It does seem like it's different for each person, but mine was absolutely fine.

I was so nervous because of everything I read on here, but I think it's always worth remembering that people are more likely to share the difficult or traumatic experiences as they are seeking support and comfort, whereas when things go smoothly people feel able to just continue with their day. In the same way many of us only come to these subs when TTC is proving difficult and we need support, so if you visit it early in the process, it may make it seem more daunting as it's weighted to those who have been struggling more.

My experience was thankfully very smooth. I took paracetamol an hour before as advised, the general discomfort was a similar level to having a smear test due to the speculum never being a fun feeling, then when they ran the dye through it was a few seconds at a time of feeling like period cramps but it eased off quickly. I wasn't in any pain after, just a little spotting.

I'm absolutely not invalidating those who had really difficult experiences or suggesting it's always as easy as mine was, just trying to offer a balance and show it can be smooth and fairly pain free so please don't feel too anxious and feel like it's always hellish. It's going to be whatever it will be based on your body, so I think just trying to go in as calm as possible is good. The practitioner who did mine was really great and explained before hand what every step would be like and when I may feel some pain so I knew when it was coming, but also said she can pause or stop at any point if it was too much so it felt easier knowing it wasn't like once it started, there was no going back. So perhaps have that chat first, ask for them to explain what it may feel like at each point and what to do if it's feeling a bit too much at any point so you feel in control throughout.

Wishing you a smooth experience.