Do fertility tests hurt?

Fertility testing doesn't have to be painful—and it shouldn't be. An HSG is a short outpatient procedure and performed in our office. Most women only have mild cramping during an HSG.

How can I make my HSG test less painful?

Take over-the-counter medicine for pain an hour before your procedure. Take antibiotics beforehand to prevent infection.

Why is HSG test painful?

The majority of women regard a hysterosalpingogram as acutely painful because it involves placement of a cervical tenaculum, traction on the cervix, instillation of dye through a cervical cannula and tubal spilling (10).

How long does pain last after HSG test?

An HSG usually causes mild or moderate uterine cramping for about 5-10 minutes. However, some women may experience cramps for several hours. These symptoms can be greatly reduced by taking medications used for menstrual cramps before the procedure or when they occur.

How do I relax for HSG test?

You will be instructed to take some ibuprofen pre-procedure which will make the whole event more tolerable. Next, if you tense up, it is harder to insert the speculum and harder to get the instruments in the right position – so breathe. A few slow, deep breaths can go a long way in relaxing you and your muscles!

How do fertility tests work and do they hurt?

Do they numb you for an HSG test?

During Your Exam

The cervix may be numbed. A catheter is then guided through the cervix and into the uterus. The radiologist will position the X-ray machine over your abdomen and contrast dye is injected through the catheter. The dye may stretch the uterus and tubes, which could cause cramps or pain.

Do they dilate your cervix for HSG?

During HSG

cases, the cervix is first dilated to widen the cervical opening.

How many people get pregnant after HSG test?

Studies have shown that there is up to 30% increased pregnancy rates for the first 3 months after an HSG for couples with unexplained infertility. It is presumed that the dye itself flushes out debris (also known as “tubal goo”) and if that was all that was preventing pregnancy, you conceive within 3 months.

Can I drive after HSG test?

In some cases, you also may receive an antibiotic for you to take before HSG. Most people can drive themselves home after having HSG. But you may not feel well after the procedure, so you may want to make arrangements for someone to drive you home.

Can an HSG test damage uterus?

There is a small chance of damaging or puncturing the uterus or fallopian tubes during the test. There is a small chance of an allergic reaction to the iodine X-ray dye.

How long do you bleed after HSG test?

Vaginal spotting commonly occurs for 1 to 2 days after HSG. Unless otherwise instructed, you should notify your doctor if you experience heavy bleeding after HSG.

How do you prepare for an HSG test?

Can HSG cause miscarriage?

Although there have been several reports on the normal outcome in such cases (1-7), the potential concerns are teratogenic risks, miscarriage and displacement of the fertilized ovum (ectopic pregnancy,) due to the side-effect of the flushing effect of contrast media (3).

What should you not do before an HSG?

Before The HSG

A day or two before the exam, avoid sexual intercourse, stop using creams or other vaginal medications, and avoid douching. You may take over-the-counter pain medications a few hours before the test. No food or liquids for 2 hours prior to the procedure.

What are the disadvantages of HSG test?

What Are the Risks? HSG is relatively safe, but all procedures have risks. You may have problems if you have an allergic reaction to the dye in the fluid. Pelvic infection or injury to your uterus are also possible.

Is there painless HSG?

With the help of Nitronox (an inhalation analgesia that's often used in dental procedures), we can schedule you a pain-free HSG from the start.

What is the 10 day rule in HSG?

What is the 10-day rule? The 10-day rule was established by the International Commission on Radiological Protection to minimize the potential for performing x-ray exams on pregnant women. The basis of the rule was to do abdominal and pelvic x-ray exams only during the 10 days following the onset of menstruation.

What does HSG test feel like?

During an HSG, you may feel cramping due to the stretching of the fallopian tubes, uterine distention (when it's enlarged from internal pressure), or pressure from the balloon. This cramping usually lasts for about 5-10 minutes after the procedure but can sometimes be felt for several hours afterwards.

Is HSG covered by insurance?

Is an HSG test covered by insurance? It can be, but it depends on your policy. Many insurance plans cover fertility diagnostics and treatment, but they can vary. If you're unsure about your coverage, call your insurance carrier to find out what they'll pay for.

Can HSG damage eggs?

The X-rays are not expected to damage the egg because before ovulation the egg is in a state of maturation arrest, which is unlikely to be damaged by X-rays. In addition, the amount of radiation exposure from a single HSG is so small that this dose of radiation is unlikely to adversely affect even a growing fetus.

What precautions should be taken after HSG test?

After the test, you may continue to have cramps similar to those experienced during a menstrual cycle. You may also experience vaginal discharge or slight vaginal bleeding. You should use a pad instead of a tampon to avoid infection during this time. Some women also experience dizziness and nausea after the test.

Can HSG cause birth defects?

As with x-rays, there is a small exposure to radiation. In large amounts, exposure to radiation can cause cancers or (in pregnant women) birth defects. The amount of radiation from a hysterosalpingogram is too small to be likely to cause any harm.

Why do you need a full bladder for HSG?

Having a full bladder prior to the procedure can often make catheter insertion much easier and less painful. The fullness acts to distend the bladder, which pushes the uterus into a straight position rather than a curved position in many patients.

Can I go to work after HSG test?

After the test you will notice that you are a little sticky from the x-ray dye. You should be able to go home shortly after the HSG but you should be accompanied. You may want to go back to work in the afternoon, but see how you feel after the HSG.

What hurts more hysteroscopy or HSG?

CONCLUSION: These results show hysteroscopy has higher expected and actual pain perception compared to HSG. Interestingly, hysteroscopy patients recovered quicker than HSG patients. However, by 5 minutes this difference dissipated. Ongoing research will examine risk factors that are associated with higher pain scores.