Clomid/HSG test

[sanchia46]

Do any of you lovely ladies have experience of taking clomid or having the HSG test? As me and DH have unexplained fertility our consultant has recommended we try this and try naturally until we save up for our next round of ivf which will most likely be in the summer.

[melsawb82]

Hi sanchia46, yes I know about both! The HSG test is a bit like a smear test - it's basically a dye test that will show if you have any blocked tubes. It's slightly more invasive than a smear, giving period type cramps. I had mine a couple of years ago so my memory is slightly hazy but I think you can take an ibuprofen before the test to help with any effects. You should also take the anti biotics they prescribe you to prevent any infection from the test.

I'm currently on my 9th round of clomid so I know all about that too! The first 3 times I didn't respond, then mixed it with metformin, still nothing.. Had ovarian drilling last Feb, then started taking clomid again and started to ovulate. The second round after this op I fell pregnant but had a very early miscarriage. And ever since then I've been trying with more clomid. If this round doesn't work, I have 2 more, then IVF is the final option.

Anyway, that was a very rambly way to say yes, I do know about clomid and HSG. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have!

[sanchia46 in reply to melsawb82]

Ahh thanks what you said is clear.

[Danismithy]

Hi, ive recently had the HSG test and i got told to take strong pain killers but OMG was I shocked! I felt horrific cramps!! The doctor said at the time that my tubes were contracting, ive never felt pain like it if im honest and i have bad peroid cramps monthly but everyone is different. I got told this week that my tubes are blocked & thats maybe why it hurt so much the HSG and il be going through IVF which im still trying to process as im only young.. If you have the test just relax, its not a long process really and goodluck

[sanchia46 in reply to Danismithy]

Yes I’ve heard that if your tubes are blocked the pain is worse

[sanchia46 in reply to Danismithy]

And I would recommend you start ivf sooner rather than later as the younger you are the better your chances

[sammejayne in reply to sanchia46]

Hi I had hsg found it terribly painful but my tubes were clear. I’ve also done 4 months of clomid which were unsuccessful. I also have unexplained infertility x

[Hidden]

I think I read you have endo? If yes, would they do a lap? Surely that would give you the best chance of conception naturally if they can treat, do the dye test at the same time and immediately follow with lots of sex for 6 months?

I know endo doesn’t preclude conception naturally but it does make it more tricky - I was mild-moderate before lap, tried 6 months naturally following this and then was given Clomid for 4 months and nada.

The doc that did my D&C (around 17 months post lap and following a fresh IVF cycle felt a nodule which suggests it’s come back. I’m not going to get further treatment for it unless I plan to go back to natural trying as I suffer no pain (thankfully).

Maybe I’m tarnished in my view because Clomid didn’t work for me, but if endo is the issue I’m just not sure how Clomid would help unless you don’t always ovulate naturally each month also? That is typically why it is prescribed. In which case it makes absolute sense to take it.

I personally feel like it’s a cheap easy way for doctors to humour us ladies struggling to conceive. As someone that ovulates, other than forcing growth of two rather than one mature follicle (by upping the dose), looking back I now question why I was given it.

I hope you don’t think I am pouring cold water on what they have suggested! I just think before taking it you might want to challenge the rationale for it against your personal fertility circumstances. There are small risks of taking it (like all fertility drugs) which is why doctors typically limit use to 6 months max.

Good luck with whatever steps you chose to take next and I hope my understanding of this drug and it’s relative merits have helped in some way.

[sanchia46 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for this not harsh at all. I had an initial lap but they said the endo was too friable and it was just a general gyne. I then went to an endo specialist Centre and they offered a fairly major op which would involve me wearing a catheter for a while as the endo is very near to my bowel. I told them I would think about it. Unfortunately I know someone that had a similar op to that and now has to wear a catheter for life so that put me off. I do know people that have had success on Clomid but I fully understand that it may do nothing for me. That’s why I’ll be trying it whilst saving up for my next round of ivf in the summer. Wishing you all the best x

[Hidden in reply to sanchia46]

Well I wish you all the best. Even after treatment for it I was (and clearly am still) naive to how invasive and challenging endo is to manage / treat. It’s such a horrible condition due to the pain it causes many (I now realise how lucky I am I don’t have to deal with that), but also the negative impacts it can have on the ability to conceive.

You never know, hopefully you are one of the lucky ones that with stronger / multiple egg release at ovulation results in a BFP. I hope so!

[KatVonB]

Hi

I had a HSG; it was like very bad period cramps. In fact I squeezed the hell out the nurses hands! Bless her she was good!

I then, upon advice on here and other forums, followed the procedure by having intercourse the day after. I dont know if it was the HSG, the fact i was newly diagnosed with Hypothyroidism and had been takin meds for 2 weeks or what but i fell pregnant straight away.

I would always say be positive and never lose hope ☺️ i pray each of you ladies trying for a baby gets the opportunity to be pregnant and have your bundle of joy. Much love to you all 😘😘😘😘

[sanchia46 in reply to KatVonB]

Thanks for the advice about sex the next day. I will try that!