• Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS
  • Twitter
My Women Stuff
  • About Me »
    • Contact Me
      • For PR
  • Budget Beauty »
    • Save & Splurge
  • Makeup »
    • Eyes »
      • Brow pencil
      • Mascara
      • Eyeshadow
      • Eyeliner
    • Face »
      • BB Cream
      • Blush
      • Bronzer
      • CC Cream
      • Concealer
      • Foundation »
        • Cream Foundation
        • Liquid Foundation
        • Cushion Foundation
      • Highlighter
      • Loose Powder
    • Lips »
      • Lip Gloss
      • Lipstick
      • Lipbalm
    • Makeup Brushes
  • Skincare »
    • Cleanser »
      • Cleansing Balm
      • Cleansing Cream
      • Cleansing Gel
      • Cleansing Milk
      • Cleansing Oil
      • Cleansing Water
      • Makeup Remover
    • Mask
    • Moisturiser
    • Scrubs
    • Serum »
      • Vitamin C
      • Retinol
    • Sunscreen
    • Toner/Lotion
    • Treatment »
      • Acne
      • Anti-Aging
      • Brightening/Whitening
      • Hydrating
    • Bath & Body »
      • Body Lotion
      • Body oil
      • Hair
      • Shower Gel
    • Facial Oils
  • Tips »
    • Tips & Discussions
    • Blogging Tips
  • Lifestyle »
    • Cooking at Chez PB
    • Beauty Services »
      • Hair Salon
      • Facial
      • Spa
    • Fashion »
      • Bags
      • Jewellery
      • Shoes
    • Home
  • Brands
  • Product Reviews
    • Beauty hor d’oeuvres
  • Blog
Home » Health » Women Issues: First hand experience of a Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)

Women Issues: First hand experience of a Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)

January 12, 2011 Paris B 27 Comments

MWS is about ‘women stuff’ and one such ‘stuff’ is that of health issues including issues women have with their uterus or fibroids. This is a guest post by Marymoo* who underwent a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) and offered to share her tale with all readers. It might help someone who is searching for information on it.

The hysterosalpingogram (HSG) procedure
  • Save

A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is a long word and a medical procedure you hope never to go through! Unfortunately, it is the best way to check if the ol’ tubing inside is clear or whether you have any fibroids or stuff that should not be there.

What is the hysterosalpingogram (HSG)?

The HSG is essentially an X-ray of your Fallopian tubes and uterus to ensure everything is clear and working as they should, and is also a test for female fertility potential. If the doctor suspects that a Fallopian tube may be blocked, or if they suspect fibroids they may prescribe this produce. For those who have been prescribed it, here’s a first hand account of what to expect and how I survived the HSG! 🙂

My HSG Experience

Your HSG will be done by the X-ray department or diagnostic imaging unit. You’ll be asked to change into a surgical gown, remove your clothing on your lower half (but keep your upper half clothing on!) and led into an X-ray room with a bed. You’ll be asked to lie down with your legs propped up. Like all gynecological examinations, be prepared to have doctors working on your nether regions!

Remind your doctor to be gentle! I did and he was really quite nice, pausing often to check if I was okay. Pleasant nurses make a huge difference too and some even offer to hold your hand if it is your first time.

A speculum will be inserted after swabbing you down, similar to a Pap smear, which does hurt quite a bit! *ouch* What is most disconcerting is to hear the doctor screwing it into place so it doesn’t move! That doesn’t hurt though.

Once that is in, a small thin rubber tube is inserted into the cervix so a contrast dye can be inserted through the tube to show up on the X-ray. The doctor removes the speculum at this stage and it is actually a lot more comfortable then.

The dye goes in with quite a bit of discomfort. Think monthly period cramps and it is similar – sometimes worse, sometimes better depending on your pain threshold. You may be then asked to turn on your right or left for different X-ray positions and the doctor may inject in more dye to improve the contrast or to flush out any minor blockages they see. Usually that comes with stronger cramps and can be pretty uncomfortable or painful even. Try taking your mind off by watching the X-rays on the screen. It does look rather interesting!

The procedure is over within 15 to 20 minutes. It may take longer if you have blocked tubes. The doctor will remove the tube (no more pain) and you’ll be asked to lie down on the table for a while. You will then be asked to sit in a waiting area for observation before you are allowed to leave. After the procedure, you will still continue to experience some cramping and spotting which is apparently normal. The nurses may give you a panty liner or sanitary napkin for the dye and any spotting. However, if you have heavy bleeding or bad cramps, do go back to see your doctor.

Pain will actually vary from woman to woman but most people will feel that cramping sensation. You will survive to tell the tale! So if you have been recommended to do the HSG test, remember to breathe deeply and try to focus on something else while it is being done. I had a little boy crying and screaming in the next room as he came out from his anaesthethia which provided a pretty good distraction in a warped way! 😛

If you have a similar story to share or if you have undergone the HSG and want to tell us how it went for you, please do share in the comments. Or if you have a women’s health issue you’d like to share with readers, please feel free to drop me an email and we’ll take it from there 🙂

Paris B

This is a guest post by Marymoo* who decided to share her personal experience with a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) with readers so we are all better informed.

* names changed to protect privacy

Was this helpful? Tell your friends!

0 Shares
  • Facebook 0
  • Twitter
27 Insightful comments ... Read or JOIN THE DISCUSSION

YOU MAY FIND THESE THESE POSTS HELPFUL TOO!

About Paris B

Paris B is a 40-something beauty and skincare enthusiast with a practical and very critical view of beauty products and the world of beauty. Her mission on My Women Stuff is to deliver clear, honest reviews and facilitate discussions about beauty trends and life, tempered with a healthy dose of humour. Let the buyer's remorse be ours not yours! When not testing the newest skincare creams and lotions, or playing with makeup, find her testing her culinary skills in the kitchen at Chez PB. Read more about us here or leave a comment below or connect with us on social media at Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!

PREVIOUS POST: Your Say: Would you disclose personal information on the phone to someone who says they are from a bank?
NEXT POST: Spa Visit : Khareyana Spa, Petaling Jaya

27 comments ... Read or JOIN THE DISCUSSION

  1. LeGeeque says

    January 12, 2011 at 8:46 am

    Thanks for sharing and it’s my fault for getting queasy reading this over lunch.

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      January 12, 2011 at 10:55 am

      Haha! There sure is a lot of info in there isn’t there 😛

      Reply
  2. Isabel says

    January 12, 2011 at 9:21 am

    Thanks Marymoo for the write up and Paris for sharing it. It makes a lot of difference to know what to expect before going for a procedure.

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      January 12, 2011 at 10:55 am

      You’re welcome! I appreciated the info too… and I hope never to undergo it >.<

      Reply
  3. Natalie says

    January 12, 2011 at 9:21 am

    Thanks for the story too.. Oh my gosh, my poor heart pumped really hard reading this (and it is still going!)

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      January 12, 2011 at 10:55 am

      Imagine people poking around your insides. Eeks!

      Reply
      • Natalie says

        January 12, 2011 at 11:05 am

        Yes.. I heard colonoscopy isn’t pleasant either! And no, I don’t expect you to undergo the procedure, just for the curious readers :p

        Reply
        • ParisB says

          January 12, 2011 at 11:09 am

          LOL!! No I will not just for the sake of investigative journalism >.< BUT if anyone has undergone it, I'd love to publish their story! 😀

          Reply
  4. Jessica says

    January 12, 2011 at 10:10 am

    Thanks for sharing! Very informative

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      January 12, 2011 at 10:56 am

      You’re welcome 🙂 I thought it was very interesting and informative too 🙂

      Reply
  5. Hanny says

    January 12, 2011 at 10:44 am

    Eeeks!! Thanks for the info!!

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      January 12, 2011 at 10:56 am

      Hope never to undergo it eh?

      Reply
  6. mrsdjones says

    January 12, 2011 at 11:25 am

    Thanks for sharing! Now I know what really happened when ppl undergo HSG.

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      January 12, 2011 at 4:33 pm

      Had you heard of it before? I hadn’t till told by Marymoo!

      Reply
      • mrsdjones says

        January 13, 2011 at 5:32 pm

        I have a friend with very bad period pain and it is suspected due to the fibroids. After HSG, it is confirmed then she undergo a minor surgery. I heard there’s a possibility that the fibroid will come back 🙁 so terrible.

        Reply
  7. Tine says

    January 12, 2011 at 11:40 am

    Thanks for sharing, Marymoo. I literally crossed my legs when I read the details of the procedure 😛

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      January 12, 2011 at 4:33 pm

      Haha… that “screwing it in place” bit really made me cringe

      Reply
  8. yuki says

    January 12, 2011 at 12:07 pm

    Interesting… Very nice of her to share her story~~~

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      January 12, 2011 at 4:34 pm

      Yup! Would be great to hear from anyone else with a story to share 🙂

      Reply
  9. Shay says

    January 12, 2011 at 12:25 pm

    I felt nauseous reading this. :#

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      January 12, 2011 at 4:35 pm

      haha… I only really cringed at the “screwing it in place” bit. The rest sounded a bit like the pap smear I’d gone for before.

      Reply
  10. Mari Ohira says

    January 12, 2011 at 6:01 pm

    God, I hate this kind of proceure! *Shivers* Hey, “Marymoo” does remind me of something… that cute product line from my country. 😉

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      January 13, 2011 at 2:58 pm

      LOL! Yes Marymoo does sound a little like that product you showed me 😀

      Reply
  11. Ting says

    January 12, 2011 at 7:42 pm

    Hi.. Thanks for sharing.. it reminds me of the pap smear i did and the doctor i went.. It was so shocked to find out i have a non-cancerous cyst in one of my ovary, now i shivers whenever this kind of info come to me.. but i do hope all female friends get themselves checked by trusted gynae if your body feels different from usual.. Prevent is always better than cure..

    Reply
    • ParisB says

      January 13, 2011 at 2:58 pm

      Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
  12. cosmocrazewoman says

    January 14, 2011 at 10:39 pm

    I’m suppose to go for this test… but i’m scared to death of the pain… I have very little pain tolerant… blood test itself is very agonising for me… I don’t think I can endure this…

    Reply
  13. Lisa Arnerich says

    January 19, 2011 at 6:20 am

    Thank you for sharing your experience! I just got home from my HSG and have to say it is not a pleasant experience at all! I had severe cramping throughout the entire procedure. The lab techs told me to take 600 mg of Midol and to ask for a sedative from my doctor before the test. Well, my doctor felt the sedative was not necessary! She was wrong! Fortunately, I had a Vicodin from a previous dental procedure. I decided to take half of that before I went in along with the Midol. I wish I had taken the entire Vicodin pill! I thought I had a high pain tolerance. I guess not. The doctor did say she had trouble with the left side so this might be the reason why it was so painful. I get my results in a few days. We shall see! It will be all worth it when I finally do get pregnant and carry to term!
    I had to post because I read many blogs before going into the procedure that said the test was not that painful. I wanted to share just to prepare women for the worst. As you said though, you will survive!

    Reply

Comment Policy:At MWS we love reading your comments. However, if you are new to leaving comments you may benefit from reading the comment policy first.

What's your view? Share it! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

My Women Stuff by Paris B

Welcome to My Women Stuff, a beauty blog based in Malaysia, written by veteran blogger, Paris B. What you can expect is honesty, critical views & a healthy dose of shared life lessons sprinkled amongst beauty product reviews. What you shouldn't expect is a page filled with unnecessary narcissistic photos. MWS is a blog for those who love to read, because we love to write! Read More about MWS and Paris B

Subscribe for weekly updates of all published content

BEAUTY & LIFE TIPS

beagle looking at a biscuit with 2023 on the bottom

2023 – Be Focused, Be Disciplined and Be Kind

2022 recap

Looking back to see if there was more laughter than tears this past year

skincare empty bottles

The Empties Edition: Discovering a really nice hydrating serum amidst the empty bottles

I tell stories on Instagram @parisbmws

For my anti-aging skincare routine, I’ve worked For my anti-aging skincare routine, I’ve worked out my 3 pillars - the foundation of my skincare routine. Read on the blog mywomenstuff.com It isn’t about what product I use. It’s what in it 😉

#parisbmws #skincareblogger #skincareblog #antiagingskincare #over40blogger #over40skincare
Done with your vote? Not sure what to do the rest Done with your vote? Not sure what to do the rest of the day? Go read my post about #sundayriley A+ High Dose Retinoid Serum 😜 mywomenstuff.com

#parisbmws #sundayrileyretinoidserum #sundayrileyaplus #retinoidserum #retinol #sephora #sephoramy #sundayrileymalaysia #antiaging #antiagingskincare
The best thing I’ve bought in recent times! Chec The best thing I’ve bought in recent times! Check out the #uniqlo Mini Round Shoulder Bag! mywomenstuff.com 😍

#uniqlomalaysia #parisbmws #uniqloroundminishoulderbag #uniqlodumplingbag #uniqlolifewear
Had more than a few people ask me about this @mura Had more than a few people ask me about this @muradskincaremy Vitamin C product so that’s what I wrote about this week! Go to mywomenstuff.com for your weekend read 😊

#parisbmws #muradskincare #muradvitaminc #vitamincserum #murad #muradmalaysia #muradskincaremy
Just got a new preloved bag? Want to clean your le Just got a new preloved bag? Want to clean your leather bags at home? Here’s how I do it! 😊 check the blog mywomenstuff.com 

#parisbmws #vintagebags #leathercleaner #vintagefashion #vintagelouisvuitton
Chatting about preloved designer bags and where I Chatting about preloved designer bags and where I go for the deals on the blog mywomenstuff.com ☺️

#prelovedmalaysia #prelovedbranded #prelovedluxury #prelovedluxurybags #vintagelouisvuitton #vintagedesigner #vintagebags #parisbmws
Join over 10500 followers on Instagram

ABOUT ME · CONTACT ME · DISCLAIMER & COPYRIGHT · PRIVACY · ARCHIVES

© Copyright MY WOMEN STUFF 2007 - 2022 · All Rights Reserved