The Dreaded HSG

Hysterosalpingogram, fondly referred to as an HSG. 


A little back tracking. I'm not sure that I've mentioned this, but DH [dear husband] and I have decided to try for children. I know I mentioned the idea previously, but months back we actually decided to try 100%. Dr Chen started me on a 10 day course of Provera which is used to initiate a period, in my case, to freshen up my uterus and get it ready for baby. I started my period 6 days ago.  She also started me on Metformin [850mg, 2x daily]. I started birth control [Apri] on the 5th day of my period [yesterday]. I will be on BC pills for 2-3 months, as most women continue to have semi-regular periods for 1-3 months after stopping BC pills while the medication gets out of their system. This is our hope for me. That my body will continue to work somewhat normally after discontinuing the pills. In addition, I will be starting on Clomid, though I'm not sure the time or the dosage. Clomid is used to induce ovulation.  

L-R:Antibiotic, BC pills, Metformin, Prenatals w/DHA for brain function/development for baby

The Metformin is to my understanding, something I will be taking from here on out in general.  It's also been suggested by many medical journals that it helps in early term miscarriage. Well, helps in lowering the chance of them. Dr Chen said after she heard a heartbeat into my pregnancy, that we'd discontinue the Metformin as it's also unclear if the medication causes a higher rate of birth defects. Oh, and did I mention that Clomid raises the chance of multiple births? Maan.. I'm not going to say I don't want twins because I just want my baby(s) to be healthy, but it would be just my luck that I'd be blessed with two little monsters.


On to the HSG. An HSG needs to be preformed within 6 days (the earlier the better) of your last period. Reason being, they want to make sure you aren't pregnant as I suppose it couldn't be good for the fetus. When Dr prescribed the test, I didn't think too much of it--until she explained it to me.  Essentially, they use a speculum to open your vagina, insert a tube through your vagina and into your cervix. Then, they proceed to fill your uterus with contrast material until the contrast flows out your fallopian tubes.  It's used to get a better picture (many x-rays are taken during this procedure) of your uterus and to clear out your tubes. It's been noticed that a woman who has this test (though it is technically used for diagnostic purposes) have better luck with fertility treatments. 


My uncertainty stemmed from the prescription of antibiotics Dr gave me, and the 800mg of Motrin she told me to take an hour before the test. Apparently, you can get strong contractions (much like birth, I'm told), and a good amount of pain from this test. Oh, great. Then, of course I made the mistake of researching other women's testimonies after their HSG tests. The most common statement I read was, and I quote 'I will NEVER have this test again! NEVER!' end quote. Super!


Well, wish me luck, pray for me, keep me in your thoughts--I'll take what I can get, as my test is this Tuesday.