Hysterosalpingogram

Test Overview

A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is an test. It looks at the inside of the uterus and fallopian tubes and the area around them. It often is done for women who are having a hard time getting pregnant(infertile)

During the test, a dye (contrast material) is put through a thin tube. That tube is put through the vagina and into the uterus. Because the uterus and the fallopian tubes are hooked together, the dye will flow into the fallopian tubes. Pictures are taken using a steady beam of X-ray (fluoroscopy)as the dye passes through the uterus and fallopian tubes. The pictures can show problems such as an injury or abnormal structure of the uterus or fallopian tubes. They can also show a blockage that would prevent an egg moving through a fallopian tube to the uterus. A blockage also could prevent sperm from moving into a fallopian tube and joining (fertilizing) an egg. The test also may find problems on the inside of the uterus that prevent a fertilized egg from attaching (implanting) to the uterine wall.

Why It Is Done

A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is done to:

• Check for a blocked fallopian tube. The test often is done for a woman who is having a hard time getting pregnant. An infection may cause severe scarring of the fallopian tubes and block the tubes. This can prevent pregnancy.Once in a while, the dye used during the HSG will push through and open a blocked tube.
• Find problems in the uterus, such as an abnormal shape or structure. The test can also look for an injury, polyps,fibroids,adhesions,or a foreign object in the uterus. These types of problems may cause painful menstrual periods or repeated miscarriages
• See if tubal implants for permanent birth control are blocking the fallopian tubes.
• See if surgery to reverse a tubal ligation has been successful.

How To Prepare

Before a hysterosalpingogram (HSG), tell your doctor if you:
• Are or might be pregnant.
• Have a pelvic infection (pelvic inflammatory disease or a sexually transmitted infection, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia
• Are allergic to the iodine dye used or any other substance that has iodine. Also tell your doctor if you have asthma or are allergic to any medicines. Tell him or her if you have had a serious allergic reaction(anaphylaxis) from any substance. (For example, have you had a reaction to the venom from a bee sting or from eating shellfish?)
• Have any bleeding problems or are taking any blood-thinning medicines. Examples of these medicines are aspirin and warfarin(Coumadin)
• Have a history of kidney problems or diabetes,especially if you take metformin (such as Glucophage)to control your diabetes.The dye used during the test can cause kidney damage in people with poor kidney function. If you have a history of kidney problems, blood test (creatinine,blood urea nitrogen)may be done before the test. These check to see that your kidneys are working well.