What is a hysterosalpingogram (HSG)?
A hysterosalpingogram (say "hiss-ter-oh-sal-PING-oh-gram"), or HSG, is an X-ray test of the uterus and fallopian tubes. A dye is put into the uterus and fallopian tubes before the pictures are taken. An HSG may be done if you are having a hard time getting pregnant or you've had repeated miscarriages.
Why is a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) done?
A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is done to:
- Check for a blocked fallopian tube. The test may be done to look for the cause of infertility. An infection, endometriosis, or a previous ectopic pregnancy may cause severe scarring of the fallopian tubes and block the tubes. This can prevent pregnancy.
- 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 surgery to reverse a tubal ligation has been successful.
How is a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) 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 exam table with your feet and legs supported by footrests.
- 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 may place a tool called a speculum into your vagina. It opens the vagina a little bit so your doctor can see inside.
- 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 do you prepare for a hysterosalpingogram (HSG)?
- Schedule your test for when you won't be having your period. Your doctor may suggest that the test be done soon after your period ends and before your ovary releases an egg (ovulates). This timing allows your doctor to see the inside of your uterus better. It also avoids doing the test when you could be pregnant.
- Tell your doctor about any allergies that you have and any medicines you take. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any medicines before the procedure.
- Your doctor may have you take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as ibuprofen, about an hour before your test. This can help with cramps and pain during the test.
- 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.
What do the results of a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) mean?
Normal: | The shape of the uterus and fallopian tubes are normal. The fallopian tubes are not scarred or damaged. The dye flows freely from the uterus and through the fallopian tubes and then spills normally into the belly. |
|---|---|
| No objects (such as an intrauterine device, or IUD), tumors, or growths are seen in the uterus. | |
Abnormal: | Fallopian tubes may be scarred, malformed, or blocked so that the dye does not flow through the tubes and spill into the belly. Blocked fallopian tubes may be caused by pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), endometriosis, or a previous ectopic pregnancy. |
| The dye may leak through the wall of the uterus, showing a tear or hole in the uterus. | |
| The uterus may have an abnormal shape or tissue (called a septum) that divides the uterus. | |
| Growths, such as polyps or fibroids, may be present. | |
| The uterine lining is growing into the muscle of the uterus (adenomyosis). | |
| Uterine adhesions are seen. |
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