Anonymous wrote: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.
You probably didn't feel the pain because your tubes were not blocked. If there is even a slight blockage, it hurts a lot. I had read good as well as bad experiences about HSG. I was initially very terrified but as the day came closer I started relaxing thinking it's a waste anticipating so much. I had taken Valium before the procedure. The test turned out to be the worst thing I had ever experienced. It hurt bad, I screamed, the nurse in training got terrified there and it was a big drama. The only calm person in the room was my doctor.
My intention is to not scare anyone but be prepared for the worst and then you may not find that as a big deal. Take Advil like this PP took.