Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is a radiologic procedure to investigate the shape of the uterine cavity and the shape and patency of the fallopian tubes. It entails the injection of a radio-opaque material into the cervical canal and usually fluoroscopy with image intensification. A normal result shows the filling of the uterine cavity and the bilateral filling of the fallopian tube with the injection material. To demonstrate tubal rupture, spillage of the material into the peritoneal cavity needs to be observed.
How is this test performed?
This test is performed in a radiology lab. You are laid on an x-ray table while your doctor or trained radiologist performs something similar to a pap smear. Once they have found your cervix your doctor will open it and insert a catheter. This may be painful. In my case, it was and opening my cervix was unsuccessful. Once the catheter is in, your doctor will inject a blue dye through the catheter into your fallopian tubes to check if they are open (the dye will not flow through if they are blocked). They will be able to see this through the x-ray machine. After the dye is in, the doctor will remove the catheter and hand you a pad. The dye will leak out of you for a little while. You may have some bleeding that should taper off within the day. Your doctor will give you a follow up visit where he/she will discuss your options any further testing that may be needed.
This test is performed in a radiology lab. You are laid on an x-ray table while your doctor or trained radiologist performs something similar to a pap smear. Once they have found your cervix your doctor will open it and insert a catheter. This may be painful. In my case, it was and opening my cervix was unsuccessful. Once the catheter is in, your doctor will inject a blue dye through the catheter into your fallopian tubes to check if they are open (the dye will not flow through if they are blocked). They will be able to see this through the x-ray machine. After the dye is in, the doctor will remove the catheter and hand you a pad. The dye will leak out of you for a little while. You may have some bleeding that should taper off within the day. Your doctor will give you a follow up visit where he/she will discuss your options any further testing that may be needed.
Does is hurt?
It may be painful. Some women say it is. For me, it was excruciating. But that was only because my doctor kept forcing the catheter through my cervix and my cervix just wouldn't dilate. This caused me to bleed heavily for 3 days. To minimize any pain you may have, take 800mg of ibuprofen 1 hour before your exam. This should alleviate any discomfort.
It may be painful. Some women say it is. For me, it was excruciating. But that was only because my doctor kept forcing the catheter through my cervix and my cervix just wouldn't dilate. This caused me to bleed heavily for 3 days. To minimize any pain you may have, take 800mg of ibuprofen 1 hour before your exam. This should alleviate any discomfort.
How long does it last?
If everything goes smoothly the whole thing should be over in 15-20 minutes.
If everything goes smoothly the whole thing should be over in 15-20 minutes.