glad DH was with me to give me moral support.

[Anonymous]

I would second what the PP said, have someone drive you. I was very uncomfortable at the start of my ride home. However, by the time I got home I was fine.

The acute pain part was over quickly (by the time I was off the table) and the cramps lessened to almost non-existant within an hour.

[Anonymous]

Dr. Sacks also did mine at Washington Radiology and I too got pregnant the next month. Good news was that it didn't hurt a bit--I was TERRIFIED beforehand and felt really silly after it was over. I bled for the afternoon but was totally fine.

[Anonymous]

Mine hurt a lot more than a pap smear, though not for very long (only during the procedure). I think my dr was more gentle than some (she had had one herself so she knew). I did not have any blockages. Expect that it will probably hurt but that it won't last too long; you can take Advil or other over the counter meds before hand.

[Anonymous]

I'm surprised that this was a painful procedure for so many. For me, it was the least painful part of my fertility treatment (and I did everything). The nurse at Georgetown was so kind and held my hand the whole time -- and I was actually a little surprised because it was no big deal. I did have menstrual-type cramps afterwards and felt a bit bloated. But it didn't keep me from going straight back to work.

[Anonymous]

I agree with PP - it was certainly uncomfortable to have to move around with everything set up inside of me, but by no means painful for me.

[Anonymous]

I had two HSG's done. Each time, I was completely petrified because my OB told me she had heard it hurts more than giving birth. I went to Washington Radiology to do it and each time, I felt ABSOLUTELY NO PAIN. Of course, there was a little discomfort when they were putting the catheter in but I had no pain whatsoever when they shot the dye through. Nothing, nada, zip. I was told that the pain level probably depends on the skill level of the doctor that does it, but who knows. Mine were done by two different doctors and the end result was the same. I think the bottom line is that each person tolerates the procedure differently. You might experience pain, but if you do it will only last about 15 seconds, because that's about how long it takes for the liquid to go through your tubes. Or, you may be like me and feel absolutely nothing. You should take the pain medication before the procedure, just in case, but other than that there is not much you can do but lay there and try to relax. It's a really quick procedure so you should be fine. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I normally don't believe anything I read on the Internet but PLEASE beleive me when I say it hurts. I had mine done a few hours ago and it was awful. Very, very painful. I cried during the entire procedure.

[Anonymous]

PP, I don't think you're helping anyone with your whining....I've had two done and they were uncomfortable but not that bad.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I normally don't believe anything I read on the Internet but PLEASE beleive me when I say it hurts. I had mine done a few hours ago and it was awful. Very, very painful. I cried during the entire procedure.

i agree! mine was awful. i didn't cry though, but i never cry...

[Anonymous]

There have been many threads on this subject! It is a very individual things and everyone experiences things different. Mine was very painful (and I cried even though I never cry) but as you will see many people find it easy. You will fine the same thing when people are talking about injections, etc. Everyone is different.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP, I don't think you're helping anyone with your whining....I've had two done and they were uncomfortable but not that bad.

I agree the PP you responded to was a little extreme, but people do experience pain differently -and depending on what type of blockage you might have in your tubes, this can be a very painful procedure. I would cut her some slack, but also advise her that just because it was really painful for her doesn't mean it will be excruciating for everybody.

[Anonymous]

Hi All,

I would like to know whether hsg test hurts..Also would like to know for how long will the procedure last..

[Anonymous]

Good timing -- I just posted a new thread asking if there was a downside to an HSG (other than the pain).

Here's a link I found with a lot of information on the test:

http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/guide/hysterosalpingogram-21590

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi All,

I would like to know whether hsg test hurts..Also would like to know for how long will the procedure last..

did you read all the messages above yours in this thread?
they all answer your question!