SSG Test (Sonosalpingography)
An SSG test or sonosalpingography is an ultrasound-based fertility investigation used to assess the uterine cavity and check whether the fallopian tubes appear open. It is commonly used during female infertility evaluation because healthy, open fallopian tubes are important for natural fertilisation and for planning appropriate fertility treatment.
What Is an SSG Test (Sonosalpingography)?
A sonosalpingography test uses ultrasound imaging while sterile fluid is introduced into the uterus through a thin catheter. The movement of the fluid helps the fertility specialist assess the uterine cavity and evaluate whether fluid passes through the fallopian tubes.
The test is also referred to as a tubal patency test because one of its main purposes is to check whether the fallopian tubes are open or whether a possible blockage needs further evaluation.
Unlike HSG, which uses X-rays, SSG is ultrasound-based and does not involve ionising radiation.
What Is the Full Form and Purpose of the SSG Test in Fertility Evaluation?
SSG stands for Sonosalpingography. It is performed as part of a fertility investigation for women to assess the uterine cavity and fallopian tube patency. It can help identify possible tubal blockage or certain structural abnormalities that may affect conception.
How Is SSG Different from HSG?
Both SSG and HSG can be used to assess fallopian tube patency, but they use different imaging methods.
SSG uses ultrasound and fluid introduced through the cervix to assess the uterus and tubal flow. HSG, or hysterosalpingography, uses X-ray imaging and radiographic contrast dye.
The most suitable test depends on your fertility history, previous investigations and your fertility specialist's clinical assessment.
Who Should Have an SSG Test?
An SSG may be recommended when a fertility specialist needs more information about the uterus or fallopian tubes during an infertility evaluation.
It may be considered for women with:
- suspected fallopian tube blockage
- previous pelvic infection or pelvic surgery
- suspected abnormalities within the uterine cavity
- recurrent pregnancy loss when a uterine structural cause is being evaluated
- fertility treatment planning before procedures such as IUI
- a broader fertility workup before IVF when tubal or uterine assessment is clinically relevant
An SSG is only one part of a complete fertility evaluation. Other investigations may include ovarian reserve testing, semen analysis, hormonal tests and a transvaginal ultrasound.
When Is an SSG Test Recommended as Part of an Infertility Workup?
An SSG test may be recommended when pregnancy is delayed and your fertility specialist wants to assess whether the fallopian tubes appear open or whether the uterine cavity has an abnormality that could affect fertility or treatment planning.
Should SSG Be Done Before Starting IUI or IVF Treatment?
Tubal assessment can be particularly relevant before IUI treatment because sperm and egg usually need at least one functioning fallopian tube to meet.
Before IVF, the need for SSG depends on previous investigations and individual clinical circumstances. Your fertility specialist will decide whether additional tubal or uterine evaluation is necessary.
Step-by-Step SSG Test Procedure
The SSG test procedure is usually performed as an outpatient investigation and commonly involves the following steps:
- A preliminary transvaginal ultrasound may be performed to assess the uterus and ovaries.
- A speculum is gently inserted to visualise the cervix.
- A thin catheter is passed through the cervix into the uterine cavity.
- Sterile saline or another appropriate ultrasound medium is introduced through the catheter.
- A transvaginal ultrasound is performed while the fluid moves through the uterus and, where the technique allows, towards the fallopian tubes.
- The specialist assesses the uterine cavity and looks for evidence of tubal spill or fluid passage that may indicate patent fallopian tubes.
- The catheter and ultrasound probe are removed after imaging is complete.
The exact process of SSG test may vary slightly according to the technique and clinical requirement.
What to Expect During the SSG Test
You may feel pressure similar to a pelvic examination and mild menstrual-like cramping when the catheter is placed or fluid is introduced.
The examination itself is usually completed within a short outpatient visit. Mild cramping, watery discharge or light spotting can occur afterwards and generally settles without extensive recovery time.
When Is the Best Time to Have an SSG Test?
SSG is generally scheduled after menstrual bleeding has ended and before ovulation, when pregnancy is unlikely and the uterine cavity can be assessed more clearly.
Your fertility specialist will advise the exact cycle day based on your menstrual pattern.
The test should generally not be performed when pregnancy is possible or when there is an active pelvic infection. Tell your doctor about unusual discharge, fever, pelvic infection symptoms, medications or relevant medical conditions before the procedure.
SSG Test at Motherhood Fertility & IVF
At Motherhood Fertility & IVF, SSG forms part of a broader fertility evaluation when assessment of the uterus or fallopian tubes is clinically indicated.
The fertility team reviews your medical and reproductive history before recommending the investigation. Ultrasound-guided assessment is then interpreted alongside other fertility findings rather than treating one test result as a complete diagnosis.
After the procedure, your fertility specialist can explain what the findings mean and whether additional investigations or treatment are required.
How Is the SSG Test Performed at Motherhood Fertility & IVF?
The assessment typically involves a transvaginal ultrasound, placement of a thin catheter through the cervix and controlled introduction of sterile fluid while ultrasound imaging is performed. Your fertility specialist interprets the findings in the context of your complete fertility evaluation.
Interpreting SSG Test Results
The SSG test result helps your fertility specialist understand whether the uterine cavity appears normal and whether the fallopian tubes appear patent.
Possible findings include:
Both tubes appear open: Fluid passage is demonstrated through both tubes.
One tube appears blocked: Tubal passage is seen on one side but not clearly demonstrated on the other.
Both tubes appear blocked: No clear passage is demonstrated through either tube. Further assessment may be required before confirming bilateral blockage.
Possible partial or proximal blockage: Sometimes temporary tubal spasm can make a tube appear blocked, so your doctor may recommend another investigation where clinically appropriate.
Hydrosalpinx: A damaged, fluid-filled fallopian tube may sometimes be identified and can influence fertility treatment planning.
An abnormal result does not automatically mean IVF is required. Treatment depends on the site and severity of tubal disease, age, ovarian reserve, semen parameters, fertility history and other clinical factors.
Treatment Options Based on SSG Results
The next step after an SSG depends on the result and the rest of the fertility evaluation.
What Treatment Is Recommended if SSG Results Show Clear Fallopian Tubes?
When one or both tubes appear patent, your specialist will consider other fertility factors such as ovulation, ovarian reserve, age and semen parameters.
Depending on the findings, the plan may include timed intercourse, ovulation treatment, IUI or other fertility management.
Women with conditions such as PCOS may require treatment focused on ovulation rather than the fallopian tubes.
What Are the Treatment Options if SSG Shows a Blocked Fallopian Tube?
A possible blockage may require additional assessment before treatment is decided.
Depending on whether the blockage is unilateral or bilateral, proximal or distal, and whether conditions such as hydrosalpinx are present, options may include further tubal investigation, selected surgical treatment or IVF.
IVF bypasses the need for sperm and egg to meet within the fallopian tube, but the decision to proceed with IVF should be based on the complete fertility picture rather than the SSG result alone.
Risks, Side Effects and Safety of the SSG Test
Sonosalpingography is generally well tolerated, but it is not accurate to describe the procedure as completely painless or entirely non-invasive because a catheter is passed through the cervix.
Temporary effects may include:
- mild menstrual-like cramps
- temporary pelvic discomfort
Pelvic infection is uncommon but possible.
Contact your healthcare team if you develop persistent or severe pelvic pain, fever, heavy bleeding or unusual foul-smelling discharge after the procedure.
One advantage of the sonosalpingography test is that ultrasound is used rather than ionising radiation.
What Are the Common Side Effects and Risks of the SSG Test?
Mild cramping, spotting and watery discharge may occur for a short time after SSG. Significant pain, fever, heavy bleeding or unusual discharge is not expected and should be reported to your fertility specialist for assessment.
What Is the Approximate Cost of an SSG Test at Motherhood Fertility & IVF?
The cost of an SSG test can vary according to the Motherhood Fertility & IVF centre, the clinical evaluation required and whether other fertility investigations are advised at the same time.
Because individual fertility workups differ, a single fixed price should not be assumed without checking with the centre where the procedure will be performed.
For current SSG test availability and cost information, you can speak with Motherhood Fertility & IVF by calling 080 6723 8900, writing to info@motherhoodivf.com, or booking an appointment.
Why Choose Motherhood Fertility & IVF for SSG Test and Fertility Evaluation?
At Motherhood Fertility & IVF, SSG is integrated into a broader fertility evaluation rather than being considered as an isolated investigation.
Our fertility specialists can assess tubal findings alongside ovarian reserve, ovulation, ultrasound findings, semen parameters and previous reproductive history. This helps ensure that the next step is based on the probable cause of delayed conception and your individual fertility goals.
If additional fertility care is required, evaluation and treatment planning can continue within the same fertility care pathway.