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HSG Test - Hysterosalpingogram

What is Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)?

A Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) or an HSG Test is a procedure involving a series of X-rays to see if the fallopian tubes are open and the insides of the uterus are normal. This is an important procedure to determine female infertility.

For a pregnancy to take place, ovulation needs to take place every month, the uterus needs to be in good shape and your fallopian tubes need to be open. If the fallopian tubes are blocked, then the sperm won’t be able to reach the egg and the fertilised egg cannot reach the uterus. 

There are many reasons for blockage of the fallopian tube and the doctor will diagnose it with the help of an HSG Test. The scan also shows irregularities in the uterus such as fibroids or abnormal shape that can help the doctor determine further scans and tests or specific treatments.

Schedule a Hysterosalpingogram Evaluation

What To Expect Before HSG Test?

Here are a few things your doctor will guide you about before an HSG Test:

  • The procedure will likely be performed between day five today ten of your menstrual cycle. This would be right before you ovulate and a time when you’re less likely to get pregnant.
  • A painkiller injection will be administered an hour before the HSG, or the doctor will prescribe an over-the-counter painkiller medication
  • You might also be asked to take an antibiotic based on your medical history
  • While you may be alright after the procedure, it is better to bring along a relative or a family member or a friend with you in case you don’t feel well later

What To Expect During HSG Test?

  1. You will be asked to lie down on an examination table under an X-ray imager called a fluoroscope
  2. A speculum will be inserted in the vagina to widen it and access the cervix. The cervix will then be cleaned, and a small catheter will be inserted into the cervical canal and in the uterus
  3. The speculum will then be removed, and you will be asked to keep your legs straight
  4. A dye solution will then be pumped into the uterus while the fluoroscopy machine will examine your pelvic area. You may feel some cramping when this happens
  5. If your fallopian tubes are blocked, they may stretch from the pressure
  6. If your fallopian tubes are open, the dye will be seen spilling and spreading to your bowels
  7. The doctor may ask you to move in different positions to see how the dye moves through the fallopian tubes
  8. Once enough imaging is done, the doctor will remove the cannula from your body

Side-Effects of Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) Test

Some women may experience one or more of the following side effects after a Hysterosalpingogram (HSG):

  • Mild discomfort or pain
  • Cramping
  • Dizziness
  • Upset stomach
  • Nausea
  • Small amount of vaginal bleeding for a day or two

If you experience any of the following, you must call your doctor as it may indicate an infection:

  • Vaginal discharge
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Fainting
  • Vomiting
  • Heavy vaginal bleeding

Next Steps After HSG Test

After an HSG Test your doctor will inform you of the results. In case of blocked fallopian tubes, the doctor may advise such as a laparoscopy for further diagnosis. The doctor may also recommend In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) or a surgical procedure. These are complex decisions that must be discussed with the doctor. Your doctor will advise you about the best possible options.

A Hysterosalpingogram (HSG Test) helps determine female infertility by examining the fallopian tubes. Your fertility doctor will recommend whether you need this test and based on the results of the test, you will also be told what the next steps would be. While this test has some side-effects, they go away on the same day and one can resume their daily activities soon.

What is Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)?

A Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) or an HSG Test is a procedure involving a series of X-rays to see if the fallopian tubes are open and the insides of the uterus are normal. This is an important procedure to determine female infertility.

Why HSG?

For a pregnancy to take place, ovulation needs to take place every month, the uterus needs to be in good shape and your fallopian tubes need to be open. If the fallopian tubes are blocked, then the sperm won’t be able to reach the egg and the fertilised egg cannot reach the uterus. 

There are many reasons for blockage of the fallopian tube and the doctor will diagnose it with the help of an HSG Test. The scan also shows irregularities in the uterus such as fibroids or abnormal shape that can help the doctor determine further scans and tests or specific treatments.

Schedule a Hysterosalpingogram Evaluation

What To Expect Before HSG Test?

Here are a few things your doctor will guide you about before an HSG Test:

  • The procedure will likely be performed between day five today ten of your menstrual cycle. This would be right before you ovulate and a time when you’re less likely to get pregnant.
  • A painkiller injection will be administered an hour before the HSG, or the doctor will prescribe an over-the-counter painkiller medication
  • You might also be asked to take an antibiotic based on your medical history
  • While you may be alright after the procedure, it is better to bring along a relative or a family member or a friend with you in case you don’t feel well later

What To Expect During HSG Test?

  1. You will be asked to lie down on an examination table under an X-ray imager called a fluoroscope
  2. A speculum will be inserted in the vagina to widen it and access the cervix. The cervix will then be cleaned, and a small catheter will be inserted into the cervical canal and in the uterus
  3. The speculum will then be removed, and you will be asked to keep your legs straight
  4. A dye solution will then be pumped into the uterus while the fluoroscopy machine will examine your pelvic area. You may feel some cramping when this happens
  5. If your fallopian tubes are blocked, they may stretch from the pressure
  6. If your fallopian tubes are open, the dye will be seen spilling and spreading to your bowels
  7. The doctor may ask you to move in different positions to see how the dye moves through the fallopian tubes
  8. Once enough imaging is done, the doctor will remove the cannula from your body

Side-Effects of Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) Test

Some women may experience one or more of the following side effects after a Hysterosalpingogram (HSG):

  • Mild discomfort or pain
  • Cramping
  • Dizziness
  • Upset stomach
  • Nausea
  • Small amount of vaginal bleeding for a day or two

If you experience any of the following, you must call your doctor as it may indicate an infection:

  • Vaginal discharge
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Fainting
  • Vomiting
  • Heavy vaginal bleeding

Next Steps After HSG Test

After an HSG Test your doctor will inform you of the results. In case of blocked fallopian tubes, the doctor may advise such as a laparoscopy for further diagnosis. The doctor may also recommend In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) or a surgical procedure. These are complex decisions that must be discussed with the doctor. Your doctor will advise you about the best possible options.

Conclusion

A Hysterosalpingogram (HSG Test) helps determine female infertility by examining the fallopian tubes. Your fertility doctor will recommend whether you need this test and based on the results of the test, you will also be told what the next steps would be. While this test has some side-effects, they go away on the same day and one can resume their daily activities soon.

To know more about the cost TVS ultrasound and other fertility-related treatments call us at 080-67238900

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FAQs About HSG Test

An HSG test may cause mild to moderate cramping when the contrast dye is introduced into the uterus and fallopian tubes. Discomfort is usually brief and settles after the procedure. Your doctor may advise a pain reliever beforehand if appropriate for you.

An HSG is mainly a diagnostic test, but some studies suggest that tubal flushing, particularly with certain contrast agents, may temporarily improve pregnancy chances in some women. It should not be considered a fertility treatment on its own, and the benefit varies depending on the underlying cause of infertility.

Hysterosalpingogram findings are often available soon after the procedure because the X ray images are reviewed during or shortly after the test. Final reporting time can vary by centre. Your fertility specialist will explain whether the fallopian tubes appear open and whether the uterine cavity shows any abnormalities.

Many women can resume intercourse after an HSG test once bleeding, cramping or discomfort has settled, but follow the advice given by your fertility specialist. If you develop fever, worsening pelvic pain, heavy bleeding or unusual discharge, contact your healthcare team before resuming intercourse.

An HSG test does not usually cause a significant delay in the next menstrual period. Minor cycle variation can still occur for unrelated reasons. If your period is unusually late after the procedure, especially if pregnancy is possible, take a pregnancy test and discuss the result with your fertility specialist.

To enquire about an HSG test at Motherhood Fertility & IVF, call 080 6723 8900 or email info@motherhoodivf.com. The team can guide you on appointment availability, cycle timing, preparation instructions and the appropriate centre for the procedure.

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