Hysterosalpingogram--I am terrified!
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Anonymous
| I just found out I may need a hysterosalpingogram and I am absolutely terrified. I abhor the idea of instruments in my uterus or vagina and break into a cold sweat every year during my Pelvic exam. Please help!! Can I take Xanax? And what about the risk of complications? I am so worried. |
Anonymous
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It's not that big of a deal really.
When I had mine, the weirdest part was that my uterus cramped up really tight and pushed the tube right out. They put it back in, put the liquid through, took pics and it was done. It was what helped us figure out why we weren't conceiving. They found that one of my tubes was closed at the end. |
Anonymous
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I had mine done 2 weeks ago. I was terrified too. I had absolutely NO pain. There's a nurse and a radiologist helping you the whole time. I found it incredibly interesting to see my uterus on the screen. They didn't find any blockages.
Yes you can take xanax. I took Alleve and then azithromycin afterwards to make sure there wasn't an infection. There's also a higher rate of pregnancy following the HSG, it flushes the tubes and can remove blockages. |
Anonymous
| Just think of what you'll have to go through if you do IUI or IVF and get over it. |
Anonymous
| the worse part is all the liquid running out afterwards. She laid a pantyliner on the counter for me and said I might need that. Well, I stood up and about a cup of liquid gushed out of me. I literally wiped up their floor with my paper gown. |
Anonymous
| This is the OP. I'm not sure I want to do IVF or IUI, we might end up pursuing adoption if we get to that. I understand that this might not be a big deal for someone who has been dealing with Infertility for a while but I am just getting diagnosed and suffer from panic attacks so a little understanding would be appreciated! |
Anonymous
| It does hurt, but only for 10 seconds and then it's over. No residual pain. I'd recommend taking a tranquilizer or a few hits of some mellow weed beforehand. You'll be fine. Good luck! |
Anonymous
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The procedure is quick and painless, in my experience. I have had it done twice. To answer your questions, I think the risk of complications are incredibly low, but I'm sure they'll go over all that with you. Just rest assured, there is virtually zero chance any serious complications would happen, particularly if you are at a reputable facility.
And sure, pop a Xanax. Whatever road you choose - IUI, IVF, adoption, remaining child free - there will be obstacles. I am being compassionate when I suggest a good therapist and possibly medication to help you through the obstacles. Because this is a very small obstacle, even though I fully understand it feels large to you. Good luck, I hope all goes well. |
Anonymous
Then you probably shouldn't pursue getting pregnant. Truly. I'm sure you realize the medical care required to carry a pregnancy and deliver a baby are quiet invasive (understatement of the century). Or you need to figure out some major coping mechanisms and maybe this procedure is your first step toward doing that. |
Anonymous
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I was TOTALLY terrified too. For weeks beforehand. In fact, I put it off for a year becauase I was so scared.
The anticipation was WAY WAY worse than the actual procedure. The procedure is very quick, and but it is in an operating room. You have to get up on a big x-ray table. I wish I'd thought to take a Xanax. Ask your Dr. if you can. I don't see why not. FWIW, I did get pregnant that cycle after two years of TTC. Mine did hurt (like a pinch) for literally a second, and that was it. Also, take three Advil an hour before, just in case. |
Anonymous
That didn't happen to me at all. I had mine done at Virginia Hospital Center. They did give me a pad though. |
Anonymous
| This is the OP. Yes I realize all that is involved in being pregnant and carrying a baby to term. The issue for me specifically is having a foreign object go into my uterus. Growing and delivering a baby doesn't bother me in the slightest--it's a natural function of the body. I am also fine with transvaginal ultrasounds, pain, giving blood, and pelvic exams (though they cause me to break out in a cold sweat, I deal). It's just the fact that they are putting something in my uterus that really creeps me out. I don't appreciate the suggestion that I should not pursue getting pregnant because of this hang up. I'm also concerned about the small but significant risks for a diagnostic test that could potentially hurt my fertility. |
Anonymous
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Actually OP there aren't risks it could hurt your fertility. It will likely increase your fertility. HSG has a high rate of pregnancies following the procedure.
Oh and adoption isn't what it used to be. My sister was adopted and it was an easy, short process. No more! |
Anonymous
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OP it's normal to be scared but I agree with others that the anticipation of it is far worse than the actual procedure. I had a lot of cramping but it was manageable with Motrin, and you will probably benefit from a low dose of xanax which can help the anxiety and is a mild muscle relaxant.
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Anonymous
There is a tiny risk anytime something goes in your uterus of uterine infection. But that's why they give you the antibiotics. Take the prophylactic antibiotics and you'll be fine OP. I think people are responding to the level of perceived drama in your posts. None of this is pleasant. Not one damn thing. The physical stuff is actually the easy part, although I know it doesn't seem that way to you right now. You're going to have a lot on your plate and you will be well served if you have the mindset that you can get through the awkward physical stuff. You can OP! You can do this. And I do understand that some people have legitimate medical and mental health issues that make that challenging. If you have those, work to manage them upfront because this is a long journey. |