Hysterosalpingography (HSG) Treatment

A hysterosalpingography is an X-ray test to evaluate the uterus and fallopian tubes in females. This procedure is also known as uterosalpingography. It checks for infertility issues in women. HSG examines a woman’s womb and fallopian tubes. These are organs that move eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. To see the womb and fallopian tubes on the X-ray images, a contrast substance is used. Fluoroscopy is the sort of X-ray employed.

It produces a video image rather than a still image. Doctors use a special dye that passes through your reproductive system. The radiologist then observes its movement. Later, they will determine whether you have any structural abnormalities in your uterus or a blockage in your fallopian tubes. 

Reasons for Taking This Test

This test may be recommended in case you are not able to give birth to newborn babies or have pregnancy complications.

Infertility issues can include:

• Structural anomalies in the womb that can be genetic or non-genetic. 
• Uterine fibroids.
• Uterine tumors or polyps.
• Obstruction of the fallopian tubes
• Scar tissue in the uterus

How Long After HSG Will A Woman Get Pregnant?

It is normally safe to conceive within a few days of a HSG. However, for further information, contact your local health authority. Different studies have shown that chances of pregnancy increase up to 30 % in the first 90 days after this test.

The dye utilized in a HSG test can clear out the debris that may be obstructing pregnancy. The dye is able to increase the uterus lining.

Risks Associated with the Test

An HSG utilizes radiation to acquire X-ray images. But the amount of radiation is small, which is considered safe. 

Uncommon complications can include:

• Infection
• Damage to your uterus
• An allergic response to the dye solution

Getting Ready for the Test

Some ladies may feel pain when they undergo this test. Your healthcare may suggest you:

• Over-the-counter drugs to reduce the pain. This medication is to be taken 60 minutes prior to the test.
• If you are having menstrual periods then once your period is over, after a week or so you may take the test. It will make sure you are not pregnant and you should notify this to your doctor. Your risks to contagious infections will also be low. 
• If pelvic inflammatory disease or inexplicable vaginal bleeding is present, then you should avoid going ahead with this test.
• If you have had an allergic reaction to barium or contrast dye, then you should inform your healthcare provider.

An HSG test does not take more than 5 minutes. Your healthcare will administer a solution with dye inside your womb and fallopian tubes. These images will be seen on an X-ray.

During the Test

You will have to remove any jewelry or other metal that you wear. It is due to the fact that metal can be an obstruction for the X-ray.

• You will be putting on a loose gown and lying on your back on an examination table. Your knees are bent and legs open as the position for a pelvic examination. The fluoroscopy machine will be above the table.
• A surgical tool known as speculum is put into your vaginal opening. This makes your vagina to widen and the surgeon is able to see the cervix.
• The medical team will freshen the cervix area. Local anesthesia may be used to decrease the pain. A special tool catheter known as cannula is inserted in the cervical canal and womb. A slender plastic tube with a balloon at its end may also be used. Once inside your body, the balloon expands to hold the tube in lieu for dye injection.
• The healthcare team will remove the speculum and you will have to make your legs straight.
• The healthcare team will slowly inject the dye solution into your womb. At the same time the radiologist will operate the fluoroscopy machine around your pelvic region. Cramping effect may be felt at this time.
• To evaluate how the solution passes through your fallopian tubes, your healthcare professional may put you in different postures.
• The dye should pour out and spread near your bowel if your fallopian tubes are open. your body will absorb it without any pessimistic effects. The dye won’t leak if they are blocked.

Your physician will remove the plastic tube or cannula containing the balloon from your body without re-inserting the speculum once sufficient X-ray images have been obtained.

After the Test

You can still experience cramps once the test is over. It may resemble a menstrual cycle. Additionally, you can have mild vaginal bleeding or vaginal discharge. To prevent infection during this period, use a pad rather than a tampon.

Following the exam, some women also feel uneasy and lightheaded. These adverse effects are common and will pass in due course. 

However, inform your physician if you encounter any infection-related symptoms, such as:

• Intense cramping
• Fever
• Fainting
• Vaginal discharge that is foul-smelling
• A small vaginal bleeding persistent for a day or two
• vomiting

Once the radiologist reviews the X-ray result, he will send it to the doctor. The doctor will study the result and provide you with the details. Depending on the result, your healthcare expert may advise you for further tests.