Hysterosalpingography FAQ

• What is hysterosalpingography (HSG)?
• What should I do to prepare for HSG?
• How is HSG done?
• What should I expect after the procedure?
• What are the risks associated with HSG?
• Are there alternatives to HSG?
• Glossary

What is hysterosalpingography (HSG)?

Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is an X-ray procedure that is used to view the inside of the uterus and fallopian tubes. It often is used to see if the fallopian tubes are partly or fully blocked. It also can show if the inside of the uterus is of a normal size and shape. All of these problems can lead to infertility and pregnancy problems.

HSG also is used a few months after some tubal sterilization procedures to make sure that the fallopian tubes have been completely blocked. HSG is not done if a woman has any of the following conditions:

• Pregnancy
• Pelvic infection
• Heavy uterine bleeding at the time of the procedure

How is HSG done??

SG is done in a hospital, clinic, or health care provider’s office. It is best to have HSG done in the first half (days 1–14) of the menstrual cycle. This timing reduces the chance that you may be pregnant.

During HSG, a contrast medium is placed in the uterus and fallopian tubes. This is a fluid that contains a dye. The dye shows up in contrast to the body structures on an X-ray screen. The dye outlines the inner size and shape of the uterus and fallopian tubes. It also is possible to see how the dye moves through the body structures.

The procedure is performed as follows:

• You will be asked to lie on your back with your feet placed as for a pelvic exam. A device called a speculum is inserted into the vagina. It holds the walls of the vagina apart to allow the cervix to be viewed. The cervix is cleaned.
• The end of the cervix may be injected with local anesthesia (pain relief). You may feel a slight pinch or tug as this is done.
• One of two methods may be used to insert the dye. In one method, the cervix is grasped with a device to hold it steady. An instrument called a cannula is then inserted into the cervix. In the other method, a thin plastic tube is passed into the cervical opening. The tube has a small balloon at the end that is inflated. The balloon keeps the tube in place in the uterus.
• The speculum is removed, and you are placed beneath an X-ray machine.
• The fluid slowly is placed through the cannula or tube into the uterus and fallopian tubes. The fluid may cause cramping. If the tubes are blocked, the fluid will cause them to stretch.
• X-ray images are made as the contrast medium fills the uterus and tubes. You may be asked to change position. If there is no blockage, the fluid will spill slowly out the far ends of the tubes. After it spills out, the fluid is absorbed by the body.
• After the images are made, the cannula or tube is removed.

What should I do to prepare for HSG?

Your health care provider may recommend that you take an over-the-counter pain reliever an hour before the procedure. Discuss this decision with your health care provider. In some cases, he or she also may prescribe an antibiotic for you to take before HSG. Most people can drive themselves home after having HSG. However, you may not feel well after the procedure, so you may want to make arrangements for someone to drive you home.

What should I expect after the procedure?

After HSG, you can expect to have a sticky vaginal discharge as some of the fluid drains out of the uterus. The fluid may be tinged with blood. A pad can be used for the vaginal discharge. Do not use a tampon. You also may have the following symptoms:

• Slight vaginal bleeding
• Cramps
• Feeling dizzy, faint, or sick to your stomach

What are the risks associated with HSG?

Severe problems after an HSG are rare. They include an allergic reaction to the dye, injury to the uterus, or pelvic infection. Call your health care provider if you have any of these symptoms:

• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• Vomiting
• Fainting
• Severe abdominal pain or cramping
• Heavy vaginal bleeding
• Fever or chills

Are there alternatives to HSG?

There are other procedures that can give your health care provider some of the same information as HSG:

• Laparoscopy —This surgical procedure requires general anesthesia (see the FAQ Laparoscopy).
• Hysteroscopy —This procedure can give a detailed view of the inside of the uterus. However, it cannot show whether the fallopian tubes are blocked (see the FAQ Hysteroscopy).
• Sonohysterography —This technique uses ultrasound to show the inside of the uterus. Like hysteroscopy, it does not give information about the fallopian tubes (see the FAQ Sonohysterography).