Is it normal to have cramps after hsg

During HSG, a contrast medium is placed in the uterus and fallopian tubes. This is a fluid that contains a dye. The dye shows up in contrast to the body structures on an X-ray screen. The dye outlines their inner size and shape. It also is possible to see how the dye moves through the body structures. After HSG, you can expect to have a sticky vaginal discharge as some of the fluid drains out of the uterus. The fluid may be tinged with blood.

A pad can be used for the vaginal discharge. Do not use a tampon. You also may have the following symptoms:. Severe problems after an HSG are rare. They include an allergic reaction to the dye, injury to the uterus, or pelvic infection. Call your health care provider if you have any of these symptoms:. There are other procedures that can give your health care provider some of the same information as HSG:.

HSG is a way to diagnose problems of the uterus and fallopian tubes. The risks of HSG are low but you should know the warning signs of problems. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions about this procedure.

Contrast Medium: A substance injected into the body that highlights internal structures during an imaging study. This feels kind of like a pap smear and might be a little uncomfortable. Or, you may not feel anything. Finally, an iodine-based dye will be injected through the catheter. When the dye is injected, you may feel a warming sensation. This dye will go through your uterus, through the fallopian tubes if they are open , and spill out into the pelvic cavity.

If your tubes are blocked, you may experience discomfort when dye is injected. Tell your doctor right away if you begin to become uncomfortable. After injecting the dye, your doctor will take the x-rays. For each x-ray picture you'll be asked to hold your breath for a moment or two. You may be asked to change your position. For example, you may be asked to lie on your side.

You may feel uncomfortable with the speculum inside and the x-ray over you. Your doctor understands. Ask for help if you need it. Once the doctor has decided that the pictures are satisfactory, the x-ray machine will be lifted up and the speculum removed. You're free to go home. The test can be nerve-wracking, with this big x-ray machine hovering over you while you're lying on your back, legs apart, with the speculum inside. The nurse or doctor may ask you to roll over to your side for an x-ray or two, and you have to do it with the speculum still between your legs.

In most women, the dye painlessly passes through the uterus, through the fallopian tubes , and out into the abdominal cavity. However, if your tubes are blocked, the dye can cause pressure.

This is what can then lead to substantial discomfort or even pain. The good news is that if you do feel intense pain, it shouldn't last for more than a minute. During the test, if you feel pain, tell your doctor right away. They can quickly remove the catheter, which will release the pressure and should eliminate your pain. Most doctors recommend taking ibuprofen an hour before the HSG.

This can reduce mild cramping during the test. Anxiety and fear about the test can increase your perception of pain. You may experience mild cramps and light spotting. You'll be able to resume regular activity after the test. Some doctors may tell you to refrain from sexual intercourse for a few days after the test. While mild cramps are normal, if your discomfort seems to be increasing after the test or you develop a fever, contact your doctor.

There is a rare risk of infection following an HSG. Increasing pain may be a sign of infection. Increasing pain may hint that an infection is brewing. After your test, your provider will deliver your test results.

The HSG helps the doctor check out two important factors:. If the x-ray shows a normal uterine shape, and the injected dye spills freely out from the ends of the fallopian tube, then the test results are considered normal. I would encourage you to take it because it is hard to know ahead of time which person will need pain medication. Afterwards you may be crampy for the day, but the stronger pain actually lasts for about one minute or less during the procedure.

Always try and get a copy of your films at the time of the test so that your doctor can look at them. Usually the ordering physician only gets a report from the radiology facility and sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words.

Not ready for kids yet, but know you will be someday? Patients with documented allergies to iodine, intravenous contrast dyes, or shellfish should make that know to the physician prior to the procedure. Other risks associated with an HSG include pain or discomfort, infection, and vaginal spotting or bleeding.

Contact your referring physician if you develop a fever or continue to feel pain for more than a few days. Foundation Careers Contact Us The test is usually done between days of your cycle. This is to ensure that you are not pregnant when the HSG is performed. Make a list of any allergies you may have, especially to Iodine, Betadine or Novocaine. Allergic reactions to the contrast dye are rare, but can occur. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have ever had an adverse reaction to any of the above.

There are some alternate contrast materials that can sometimes be used in these cases, as well as other testing options. On the day of the test, take an anti-inflammatory pain medication such as Advil or Motrin an hour before the procedure. It is common to experience some mild to heavy cramping as the catheter is inserted, and pre-medicating with a painkiller can help minimize discomfort.