Hysterosalpingogram or HSG is an X-ray dye test that gives your doctor a clearer view of your uterus and fallopian tube. This test is performed to diagnose any issues related to infertility.
The doctor uses a special dye to fill your uterine cavity and fallopian tubes. Then the doctor inserts a plastic catheter inside your uterus and takes an X-ray during the HSG. This test helps doctors identify abnormalities with your uterus or any obstruction in your fallopian tube.
Doctors generally perform this test two weeks after your periods have ended, i.e. you are not ovulating yet.
Risk factors associated with a test
Generally, the HSG test is quite safe and complications are rare. But it's important to discuss some risk factors associated with the test.
Sometimes, a patient may experience the following:
- Infection due to an alien material being inserted into the uterus
- Injury to the uterus
- A reaction if you are allergic to the dye
These risks are quite rare. At Apollo Fertility JP Nagar, we place comfort for the patients first. We ensure there are zero chances of complications and that the test delivers accurate results.
Preparing for the test?
The preparations for the tests are very simple. During the initial consultation, your doctor might recommend you take the following steps before the test:
- Take pain-reliever medication before undergoing the test to avoid any discomfort during or after the test
- Have someone accompany you during the procedure so they can drive you home after the test if you experience cramps
- Take antibiotics to eliminate the possibility of any infection during the test.
What to expect from the test?
- Your doctor will ask you to lie on the table and open your legs. Then the doctor will put a speculum inside your vagina to widen it.
- Once the cervix is cleaned, your doctor will insert a thin plastic tube (catheter) inside the cavity.
- Once the catheter is in place, you will be asked to straighten your legs on the table.
- The doctor will inject a special dye inside your uterus, while the technician will take an X-ray with the fluoroscopy machine.
- At some point, the dye will try to enter the fallopian tube. If there is an obstruction, the dye won't spill out. But if there is no obstruction problem in your fallopian tube, it will spread into your bowel region.
- The doctor will remove the catheter once enough fluoroscopy imaging is done.
The test does not take more than 5 minutes and you won’t feel much discomfort. You might experience light cramps when the dye puts pressure on your fallopian tube, but they will subside quickly.
Possible results of the test
Once the imaging is done, your doctor will thoroughly study them to come to a conclusion. The possible results include the following:
- No Blockage: If the results show no blockage in your fallopian tubes, your doctor might recommend other tests to diagnose the cause of your infertility.
- Blocked Fallopian Tubes: If the results show a blockage in your fallopian tube, your doctor might recommend procedures to unblock them.
You can conceive via In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), too, if you do not want to undergo the procedure of unblocking your Fallopian tubes. But before that, it's important to consult your doctor. Only they can offer you the right guidance and further course of action.
Dealing with fertility is often stressful. But you do not have to feel depressed. At Apollo Fertility JP Nagar, we have helped hundreds of women achieve their dream of motherhood.
We can do the same for you too. All you have to do is get in touch with our experts.
You might experience pain or discomfort when the dye is inserted into your uterus. But taking Over Counter pain-management medications can help reduce this pain.
Some patients feel dizzy, experience mild cramps or feel nauseated. All these effects are normal and should not be a cause for concern.
The dye may be able to flush out some minor blockage in the Fallopian tube. But there are no concrete test results that prove this theory yet. So you should rely on it sparingly.
If you are pregnant or have some pelvic infection, you should not undergo the HSG test. So consult your doctor about this before the test.
The right time to get an HSG test is the first two weeks of your menstrual cycle, i.e. first two weeks after your period ends.
