Identifying the source of your complications is critical to treating fertility conditions. When looking for testing services, you will do well to partner with competent providers for efficient results. For HSG in Celebration, contact the board-certified providers of the Center for Reproductive Medicine. Find them on the phone or online.
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What is hysterosalpingography?
Hysterosalpingography or uterosalpingography is a kind of X-ray that views a woman’s uterus and fallopian tubes. This unique X-ray uses a contrast material such that the uterus and fallopian tubes show up lucidly on the X-ray images. This procedure uses fluoroscopy that creates a video image instead of a still image.
Your radiologist watches the dye as it moves through your reproductive system. They can then notice if you have a blockage in your fallopian tubes or other structural abnormalities within your uterus.
When is the Test Ordered?
Your provider at the Center for Reproductive Medicine may order this test if you are experiencing trouble getting pregnant or had pregnancy complications, such as multiple miscarriages. This procedure can help diagnose the cause of infertility.
Infertility may result from:
- Uterine fibroids
- Uterine tumors or polyps
- Structural abnormalities in the uterus-congenital or acquired
- Scar tissue in the uterus
- Blockage of the fallopian tubes
- For tubal surgery, hysterosalpingography can check the surgery’s success.
Preparations for the Test
Some women feel pain during the procedure. Hence, your provider at the Center for Reproductive Medicine may prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter pain medication. You should take this pain medication about an hour before your treatment. To prevent infection, your specialist may prescribe an antibiotic to be taken before or after the test.
Ensuring you are not pregnant, the test is conducted a few days after your menstrual period. Therefore, you should notify your doctor if you are pregnant since this test can be detrimental to the fetus.
This unique X-ray test applies contrast dye. When swallowed or injected, contrast dye helps to highlight specific tissues or organs from the surrounding ones. While it does not dye the organs, it either dissolves or leaves the body through urination.
What Happens During the Test?
During your test, your Center for Reproductive Medicine expert asks you to put on a hospital gown and lie on your back, your knees bent and feet spread, similar to during a pelvic exam. Your radiologist then inserts a speculum into your vagina to visualize the cervix.
Your radiologist then cleans the cervix and might inject a local anesthetic into the cervix to lessen discomfort. In a later procedure, he inserts an instrument known as a cannula into the cervix as he removes the speculum. He inserts the dye through the cannula, letting it flow into your uterus and fallopian tube.
Later, you are placed under the X-ray machine as the radiologist begins taking X-rays. To capture different angles, you might be asked to switch positions several times. As the dye moves through your fallopian tubes, you may feel some pain and cramping. After taking the X-rays, the radiologist removes the cannula and prescribes appropriate pain or infection prevention medications.
To learn more about hysterosalpingogram and the benefits it has for you, contact Center for Reproductive Medicine providers. Call their offices or book conveniently online.