The HSG Procedure: My Personal Experience

The procedure itself was straightforward but life-changing. It took place in my gynecologist’s examination office and lasted roughly an hour, though it felt much longer. Here’s what happens during an HSG:

1. A thin tube is inserted into the cervix.
2. A contrast dye is injected through the tube into the uterus and fallopian tubes.
3. X-rays are used to track the flow of the dye, determining whether the fallopian tubes are open or blocked.

For some, the procedure causes mild discomfort, but for me, the pain was excruciating because both of my tubes were blocked at the time.

What Does This Mean?

As my doctor explained it, blocked fallopian tubes mean that ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary) is essentially a dead end. My eggs could not travel down the tubes to reach the uterus, and sperm could not travel up to reach the eggs. This meant natural conception was nearly impossible.

Even if fertilization somehow occurred, the risk of an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside the uterus) was high and dangerous. Essentially, every ovulation resulted in an egg waiting in vain, only to dissolve.

The Cause: Chlamydia’s Silent Impact

The blockage in my fallopian tubes likely resulted from untreated chlamydia years earlier, a revelation that shocked me. Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI), one that’s more common than many realize and often flies under the radar because it’s frequently asymptomatic. Common symptoms of chlamydia are:

• Pain during intercourse
• Abnormal discharge
• Burning during urination
• Lower abdominal pain
• Bleeding between periods or after sex

However, many people, myself included, experience no symptoms at all. Without symptoms, it’s easy to remain unaware of the infection, allowing it to go untreated and causing long-term damage. When untreated, chlamydia can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which scars or blocks the fallopian tubes. These blockages may result in infertility or increase the risk of ectopic pregnancies.

Treatment: Simple Yet Critical

Treating chlamydia is straightforward:

• A course of antibiotics prescribed to all active partners at the same time prevents reinfection.
• Regular STI testing is vital for sexually active individuals, particularly because chlamydia often goes unnoticed.

For me, though, the damage had already been done by the time I discovered the infection’s effects. Surgery to attempt to unblock the tubes was an option, but I decided against it. The lack of guarantees and the potential for further complications made me choose to accept my condition and move forward in other ways.

Going through the HSG procedure and understanding the consequences of untreated chlamydia taught me a profound lesson about health, awareness, and the importance of early action. To anyone reading this, my message is simple:

• Take control of your sexual health.
• Get tested regularly, even if you feel fine, especially if you’re sexually active.
• If you’re navigating similar challenges, know that you’re not alone.

This part of my journey has been tough, but sharing it is my way of creating awareness and encouraging others to prioritize their health. Whether you’re dealing with infertility, learning about HSG, or simply wanting to take charge of your well-being, I hope my story inspires you to act. If you’re on a similar path and need someone to talk to, you know where to find me.