Sonohysterogram?

[shesaidboom]

Hi everyone! My partner and I have been dealing with infertility for several years now. We've been TTC since early 2007. After my last miscarriage we took a break from TTC, but we're ready to get serious again. I have PCOS and do not ovulate regularily or have regular periods. We're going to be seeing a fertility specialist at the end of the month, which is something new to us. In the past, my GP sent me to an endocrinologist who was trying to manage my PCOS and fertility, but I was very unhappy with her so this time we're doing things differently. I'm very nervous, but excited!

In preparation, my doctor sent me for several tests, and my fiance for a sperm analysis. One of the tests I'm to have is a Sonohysterogram, where they inject saline solution into the uterus and fallopian tubes to look for abnormalities and open tubes. Has anyone here had this done? What I have read so far has been a little scary. Any exeperiences or suggestions to share?

Also, what advice would you have for a first time fertility clinic go-er? I'm not really sure what to expect.

[MamatobabyA]

I have had 2 HSG's and a sonohysterogram.  The HSG's were very uncomfortable for me.  Bad cramping and uncomfortable for the rest of the day.  I needed the entire day off work (although, to be fair, I work on my feet for a 12 hour shift). 

The sonohysterogram was much less uncomfortable.  The saline caused very little cramping for me and the whole procedure was less uncomfortable.  Also, an HSG uses dye and the study is done by Xray.  It's an uncomfortable table/position.  The sono is done with ultrasound, which is easier IMHO.  Be aware, though, that a sono only detects uterine abnormalities.  It will not determine the openness of your tubes.

I would take Motrin before you go.  If you don't have to drive yourself, I would get one of those disposable heating pads (Thermacare or Tylenol) and have it in the car waiting for you.  The heat really helped with the discomfort.

I think the best advice for your first appt is to bring SO with you.  You will need another set of ears hearing everything.  Bring something to write with and a pad of paper to write your questions down.  My first appt was over an hour long, so brace yourself for a potentially long appt.  I would be sure to bring all your insurance info and any medical history info with you.

Good Luck!!

[wissa19]

I had an SIS a couple of weeks ago and I didn't have any problems or soreness from it. (not even any cramping).  Be sure to take advil or something before the SIS and take a pad with you as the fluid may leak out later.  I know all these tests are scary, but hang in there.  You're not alone!

[shesaidboom]

Thanks so much for the advice and comforting thoughts. I feel much less nervous about it. Still, I hope there wont be too many more tests like this in my future, or anyone else's!

[monkeyscience]

Yeah, I'd take some sort of OTC pain meds before they do the procedure. You'll have the same basic discomfort that you'd have getting a Pap smear done, plus a little bit of pain with the catheter in your cervix. For me, the worst part was when they injected the saline into my uterus - it was like instant bad menstrual cramps. Did not like. I mean, it didn't cause me to throw up or anything (something that my worst menstrual cramps nearly manage), but it was definitely not a pleasant sensation, and it did last for awhile after the procedure. And, like wissa said, I was leaky afterwards. Didn't anticipate that. So overall, not something I would do again just for the heck of it, but not something to be terrified of, either. Also, while they can't directly judge if your tubes are open with this procedure, my nurse did say that she could see the fluid accumulate behind my uterus, which meant that at least one of my tubes was open to let it out.