Hystero…what? A Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) test is probably one of the most – if not THE MOST – talked about infertility test you’ll find on any TTC Forum or website; followed closely by the as common sonohystergram (SHG) test.
It’ll be easier to just refer to them as HSG and SHG tests. I have not had the pleasure (sarcasm…) of experiencing an SHG test, but this past February I did experience having an HSG test performed. First, let me explain what it is. For those who haven’t experienced it an HSG test is a procedure during which a radiologist inserts a catheter into your cervix, inflates a tiny balloon to create a “seal”, and then pushes some contract dye up into your uterus and fallopian tubes while taking x-ray photographs of your midsection. The purpose of this test is to verify that a woman’s uterus is of normal shape, size, and placement as well as to verify the fallopian tubes are present and open to allow an egg to pass into the uterus. That’s the technical explanation of this procedure. However, if you use “hysterosalpingogram” or “HSG Test” as a google query you are going to fall down a rabbit hole of very upsetting and frightening stories of women’s bad experiences with this test.
Honestly, I don’t blame them for spouting off about how absolutely miserable this procedure is. I, personally, think that getting a PAP smear is both awkward and uncomfortable. The thought of someone putting anything up into my uterus makes the hair on my neck stand up. I am here to tell you, however, that I SURVIVED. It was painful – I’m not going to lie – but you know what else is painful? Getting your ears pierced, tattoos, period cramps, slamming your finger in a door, or (oh, I don’t know) giving birth! This is what really helped me get through this test. The thought that I want so badly to be a mother, to experience pregnancy and childbirth with all the pain and agony that comes with it meant that I didn’t have an option to chicken out on this test. So, I did it!
The Negatives:
It’ll be easier to just refer to them as HSG and SHG tests. I have not had the pleasure (sarcasm…) of experiencing an SHG test, but this past February I did experience having an HSG test performed. First, let me explain what it is. For those who haven’t experienced it an HSG test is a procedure during which a radiologist inserts a catheter into your cervix, inflates a tiny balloon to create a “seal”, and then pushes some contract dye up into your uterus and fallopian tubes while taking x-ray photographs of your midsection. The purpose of this test is to verify that a woman’s uterus is of normal shape, size, and placement as well as to verify the fallopian tubes are present and open to allow an egg to pass into the uterus. That’s the technical explanation of this procedure. However, if you use “hysterosalpingogram” or “HSG Test” as a google query you are going to fall down a rabbit hole of very upsetting and frightening stories of women’s bad experiences with this test.
Honestly, I don’t blame them for spouting off about how absolutely miserable this procedure is. I, personally, think that getting a PAP smear is both awkward and uncomfortable. The thought of someone putting anything up into my uterus makes the hair on my neck stand up. I am here to tell you, however, that I SURVIVED. It was painful – I’m not going to lie – but you know what else is painful? Getting your ears pierced, tattoos, period cramps, slamming your finger in a door, or (oh, I don’t know) giving birth! This is what really helped me get through this test. The thought that I want so badly to be a mother, to experience pregnancy and childbirth with all the pain and agony that comes with it meant that I didn’t have an option to chicken out on this test. So, I did it!
The Negatives:
- The nurse swept me away, asking my husband to sit in the waiting room, and so I had to go into this whole thing alone which was unnerving.
- The Radiologist performing the procedure had trouble getting the catheter in the right place so there was an extended (uncomfortable) period of poking and pulling.
- The pushing of the contract dye was very uncomfortable/crampy
- Afterwards I was very shaky – I think more from nerves and adrenaline than from the pain.
- I had a very nice nurse who offered to hold my hand during the procedure as I was obviously uncomfortable.
- It took, at most, 10 minutes from start to finish.
- The end result – my uterus looks like a rock star and my tubes are open and ready to go!
- I had no lasting effects except fatigue from the experience for the remainder of the day.