Hysterosalpingogram - Gonna call it the 'Pingu'

[GGW13]

Had my first fertility appointment today. Levels all looked good but they're arranging an up to date AMH test as well as a Hysterosalpingogram.

SO...

I have read many different things online. I like to have all of the information/examples I can so that I feel prepared. If anyone has any experience with this procedure - the good, the bad, and the ugly, I'd be grateful to read some from those of you comfortable enough to share.

*smiles with mild terror* :')

G x

[Darcy1996]

hi there, I bet you’re really excited & nervous equally to be starting your appointments! I had my “pingu” (!) about a year ago and the team around me (all NHS), were so so nice. It was uncomfortable in terms of pressure but honestly after years of smears & 1 internal scans before that point, it was honestly fine. A nurse chatted to me throughout & I wanted to see what they were doing/seeing.

It took a few weeks for them to write up the results but they also told me what they’d seen there & then to put mind at rest. I’m pretty sure there was an antibiotic too but yep, all bearable. Good luck!

[GGW13 in reply to Darcy1996]

Oh Darcy1996, you have already put my mind at ease. I’ve had experience with LEEPs for precancerous cells and IUD insertion and removal so I’m guessing I might be okay. The world seems to love doing gnarly procedures on women minus pain relief! Thank you so much for taking the time to reply 💜

[Darcy1996 in reply to GGW13]

Not at all. I’m walking to my “fertility acupuncture” atm and slightly smirking at my nerves for a few needles, when in the last year/18mths I’ve had 4 or 5 internal scans, a “pingu” 🤣, 2 biopsies and a hysteroscopy! And judging by your list, you’ve had your fair share, you’ll be grand! The worst part for me was the exposure, there’s just no dignity is there 🙈🤣

[Tamaa]

Hello. I had my HSG about 2.5 years back, with NHS. Similar to Darcy1996, it does have the pressure feeling/mild discomfort with it as it's a dye that gets injected, so you can imagine. Overall I had a good experience.I have never had an IUD placed, but I can imagine the sensations wouldn't be too different.

Good luck! 😊

p.s. I have performed 100s of HSGs on others, so if you have any questions, please feel free to DM.

[GGW13 in reply to Tamaa]

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply Tamara 💜

[Yuki33]

Hi! I had my hsg last month. Delayed it for months as I was freaking out about it. But I can honestly say I worried about nothing. The procedure was so quick and the nurses could tell how nervous I was but they explained everything and really put my mind at ease. It is a bit uncomfortable for a few seconds but it's over before you know it and definitely had worse with internal scans etc. Good luck with everything! X

[GGW13 in reply to Yuki33]

This has really put my mind at ease. Thank you for taking the time to reply Yuki 💜

[Millbanks]

Hi lovely,

I have a slightly different opinion which is that mine was horrid! I don't know if I just have a low pain threshold but when they injected the dye it felt like lava. I was sick on the way home as I think my body went in to shock.

However if you take a couple of paracetamol before it does take the edge off. And since then I have had an ERA uterine biopsy and a 3D SIS scan (where they push liquid in to your womb so it's clearer to scan) and although both were uncomfortable I made it through a lot better!

I'm sure you'll boss it!

Good luck xxx

[GGW13 in reply to Millbanks]

Thank you so much for replying. It’s always good to understand all experiences and I appreciate you taking the time to reply. Sounded like a horrible experience for you!

[Millbanks in reply to GGW13]

To be fair I am a bit of a wuss with pain - it was also right at the beginning of my IVF journey and I was not in a good place. I'm sure you will be fine xx