Seeking Info Prior to Having a Hystersalpino Gram

I had one years ago. If I'm remembering correctly, I took some sort of pain reliever (OTC) prior to having the procedure on the advice of my doctor. I did not find anything leading up to the procedure uncomfortable until the dye was actually injected. In my case, that was painful, but most of the women I've spoken with did not seem to experience this as much. Anyway, it was quick and the discomfort for me was momentary. I went to my office holiday party that evening and was a bit sore for a couple of days, but otherwise ok. Of the 10-15 other women I knew who'd had an HSG, only 1 other described experiencing the level of discomfort I had.

I had one earlier this year. It is not bad, maybe just a little discomfort, cramping. It is over with very quickly. However, please clarify with the center doing the test on whether or not they allow any OTC painkiller or food prior to the test. My referring agency told me I could take Ibuprofen before the test, but I didn't. It was a good thing, because when I arrived, I was told that I would not have been allowed to have the test had I taken the ibuprofen beforehand. I was told the ibuprofen could lead to increased bleeding. Nevertheless, it seems that others have been allowed to take the meds prior to the procedure. Clarify with the center and doctor administering the test just to be sure. Good luck!

I did not experience any pain whatsoever when I had this procedure done a year and a half ago. I took an OTC painkiller before at my OBGYN's instruction. I had some mild cramping afterwards but it was milder than any period cramps I've ever had. Try not to psyche yourself out-- I was very nervous before I had this done and I was basically convincing myself it would hurt because it seemed like a big deal. But it really wasn't. I actually got pregnant two weeks after I had it done too :) Go figure!

Hi N.,
I had one done about 11 years ago before conceiving my son (a 9 yr old now!) Take some Motrin (a big dose, like 3-4 tabs) before your appt. I remember that when the dye was injected, it caused a really bad cramping feeling for a little while, then it dissipated. You have to stay still during the procedure...just breath through it the best you can and know that it only takes a few minutes. I don't remember being sore afterwards...but it was 11 years ago. I know of a few couples that actually got pregnant soon after having one! Best wishes!

It depends. The nurse asked me before the procedure if I have cramping with my period, and I said yes, and she said it was going to hurt. Her take on it was that if you usually have cramping with your period, you will experience cramping with the test. I had taken 800 mg of Advil before the procedure on the recommendation of my doctor and a friend of mine, and I agree that once they injected the dye it was incredibly painful for me. I'd say it was as bad or worse as my labor pains, but much shorter! The pain only lasted for a minute or so while they took the x-rays.