What it's like to have an HSG

 In case you didn't know, an HSG is:

    "Hysterosalpingography (HSG), also known as uterosalpingography,^[2] is a radiologic procedure to investigate the shape of the uterine cavity and the shape and patency of the fallopian tubes. This means it is a special x-ray using dye to look at the womb (uterus) and Fallopian tubes.^[3] It injects a radio-opaque material into the cervical canal and usually fluoroscopy with image intensification. A normal result shows the filling of the uterine cavity and the bilateral filling of the fallopian tube with the injection material. To demonstrate tubal rupture, spillage of the material into the peritoneal cavity needs to be observed. It has vital role in treatment of infertility especially in case of fallopian tube blockade."

    - Found at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hysterosalpingography

    I was unsure what to expect at my HSG appointment. I checked in, waited in the lobby, and then was walked into a large room full of strange machines. A nurse chatted with me a bit, checked some of my vitals, and then the radiologist came in.

    He entered with the cautious smile of a man who has been kicked by too many women.

A depiction of the expression, not the doctor

     He explained the procedure again, and warned me about the pain I might experience. I assured him it would be no problem as I have a fairly high pain tolerance. 

    It did hurt, of course, and I jolted a little. I think the radiologist jolted more than me, however, likely having developed quick reflexes during the course of his career. 

    The pain was comparable to that of getting a small tattoo. Not unbearable by any means, but also not easy to ignore. It was a relatively fast procedure and I was able to get on with the rest of my day as though nothing had happened. 

     If you have an HSG coming up, I wish you luck...and the radiologist, as well.