Initial Procedures

Like initial bloodwork, you'll probably have 1 or more of these procedures in your fertility work-up. If you begin fertility treatments, Transvaginal Ultrasounds will become your friend.

Initial Procedures:

Hysterosalpingogram (HSG):
This procedure essentially will tell you if you have any fallopin tube problems. People have differing opinions re: the degree of pain this causes but everyone agrees it is not pleasant. Luckily, the procedure its is 90% doctor prep, 10% test. This test is performed around Day 10 of your cycle (remember, you'll get Day 3 labs drawn as well, try to do this in the same cycle because again you'll need this before starting most fertility treatments).  The process includes: speculum inserted, catheter guided through your cervix into the uterus, small ballon inflated at end of catheter (this is the part that causes cramping, feels much like a knife poking around in your uterus), dye injected into both tubes, x-rays taken. The doctor or nurse practitioner (NP) can give you the resutls right away. After the test, the dye leaves a sticky residue and you will experience some cramping.

**TIP** Ask your doctor for a Tylenol 3 for pain before the test.- regular over-the-counter pain relievers won't cut it. Eat beforehand. Bring a pad. Take the rest of the day off from work.


Transvaginal Ultrasound:
Much like a regular ultrasound but these test means a small probe will be inserted into your vagina (painless) to take a look at your uterus, endometrium lining, and ovaries. Pictures and measurments will be taken. Eggs and their size can seen in your ovaries. Very good at diagnosing Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS).

**TIP** Ask your tech for the ultrasound pictures. After a doctor reads and signs off on the report, many medical offices discard the pictures. You want the pictures for your personal medical record.