Questions about HyCoSy procedure

[sarah469]

Hello! So I have been referred for a HyCoSy after our first fertility appointment back in October. I know I need to get a chlamydia test first and not have sex the cycle in which I have the scan.

Need to get on and book it really. The whole thing scares me quite a bit so I have been putting it off, so I have some questions for anyone who has been through it please:

1) I understand first they do an overall scan to look at your ovaries, then do the ink and another scan? Is that right?

2) Is the scan on your tummy or intra-vaginal (sp?!) I know early pregnancy scans are the latter so I am not sure what to expect.

3) How much did it hurt? I am worried it will really hurt as I'm assuming they have to push the tube with the ink through the cervix?

4) Cramping after - I know what I'm like (hypochondriac) and I know I will automatically think I have a uterus infection and panic, did you have cramping after and how long did it last for you?

5) And a COVID question - I know this is to ask the hospital anyway, but am I right to assume my husband probably can't come with me for moral support?

[XOXO13]

Hey Sarah,

I had a HyCoSy before Christmas and it wasn’t as scary as I had built it up to be in my head.. promise!

It’s uncomfortable for sure, and there’s a little bit of pain but it soon passes and it’s over and done with in like 20 mins - although I think my consultant said I was her quickest procedure. She said it’s usually up to 45 minutes. She put spa music on to help me relax!! But I won’t lie - nothing helped me relax other than to close my eyes and remind myself that it’s for a greater cause!

Have you had a smear test before? It kinda felt like that. Yes it’s intra-vaginal as well. I didn’t feel the liquid go through but I could see it on the scan image. The most painful but was actually opening the cervix with the tube but then it was okay.

That was my experience of it anyway .. I didn’t experience much cramping after, very mild but didn’t need pain relief or anything. You’re prescribed an anti-biotic that you’ll be given to take straight away (or at least I was) incase of infection.

Good luck to you, try not to worry 🧡 xxx

[sarah469 in reply to XOXO13]

Thank you for replying! Yes, I’ve had two smear test and those were fine. It is the cervix part and risk of infection that scares me really. But as you say, better knowing if there’s anything wrong than continuing TTC in ignorance! Hope your results were ok too but understand that is a personal question, just sending my best wishes! I like the sound of spa music!! Xx

[XOXO13 in reply to sarah469]

They were fine, all clear which was a huge weight of my mind! Best of luck with it xxx

[Sparklylife]

I have had two, slightly different, but seems to have the same aim. First one was absolutely fine! It did not hurt I felt when the catheter was inserted - it is only small. I thought it was easier than a smear to be honest. I took Paracetamol in advance, but did not need any more later on. It felt quite quick for me too, not sure exactly of timing, but it did not feel like a long test at all. I was not put on any antibiotics and was not told needed swab prior. Weird sensation with the contrast stuff, but would not call it pain at all.

Second one was slightly different. It was called a HSG X-ray rather than HyCoSy like the first one I had. So not sure if that is where all the difference came. Maybe the dye they use are different. Second one was after surgery too, so I had some mild scar tissue on one tube, the lady doing the test said it may be due to being post op I felt pain. Cos it was really painful and took me by surprise seeing as my first one was absolutely fine. It took me off guard. Pain settled really quickly after though and that test was quick again.

I think often the fear of the unknown is worse than the actual procedure, but hopefully you should be ok! But of course, pain is an individual experience. I wish you all the best and hope your test is ok! 🤞☺️

[Madamovaries in reply to Sparklylife]

I totally agree with all the above posts. I was really freaking out about it (I have a low pain threshold!) and really embarrassingly started to cry just before it, but it was totally fine. It really helped me that the nurse told me the insertion of the tube was the worst bit. That’s over really quickly near the start. It gets easier from there. The rest is uncomfortable but totally tolerable. It was all over in about 20 mins. Definitely not as long as 45 mins. I actually found IUI worse, which everyone says does not hurt at all!

[PurplePiggie]

I had a HSG which is slightly different as it's x-ray but pretty much the same. I found it was ok, bit painful for me when they put the fluid in as it sometimes causes cramping but it was not as bad as I imagined it would be, I have a low pain threshold! Also it seems pretty standard to have antibiotics after in case of infection so that shouldn't be a problem. Wishing you lots of luck 😘 xx

[Zebedee1971]

I had one last year. I did tense up and it was uncomfortable, I held my other half's hand pretty tightly. It wasn't painful, but definitely wasn't pleasant. The pain after was like period cramps. Deffo take a Paracetamol beforehand. I was glad when it was over but it wasn't horrendous. And... Best way to look at it... If you want a baby you'll have to go through childbirth and that's 100 times worse 😂

[London_Lady1]

The only time there is real pain (I've been told) is if you have a blocked tube. When they send the dye around to flush out the 'debris' if you have a blocked tube it will get stuck and they will stop. Otherwise its just uncomfortable and its weird how you suddenly feel period pain type cramps during but all fine afterwards. Dont worry I'm sure you won't have a blocked tube.

Also something else to mention the process of clearing out the 'debris' yes they use that word and yes I was offended! Is that your natural fertility can increase for a few months afterwards. I was told I had to have the HyCoSy before I ovulated that month so they could also see that a follicle was actually growing. My friend with unexplained fertility got pregnant 2 months after her scan and has a 3 year old now and I got pregnant the next month (miscarried but that's a separate issue).

I was given antibiotics to make sure there was no risk of infection especially if I got pregnant straight away.

Re partner and covid. See what the clinic says. Me and my hubby share all the gross details of life, but as the procedure is internal I preferred to be on my own and get hugs from him afterwards.

See this as a positive thing. Progress is being made. With each test and get another piece of the puzzle and make progress!

Good luck on your journey we are all here for you xxxx

[Sw1234]

Same as others, my Hycosy was fine, bit uncomfortable but didn't hurt. I had mine done in Jan 2020 so before lockdowns and my husband wasn't allowed in. I did bleed old brown blood for a few days after the procedure though. It wasn't anything to worry about but just thought I'd tell you as better to expect it!

[Lapinblanc88]

I read so many scary stories that I was absolutely petrified!!! Usually most of my gynecology app hurt and my embryos transfers have also been very uncomfortable.

.so I took a big dose of ibuprofen and a valium an hour beforehand. I almost didn't feel it! Amazing !! My falopian tubes were not blocked

[Peanutchips]

I was really worried about this procedure but it wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be. It’s a bit uncomfortable, definitely take painkillers beforehand and that should help xx