Hysterosalpingography, or HSG for short, is an X-ray procedure used to evaluate the status of a woman’s fallopian tubes, the two structures that carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. It is also used to make sure that the uterine cavity has a normal shape and size and to identify uterine malformations, adhesions, polyps or fibroids. These types of problems may cause painful menstrual periods or repeated miscarriages.
The HSG procedure, which lasts five to ten minutes, is performed in a radiology facility separate from the clinic. It is scheduled during Days 7 to 10 of a woman’s menstrual cycle (Day 1 is the first day of bleeding), in the window of time between the end of the period and ovulation. Because some menstrual-like cramping is to be expected from an HSG, patients are advised to take 600 mg of Advil an hour prior to the test to help relax the uterus.
At the time of your HSG, your cervix will be cleaned and a thin, soft catheter will be threaded through the vagina and into the uterine cavity. Contrast dye will be connected to the catheter. Using a machine placed over your abdomen, a radiologist will inject a dye into your uterine cavity and through your fallopian tubes.
The HSG is a very accurate test to document tubal patency. Occasionally the dye used during the procedure pushes through and opens a blocked tube. In other patients, dye does not spill through the fallopian tubes at all. If your tubes are blocked, or if you have a uterine polyp or fibroid, your RMACT physician will review your hysterosalpingogram findings and future treatment with you.
If you experience pain or fever after your HSG, please notify your nurse or physician.
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