Test Overview

A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is an X-ray 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 (infertility).

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 affect fertility.

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, endometriosis, or a previous ectopic pregnancy 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

• Schedule this test at a time when you are unlikely to have gotten pregnant without knowing it. The best time is soon after your period ends and before your ovary releases an egg (ovulates). It's usually around the middle of your cycle if you are having periods.
• You may want to bring a sanitary pad to wear after the test. That's because some of the dye may leak from your vagina after the test. You may also have some slight bleeding.

How It Is Done

• You'll be asked to take off your clothes below the waist and drape a gown around your waist.
• You will need to empty your bladder.
• You will lie on your back on an examination table with your feet in stirrups.
• You may take ibuprofen to help with cramps or pain during the test. You may also get a sedative to help you relax.
• The doctor uses a device called a speculum to gently spread apart the walls of the vagina.
• A thin tube is put through the cervix into the uterus. A dye is put through the tube.
• The X-ray pictures are shown on a video screen during the test.

How long the test takes

The test will take about 15 to 30 minutes.

After the test

• You will probably be able to go home right away.
• You can go back to your usual activities right away.
• Some of the dye will leak out of your vagina.
• You may have some vaginal bleeding for several days after the test.

How It Feels

You will most likely feel some cramping like menstrual cramps during the test. The amount of pain you have depends on what problems the doctor finds and treats during the test.

Risks

• There is always a small chance of damage to cells or tissue from being exposed to any radiation. This can include the low levels of radiation used for this test. The chance of damage from the X-rays is generally very low compared with the possible benefits of the test.
• There is a small chance of a pelvic infection after the test. Your doctor may give you antibiotics if he or she thinks you might get a pelvic infection.
• There is a small chance of damaging or puncturing the uterus or fallopian tubes during the test.
• There is a small chance of an allergic reaction to the iodine X-ray dye.

Results