What is Tubal Assessment- Hysterosalpingogram?
The female reproductive system consists of the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, which play different roles in reproduction.
Conception starts with ovulation, where the ovaries release an egg into the fallopian tubes. Here, the egg waits for healthy sperm to be fertilised. When the egg does not reach the fallopian tubes, there are no chances of conception.
Many health conditions lead to blockages in the fallopian tubes, a significant cause of infertility in women. If you have been experiencing infertility, your doctor may recommend you undergo a specialised procedure called a Tubal assessment or a Hysterosalpingogram, a medical procedure used to check for blocked fallopian tubes or an irregularly shaped uterus. Both of these conditions may prevent you from getting pregnant. It is an X-ray dye test that can help draw a clear outline of your uterine cavity and fallopian tubes. Your doctor will perform this procedure to understand the exact cause of your infertility and draw an effective treatment plan.
Who requires a Tubal assessment or a Hysterosalpingogram?
If you or your partner have been actively trying to conceive without success for at least a year, your doctor may recommend this procedure. If you are experiencing a normal menstrual cycle but having difficulty conceiving, you may be experiencing issues with your ovulation.
This may be due to blocked fallopian tubes, which can easily be diagnosed with a Tubal assessment or a Hysterosalpingogram.
Why is a Tubal assessment or a Hysterosalpingogram conducted?
It checks for any blockages in your fallopian tubes or an irregularly shaped uterus. Doctors will insert a dye into your uterus and fallopian tubes. This dye creates an outline that is visible in the X-ray. If the dye flows into the fallopian tubes, there is no blockage, and if obstructed, the fallopian tubes are blocked.
Other reasons your doctor may recommend undergoing this procedure are-
- To check if a tubal ligation surgery is successful. Tubal ligation surgery involves surgical closure of the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy.
- To check if the tubal ligation reversal surgery is successful. The same procedure can be used to detect if the fallopian tubes are successfully restored for future conception.
- To understand the cause of recurrent miscarriages.
Though a Tubal assessment or a Hysterosalpingogram is relatively safe, you should mention to your doctor if you are pregnant or have a pelvic infection. Be sure to discuss safer alternatives with your doctor.
What are the benefits of a Tubal assessment or a Hysterosalpingogram?
If you are troubled with infertility, this procedure can help your doctor understand its root cause and detect the reason for multiple miscarriages. Other benefits of the procedure include the following-
- It is minimally invasive.
- It helps doctors reach an accurate diagnosis.
- It can help detect irregularities in the uterus.
- Dyes used during the procedure can help clear minor blockages, increasing your chances of conception.
What are the risks and complications?
Tubal assessment or a Hysterosalpingogram is generally a safe, non-invasive procedure. However, it may carry certain risks and complications, such as:
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Severe abdominal pain and cramping after the procedure
- Heavy bleeding
- Allergic reactions to the dye
- Pelvic infection
- Injury to the uterus
Among women troubled with infertility, over 25% of cases are due to ovulation problems. Blockages in the fallopian tubes can easily be treated, increasing your chances of conception. Modern-day advancements in fertility medicine have made it possible for couples with infertility to conceive naturally. Talk to your doctor to understand the treatment options available to you.
Request an appointment at
Apollo Fertility, Amritsar
Call 1860-500-4424 to book an appointment
No. The amount of radiation used for X-ray during the procedure is not enough to damage the eggs or other uterine tissues. Therefore, the procedure is completely safe.
Doctors may advise you to refrain from sexual activity 2-3 days before the exam. Also, avoiding any vaginal gel or liquid may be wise.
Normally, there should be no heavy bleeding after the procedure. However, noticing light spotting for a day or two is normal.
Yes. the Tubal assessment or a Hysterosalpingogram is a dye x-ray that can easily detect the number and size of ovarian cysts if present.
Yes. Stress can cause muscle tension and spasms, temporarily blocking your fallopian tubes. Though it sounds far-fetched, there are many cases of stress affecting infertility. One of the ways is by causing a blockage in the fallopian tubes.
