What Is a Hysterosalpingogram?
A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is a diagnostic x-ray that’s done while using a special dye to diagnose problems involving the uterus or fallopian tubes. This test can show whether the fallopian tubes are partially blocked or fully blocked and whether there are any abnormalities in the inside of the uterus.
Dr. Felix Cohen is a board certified obstetrician and gynecologist and the founder and director of Cohen Medical Center in New York City.
Highly experienced in feminine health and gynecological surgery, Dr. Cohen provides an accurate diagnosis and treatment for many conditions affecting the female reproductive system, such as:
Why Is a Hysterosalpingogram Recommended?
Blocked fallopian tubes are a common cause of infertility. Your New York gynecologist may recommend a hysterosalpingogram if you’re having difficulty getting pregnant or if there are other concerns involving your fallopian tubes or uterus.
Reasons to perform an HSG include to:
- Determine whether fallopian tubes are open or blocked
- Check fallopian tubes after a tubal ligation or tubal reversal
- Look for irregularities in your uterus such as fibroids, endometrial polyps, tumors or other abnormalities
- Check the shape and size of the uterus
- Look for any scarring in your uterine cavity
This procedure won’t be done if you’re pregnant or if you have a pelvic infection or an untreated sexually transmitted disease (STD). An HSG is scheduled during the first two weeks of your menstrual cycle before you ovulate. This reduces the chance that you’re pregnant or having your period when it’s time for the test.
How Do I Prepare for a Hysterosalpingogram?
To determine if you’re a good candidate for this procedure, your doctor does a thorough medical exam and family history.
Other things that may be done to prepare for a hysterosalpingogram include:
- Your doctor may tell you to take over-the-counter pain medication about an hour before the procedure to prevent any discomfort.
- Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection.
- You and your doctor discuss whether you have any history of allergies to the dye solution or any part of it.
Let your doctor know if you’re taking any type of medications and whether you have any medical conditions. You’re able to eat and drink normally before the test is done.
How Is a Hysterosalpingogram Performed?
A hysterosalpingogram only takes a few minutes, and it’s done in the x-ray department.
Steps of the test include:
- Lying on your back with your feet in stirrups
- Positioning the fluoroscopy machine, which is the machine that takes the x-ray, over the table
- Using a speculum to allow access to the cervix
- Inserting a small catheter into the cervical canal and into the uterus
- Filling the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes with the contrast material
You may be asked to change position while the images are being taken. Once the images have been taken, the catheter is removed, and you’re allowed to sit up. You may be asked to wait until the medical team confirms that they have all the images they need, and then you go home the same day.
What Can I Expect After a Hysterosalpingogram?
You may experience some discomfort or mild pain during the test and after it’s completed. It’s not uncommon for women to experience some cramping, and the cramping is likely to be worse if your fallopian tubes are blocked.
Things you may experience after the test include:
- Discharge that’s sticky or tinged with blood
- Vaginal bleeding for a day or two
- Nausea or an upset stomach
- Dizziness
You should be able to resume everyday activities right away. Take over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce discomfort from cramps. This discomfort usually goes away within a few hours or a couple of days.
Your doctor gives you the results of the test very soon after it’s completed, or at a follow-up appointment. Your results may be normal, or they may show abnormalities such as blockage of the fallopian tubes, scar tissue in the fallopian tubes or uterus, tumors or polyps in the uterus. Your CMP doctor explains the next steps if any problems are identified.
Does a Hysterosalpingogram Involve Any Risks?
A hysterosalpingogram is minimally invasive and isn’t considered a risky procedure. Minimal radiation is used and complications such as infection or an allergic reaction to dye are rare. Let your doctor know right away if you experience signs of infection such as fever, chills or vaginal discharge with a foul smell.
Entrusting your care to a doctor with specialized knowledge and experience in feminine care is imperative for any gynecological procedure, and that’s what you get from Dr. Felix Cohen. When your gynecologist is Dr. Cohen, the risk of complications of surgery or other procedures is greatly reduced. Contact Cohen Medical Center as soon as possible if you’re experiencing:
- Pelvic pain
- Abnormal bleeding
- Difficulty conceiving
- Other gynecological symptoms that concern you