Are you aware of a hysterosalpingography test? You might be because already you’re in search of knowing whether HSG is painful or not. So, yes! This treatment will be painful and could cause discomfort, HSG causes mild to moderate pain, similar to menstrual cramps, while others may experience short but intense discomfort.
The level of pain varies based on individual sensitivity, underlying conditions, and the body’s response to the dye injection. However, doctors prefer some simple tips to overcome such things during this treatment. This blog gives you a detailed view of the fertility evaluation procedure, HSG tests.
HSG - An Overview
A hysterosalpingogram is an X-ray procedure that helps to view what is inside the uterus and the fallopian tubes. Doctors recommend this treatment for women who struggle to get pregnant and to check whether there is any damage in the fallopian tubes.
This test can show whether the fallopian tubes are partly or fully blocked and to know if the uterus is in a normal size and shape.
What should I expect during an HSG test?
Okay, what will happen in this procedure? What should a woman expect? Understanding the entire test helps you undergo the treatment even more confidently, this is what happens in this treatment.
A hysterosalpingogram is a medical treatment, in which a special dye is injected through the cervix to the uterus. Then an X-ray helps to visualize the shape of the fallopian tubes and the uterus. In this procedure, a woman will be checked for fallopian tube blockages and effectively identify what’s the reason for infertility.
Is this test painful?
One common question for everyone is whether the HSG test is painful or not. To be honest, women will experience pain and cramps after the Hysterosalpingogram. However, it will be mild and bearable, so prepare yourself mentally and emotionally to handle the situation effectively.
You can get the assistance of experienced doctors to manage the discomfort and pain because of this treatment. Here are some tips to manage the pain after the HSG procedure effectively. Therefore, if you’re planning to undergo this procedure, then utilize these tips.
How to manage the discomfort or pain after a Hysterosalpingogram?
Pain Medication
As per the doctor’s consultation, women can take counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, which can provide better relief from cramps.
Relaxation Techniques
Keeping yourself engaged in the relaxation exercises can provide you relief. You can try deep breathing, mindfulness meditation, and other relaxation techniques to ease tension and discomfort. Consider trying these techniques to overcome pain and you can get personalized recommendations from the doctors.
Discussing your anxieties
Considering doctor’s advice is highly important for women undergoing HSG tests. Women can openly discuss their feelings with the specialists as they can reassure them that everything is going to be fine.
Transparency throughout the procedure helps any patient overcome their fears and believe that they can undergo the HSG procedure.
When do you need a Hysterosalpingogram?
In simple words, if you’re infertile or struggling with any pregnancy issues, you might need a Hysterosalpingogram. But, what are some exact reasons to undergo this procedure? Take a glance at them.
Blocked fallopian tubes
As discussed earlier, HSG is predominantly used to identify whether there is any blockage in the fallopian tubes or not. It’s because fallopian tubes are the most important part of the woman’s body, especially for successful fertilization and conception. So, women with a history of issues with conception can undergo this X-ray procedure to witness optimal pregnancy results.
Uterine issues
Just like identifying fallopian tube blockages, HSG is used to view what is inside the uterus. A fertility doctor can use this procedure to detect uterine problems such as abnormal shape, polyps, fibroids, scarring, adhesions, and other foreign objects in the uterus
Pelvic Issues
HSG can effectively identify pelvic issues related to the uterus and fallopian tubes. It may find some abnormal conditions like polyps, which a tissue growth and fistulas, meaning abnormal passage or hole.
What are the possible side effects of a Hysterosalpingogram?
Once the dye is splashed inside the fallopian tubes, the woman undergoing HSG might experience several side effects. And there is a chance for leakage of extra dye solution from the vagina that could also contain sticky discharge and small amounts of blood.
Women could experience cramps, dizziness, stomach upset, nausea, and a small amount of vaginal bleeding for one or two days. Some rare complications include infection, injury to the uterus, and allergic reactions due to the dye solutions. However, this procedure is not a risky issue, so women never want to panic or be afraid of this procedure.
What results can you expect after the test?
After the treatment ends, you can expect what is the exact reason for your infertility. Your healthcare provider will explain everything regarding the upcoming steps to be done in the future. When it is fallopian tube blockage, then you need laparoscopy treatment to remove the blockage and witness optimal pregnancy results.
There are some conditions indicating you must rush to the hospital immediately. So, be aware of them, which include the post-HSG symptoms like fever, chills, fainting, heavy vaginal bleeding, foul-smelling discharge, and severe cramps in the abdomen.
Last Few Words
In the end, this is a valuable procedure for women with blocked fallopian tubes and other fertility issues in the uterus. It may cause mild to moderate discomfort, but the duration and potential benefits outweigh the temporary pain.
Understanding what to expect and knowing the severity of this treatment make it even more manageable.
People also ask
Yes, there is a chance of falling sick after an HSG test and women can experience symptoms like nausea and dizziness. However, these symptoms are temporary. But when you have signs of infections like fever or other then contacting the doctor immediately is very crucial.
According to the studies, there is an increased pregnancy rate after some months of an HSG test (post 5 to 7 months). The flushing effect on the fallopian tubes in the hysterosalpingogram can increase the pregnancy rates after this test. It’s because HSG flushes out the debris or mucus that blocks the fertilization process (meeting sperm and eggs).
Vaginal spotting is very common for 1 to 2 days after the hysterosalpingogram test. Plus, pelvic cramps, discharge, and pain are also quite usual post the hysterosalpingogram test.
