I hesitate to ask this as I realise everyone has different experiences and pain thresholds, but I can’t see much on here about having a 3D SIS and interested to canvas opinion...
I’ll have my first FET later this summer and my clinic does the 3D SIS as standard along with a dummy transfer run in the prep month. Never had one before, and wondered how uncomfortable it is ? I could request a hysteroscopy under sedation instead if I wanted, but it’s a lot more expensive of course. However if it saved me trauma I might consider it ! I’ve been through a fair bit with three back to back batching cycles this year and feeling v fragile.
Also occurred to be if I did the hysteroscopy option they might just remove any problems they found while they were there too - although that might be my ignorance, perhaps they couldn’t there and then and I’d have to go through the whole process again for that anyway?
Have had four fresh transfers previously, (only one successful but resulted in miscarriage) and not struggled with discomfort with the transfer process before, or with regular scans.
Thanks guys
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Sorry to say, I found the 3D SIS horrendous - probably the most painful thing I have experienced during IVF. I would go as far as to say I found it pretty traumatic, but I think that had a lot to do with how my clinic handled it. The procedure (including its value) hadn't been explained to me in advance (nor alternative options given), and I wasn't warned about how uncomfortable it could be, meaning that I just wasn't expecting that level of pain. Literally just before the procedure, the lady performing it told me that I might feel AF like cramps. Its fair to say that I have never experienced AF cramps like that in my life! The lady performing the procedure was also quite stern/not warm, and made me feel like an idiot for finding the whole thing awful.
Don't mean to put you off - it sounds like you are much better informed than I was. Hopefully others have had a more positive experience.
So sorry to hear that it was like that for you, the last thing you need during an already stressful process is a shock and unexpected pain and lack of compassion. Did the pain/process last very long? I’m not really sure why I was suspicious, I think I’ve just learnt to be a bit cynical and in self protection mode at the moment! Maybe it is worth spending the extra money, getting sedated and having the more thorough procedure... You would say in retrospect ?I just wanted to see what people had experienced in case I was making a mountain out of a mole hill and it was kind of a step or two up from a transfer on the discomfort level... But it sounds more than that. Well done for getting through it!
The process didn't take very long at all - and the pain (which I would describe as intense cramping) didn't last for more than about 30 seconds. I think it wouldn't have been so bad if I had been expecting it and mentally prepared myself. It was the shock of it for me. So please don't just rely on my experience.
I couldn't comment on the hysteroscopy (as an alternative option) as I just don't know enough about it. But I certainly wont be opting for a 3D SIS again.
I just had a hysteroscopy but had it under GA. It was fine. Didn’t even hurt afterwards tbh. Had a tiny bit of bleeding afterwards but not much. If they find polyps or scar tissue/adhesions during the procedure they deal with it there and then and remove them. They also do a biopsy. Haven’t had a 3D Sis but from what I know hysteroscopy is more diagnostic and thorough. But not an expert on any of it…
Hello, thanks for replying, v glad you’re feeling okay after it. Was it fairly quick? And kind of like going in for an egg collection ?I hope you don’t mind me asking, but did you have that for purely exploratory reasons, just to check nothing was up ? There’s no indication with me they will find anything, it seems it’s just standard to check everyone at this clinic which seems sensible. Which is why I guess they offer the simpler 3d sis as a first option.
It’s a 20 min ish procedure but because you have general it’s a bit more involved time wise and they want to monitor you longer than for EC. I had it to rule out scar tissue but mainly for my own peace of mind. The consultant did not think they would find anything and they didn’t. We already knew about the mild endometriosis and mild adenomyosis x
Thanks Katie glad all went well with it and really hope next steps go ok. Just looked at some of your past posts and see we are in a similar boat. I’m 41 with 4 blastocysts in the freezer, also decided not to test them in the end, and I’ll be doing my first FET later in the year, two at a time. Just taking a break after three batching rounds which really knocked the stuffing out of me ! Can’t quite face the next stage yet.
Hi.I’ve had both done. No GA for a hysteroscopy. As mentioned above I also had an intense cramping sensation but for a few seconds only. I was advised to take pain relief beforehand which I think helped plus I find deep breathing quite helpful. Unfortunately I have been through several surgeries for other things so might be used to pain!
Hello, sorry to hear you’ve have a rough ride with surgeries. Thanks for replying. Surprised you had the hysteroscopy without anything - I think it would be with sedation if I opted for it with my clinic. Which is the only reason I’d opt for it rather than the SIS as it’s a lot more expensive and there might be no need for me to have it if they don’t find anything. You found the SIS ok bar a few seconds then ? That would be the simpler and cheaper option for me as long as it’s not going to be too terrible ! It sounds like some pain relief before and a bit of forewarning helps...
Hi there! I know you posted this a few days ago so you may have already made your choice.
I had a 3D SIS about two weeks ago. I chose that over a general anaesthetic for a hysteroscopy.
It was completely fine pain wise. Literally a couple of seconds of cramping when they fill your uterus with saline. Definitely less intense than bad period cramps - for me, anyway. It was absolutely no biggie.
It was awkward/uncomfortable, though, like all of these things. A huge spotlight aimed directly between your legs, up to your cervix. A massive speculum, which is the part I always hate the most.
Good luck! If you chose the SIS, you’ll be fine. Have some paracetamol an hour before and deep breathing when the saline goes in. Ask them to tell you before they inject the saline so you are completely prepared. xx
That’s so helpful thank you, not too late at all as I’m delaying transfer for a couple of months, just doing some research. Great to know a few experiences.
I had a 3D SIS scan earlier this year and I found it slightly uncomfortable but certainly not painful. I'd say it's no more uncomfortable than having a smear test. However, I'm sure there are differences depending on the skill and experience of the person doing the 3D SIS.
I've never had a hysteroscopy, but my understanding is that if something is seen on the 3D SIS that may warrant further investigation that this may be followed up with a hysteroscopy. Different clinics and doctors will have different ideas on this though.
Hope that's helpful and all the best with whatever you decide!
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