Will a hysterosalpingography be painful?

Whether a hysterosalpingography (HSG) exam is painful varies individually and there is no uniform standard, as the degree of discomfort depends on factors such as individual physical condition, level of emotional tension, pain threshold, and history of childbirth. Generally, there may be mild pain or discomfort during the HSG procedure, but most women can tolerate it. This is because the nerves in the fallopian tubes are mainly located in the muscular layer, while the mucosal layer is less sensitive to pain. Additionally, the HSG procedure is relatively simple, and the catheter used for injection is thin, requiring only slight dilation of the cervix through the vagina. Women who are in good physical condition, have a relaxed cervix, or have a higher pain threshold may experience less discomfort. However, a small number of women may feel severe pain during the procedure, even to the point of being intolerable. This could be due to individual physical characteristics, a lower pain threshold, heightened sensitivity to pain, lack of prior childbirth (nulliparity), or a tighter cervical opening, which can cause pain when inserting the catheter. Moreover, excessive emotional tension may lead to spasms of the uterine smooth muscle, thereby causing pain. If the pain is excessively severe, patients should promptly inform the physician so that appropriate measures can be taken to alleviate the discomfort.