On CD 7 I'm suppose to have a dye test done to see if my tubes are blocked. Has anyone had this done? If so, what do they do? Is it painful? I haven't researched it yet..so I thought I'd ask here.Thanks so much!

That is called an HSG.

From IVF.com:
A hysterosalpingogram (http://www.ivf.com/ch16mb.html#HSG) is an X-ray of the uterus and fallopian tubes which allows visualization of the inside of the uterus and tubes. The picture will reveal any abnormalities of the uterus as well as tubal problems such as blockage and dilation (hydrosalpinx (http://www.ivf.com/images/hydrob.jpg)). If sterilization reversal is planned, the point at which the tubes are blocked can be seen. This helps to plan the reconstructive procedure.


If the tubes are not blocked by scar tissue (http://www.ivf.com/galut.html) or adhesions (http://www.ivf.com/multi.html), the dye will flow into the abdominal cavity. This is a good sign but it does not guarantee that the tubes will function normally. It does give a rough estimate of the quality of the tubal structure and the status of the tubal lining. Some cases where the tubes appear to be blocked where they join the uterus, may in fact be normal. Often blockage at this location may be due to spasm of the opening from the uterus into the tube or from accumulated debris and mucus blocking the opening. This can be managed by passing a very thin catheter into the fallopian tube (http://www.ivf.com/recanal.html) either at the time of hysterosalpingogram or during a hysteroscopic procedure.

A hysterosalpingogram may also indicate endometrial polyps, submucus fibroids, intrauterine adhesions (synechia) (http://www.ivf.com/images/img0019.gif), uterine and vaginal septa (http://www.ivf.com/images/img0082.gif) uterine cavity abnormalities, or the after-effect of genital tuberculosis. The hysterosalpingogram may or may not be able to detect pelvic adhesions, mild hydrosalpinx, small polyps, endometriosis, tubal phimosis (clubbing of the fimbria at the end of the tube), or immotility of the tube. Other tests, such as hysteroscopy saline sonohysterography or laparoscopy (http://www.ivf.com/laprscpy.html) may be necessary to accurately evaluate your uterus.

Although the purpose of the hysterosalpingogram is not therapeutic, sometimes forcing dye through the tube will dislodge any material which blocks it. A number of women have become pregnant following a hysterosalpingogram without further treatment.

Generally there is no special preparation needed for this test. However, depending upon your diagnosis, you may need to take antibiotics to guard against possible infection. To ensure that you are not pregnant, the study is done between Day 7 and 10 of your cycle. Prior to the procedure you may take an anti-inflammatory medication (Aleve or Motrin). A small catheter is placed into the cervix and the dye is injected. You may feel heavy cramping during, and for several hours following this procedure. Expect a sticky vaginal discharge for a few days as the dye is expelled from the uterus. Use a pad or panty liner during this time to allow fluid to escape. Any dye that remains will be absorbed without any ill effect. NOTE: Be sure we are aware of any allergies you may have to Iodine, Betadine, or Novocaine prior to the procedure.
I know some people who were very uncomfortable with the HSG, some barely noticed. I do know that PGY rates increase the three or so months following an HSG.

Good luck!

Thanks so much!!

How did it go?

I haven't been able to have it done yet. AF is really slow coming this time. I've never had such a long wait after taking Provera before. :(

Hi, Melissa--

I just read this post. I have pcos, and I had this done back in March. I personally found it to be very painful just after the procedure was over--like really bad menstrual cramps, but within an hour it was pretty tolerable, and within two hours, I was pretty much back to normal.

I just wanted to post to let you know that I had taken clomid the previous two cycles, and ovulated both times, but did not get pregnant. During the cycle I had the HSG, I did not take clomid, but I did still ovulate late (probably residual effect of having taken the clomid the previous two cycles), and that is the cycle I got pregnant! Just keeping my fingers crossed for you and others going through this difficult testing and waiting period--I wish you the same good luck that I had.

Thanks so much for posting, Vicky!!

I experience the same thing. Mine was going within half an hour, but good grief it hurt! :lol:


Congrats on your pg!! Thanks so much for the support!!