HSG EXAM

After our first appointment with the OBGYN doctor, my husband and I took the next steps to determine why we weren’t getting pregnant. For me, that included getting a Hysterosalpingogram done. The purpose of this exam was to make sure that one of my tubes was not blocked. If a tube is blocked, this prevents the egg from being released, which prevents fertilization from being able to occur, which prevents one from being able to become pregnant. Our doctor also said that, often times, even when the test comes back normal, many couples become pregnant soon after the exam. This is believed to be due to there being a small blockage and the test clearing it without them even knowing it was there.

                  We had to wait until my next period started and then go in three to five days after for the exam. This was to ensure that there was no possible way that I was pregnant. Prior to the exam, I did some research, which of course freaked me out. People talk about it being pretty painful and causing a lot of bleeding, plus doctor stuff naturally terrifies me!

Here was my experience with the exam:

                  Upon arrival, I was very anxious and nervous. I couldn’t stop the tears from streaming down my face as I waited for them to begin. As it turned out, it really wasn’t worth stressing out that much over. For the exam, I had to remove my clothing from the waist down and lay on a flat table so that they could take an X-ray of my uterus and fallopian tubes. The most uncomfortable part was the dye as they had to clamp open the cervix and then run a small tube containing the dye into the uterus. The dye was then squirted into each tube to ensure that it could run freely through, indicating that there was no blockage on either side. I was able to watch as the dye moved through. During this time, there was a little bit of uncomfortable pressure, but nothing too intense. It was pretty quick and the doctor told me my results right away, which I was so grateful for. Fortunately, both of my tubes were open, although, one side was a little difficult at first. Overall, everything looked good and normal! Afterward, I had light bleeding for a couple of days, but no other major side effects.

                  Overall, the HSG exam wasn’t too bad. We later found out that we would have had to do it, or something similar, prior to being able to pursue IVF anyway so I’m glad we got it done and out of the way!

-Shauni