14 replies to this topic

[keriboberry]

Has anyone had this. I'm scared it's going to hurt while they try to shove the catheter into cervix. This is not the dye in the tubes test but where they fill your uterus with saline. Has anyone taken ativan or Advil first?

[dawnkey]

Hi Keri!

 

I've had a HSG (the dye one) done once, and the SHG a few times. I will be perfectly honest - the first time I had the saline, it hurt like a mother effer and I cried but I also had a very irregular lining, hundreds of polyps and precancerous cells in my lining. I knew it was 'irregular' but I had no idea how bad it was. It wasn't the catheter that hurt though, the catheter was fine. Fast forward to after my treatment, a successful IVF cycle, having a child and MOST importantly, a healthy uterus and it was a breeze. It was over in no time and was less painful than period cramps. I would definitely suggest taking a couple of Advil about an hour before your appointment, regardless. 

[WishinNhopin]

When I had it there was a very short period like seconds that mine hurt! No where near the hsg. I have 100% blockage in both tubes so of course mine would hurt really badly. (Hsg) I do not have any polyps or cysts but I think as long as you take some pain meds before you should be fine. I forgot yo take my pain meds...good luck xx

[autumnmarie]

I've had the saline, I didn't find that it was painful when they inserted the cathether but I did have cramps once the saline started travelling though my uterus/tubes. I have some damage to the right tube and so the right side was more painful not only during the sono but for the rest of the day. I would definitely take an advil an hour before the appointment.

[amazing grace]

I had many of these. Tolerance to pain is individual but for me it was nothing more than a little cramping. I did not take anything prior to the procedure. I had a little cramping and spotting afterwards, but it went away quickly. Good luck.

[farmwife]

I had 2 saline ultrasounds done. Neither hurt, felt like nothing more than a pap test being done with no cramping after either time.

[ENF]

I experienced no discomfort at all during mine, not even when they took a sample of lining for biopsy. I wish you the best in your upcoming treatment! 

[Meary]

The HSG (dye for checking tubes) test was the worst thing I've ever gone through in this process.  I've had the SGH (saline) one a couple times and while it's unpleasant, it was completely possible to get through it with a bit of dignity.  I did have to take Ativan for those appointments, due to an existing anxiety issue.

 

The catheter insertion feels no different than the ones for IUIs and fresh/frozen transfers.  The discomfort came from the uterine cavity being filled for a few minutes.

 

You can do it!  I swear. 

[mouse]

I've got blocked tubes and had both the saline and the dye versions; the saline was virtually pain free but the dye one hurt like the dickens. It may be that the dye version (done about 18 months before the saline) cleared things a bit so the saline flowed better, not sure, but the saline was SO much easier than the dye for me. Like Meary said, it was never the cath insertion that hurt - the fluid distention of the tubes is what hurt me.

Fingers crossed for you!

[Kayte]

Ativan is your friend! If you ask the clinic they will tell you they commonly prescribe this if you are nervous or would like to feel more relaxed during any procedure. I always find it helpful! I have only used Ativan and this procedure went so much more easily than I was fearing.

[keriboberry]

WOW  thank u so much for all the responses! U have all eased my mind,

[impatience]

I've had it done twice. The first time, I took two ibuprofen beforehand as instructed, but it felt more or less like a pap - certainly no pain, and no cramping. The second time I didn't bother with the ibuprofen and it was also completely fine. (And I'm a total wimp!) 

 

[ilovemydogs]

I've had it done 4 times. The first time I had fibroid growing into my cervix. They couldn't get the catheter in to complete the test it was so painful, but this is a place that does many of these every day and they had never seen such a bad reaction. The second time I had to be given something to dilate me so they could insert the catheter. The misoprostal made me ill, but the procedure was a piece of cake. After I had my fibroids out, I had two more including one with a blocked tube and neither bothered me at all.

[lunaflame]

I've had this done twice and both times the procedure didn't hurt at all (I didn't even feel the tube going in) but I did take extra strength ibuprofen beforehand as the speculum usually causes me pain.

[pearljam1997]

I've never had that one done but the dye one, just wanted to wish you all the best!