I have to write this for all of you ladies who will need to have this test done and who are terrified, just like I was, from all the horrible experience we read about on various websites. Let me tell you that after reading about people fainting and screaming in pain, I couldn't fall asleep at all the nigh before my test. All I could do was think about how bad it was going to be for me, since I have a very low pain tolerance. I even brought my husband along, thinking that I would need someone to pick me up and drag me home after I faint!
I did take 4 Advil an hour before the procedure because I was told that was the maximum I could take. I really wanted to take at least 8 in anticipation of all that pain, but decided against it the last minute. My experience was- Absolutely NO PAIN and it was over in 30secs.!!! For me it was even less uncomfortable that a pap smear. I really didn't feel much of anything and I was really anticipating a lot of pain all along. Please do not worry and do not freak out like I did. My doctor told me that it is actually highly unlikely that you will be in pain during this procedure. But just like restaurant reviews, people rarely write about good experiences; it is almost always those with bad experiences that feel compelled to write about them. This is why I wanted to let you all know, that this test is really not a big deal at all. So, stay cool, bring a pad (I only have a minor leakage of dye and a few drops of blood) and good luck to you all!
BTW, turns out my tubes were not blocked.

For me it felt like instant menstrual cramps of the worst variety. So - sucky, but not insurmountable. As soon as he pulled the thing out, I was fine.

Anonymous wrote:Just scheduled my first HSG for next week. I'm scared and generally a huge medical/pain wuss. Is it weird to ask DH to come with me? It's so close to his office, I'd like to ask... but then afraid I'll feel foolish for doing so. I'd actually rather have my mommy with me.... (Told you I was a wuss.)

I've had a HSG twice, and there was no pain or discomfort. Maybe a twinge when they are injecting the dye.The first time my tubes were open, the second time one was blocked but I didn't feel anything. It literally takes a few minutes, and I'm a wuss too. They tell you the results right away.
Now though the reality of starting IVF is scaring the daylights out of me: all the injections. I have a total phobia of needles.

It doesn't hurt that bad if your tubes are ok, but my BP was through the roof. They put you in this really exposed, defenseless position to do the procedure which heightened my anxiety. If DH wants to come and go to lunch or something with you after just to calm you down I think that's not a bad idea!

It's more emotional than anything. Watching the dye on the screen is really COOL though!!!!

Anonymous wrote:Today is our wedding anniversary. And I'm going in for my HSG. DH has his SA test tomorrow. Not how we thought we'd be marking this milestone.

Thought I'd come back and say my HSG really wasn't so bad yesterday - for any future readers of this thread. One side didn't hurt at all. the other side did hurt a bit, but it was over quickly. Hopped on a bicycle afterwards and went straight back to work. No tears!

Today is our wedding anniversary. And I'm going in for my HSG. DH has his SA test tomorrow. Not how we thought we'd be marking this milestone.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Have my appt in 3 days. Doctor declined my request for xanax. Very nervous. I had a colposcopy once after abnormal pap. That sucked but was over in 2 seconds. Sounds like this will be several minutes. I just hope it helps and tells us something!

Why on earth would the doctor decline? I take them for almost every medical appointment. I hope things go smoothly for you and it ends up being no big deal.

I was also quite surprised, but he simply said it would not be necessary. I'm hopeful that this is all just building up to be much worse in my mind than it will actually be in person.

Anonymous wrote:Have my appt in 3 days. Doctor declined my request for xanax. Very nervous. I had a colposcopy once after abnormal pap. That sucked but was over in 2 seconds. Sounds like this will be several minutes. I just hope it helps and tells us something!

Why on earth would the doctor decline? I take them for almost every medical appointment. I hope things go smoothly for you and it ends up being no big deal.

I remember being really nervous as well. DH went with me, I took 3 tylenol (or was it motrin?) an hour ahead of time. When the HSG was over I couldn't believe it..nothing. It was easier than a pap smear for me. Strangely, I conceived that cycle. Some people say it "clears the pipes".

Have my appt in 3 days. Doctor declined my request for xanax. Very nervous. I had a colposcopy once after abnormal pap. That sucked but was over in 2 seconds. Sounds like this will be several minutes. I just hope it helps and tells us something!

I had a little twinge like a period cramp. Not painful really. I didn't take any painkillers. I think the pain can come from if you have a clogged tube. The good news is it could be clearing out the tube! Good luck!

I had to do a HSG pre IVF cycle and it wasn't as bad as I thought!! Take a couple of Tylenol and you should be fine. My pain tolerance level is not that high so I did ok> Good Luck

Anonymous wrote:Just scheduled my first HSG for next week. I'm scared and generally a huge medical/pain wuss. Is it weird to ask DH to come with me? It's so close to his office, I'd like to ask... but then afraid I'll feel foolish for doing so. I'd actually rather have my mommy with me.... (Told you I was a wuss.)

No, not at all, assuming he is supportive, but he probably can't go back and hold your hand during the actual procedure. For what it is worth, I've had one that was terrifying and one that was no big deal, and I would have liked to have had someone with me during the awful one to drive me home and buy me something yummy like I'm 6! The other note is that I did ask for something for the last one to relax me, and it made everything easier, so I really recommend it if your doc will give it.

Just scheduled my first HSG for next week. I'm scared and generally a huge medical/pain wuss. Is it weird to ask DH to come with me? It's so close to his office, I'd like to ask... but then afraid I'll feel foolish for doing so. I'd actually rather have my mommy with me.... (Told you I was a wuss.)

It's interesting how this is so vastly different for different people. I have had one, and it was one of the 2 most painful experiences I've ever had. And I'm not a big drama queen about this stuff either, it was just really painful. I felt fine in an hour or two though. I've just been told I have to have another one this week, so I'm asking for a valium and hoping for the best!