WHAT IS HSG?
A hysterosalpingogram or HSG is an x-ray procedure that checks a woman’s uterus and fallopian tubes. Scanning for fertility issues or repeated miscarriages is usual with this test. A doctor puts a dye into a woman’s cervix during this test. The dye heads to the uterus and fallopian tubes next. Thanks to the dye, X-ray images capture these organs.
With an HSG test, the goal is to check for problems. Issues like blockages in the fallopian tubes or odd uterus shape can impact a woman’s fertility. The test is over fast, usually in 5 to 10 minutes. Some brief discomfort might be felt during it.
Who Needs HSG Diagnostic Test?
An HSG test, or hysterosalpingography, is often recommended for various reasons related to a woman’s reproductive health. Women who have been attempting to conceive for a year or more without success might undergo an HSG to check for blockages or abnormalities in the fallopian tubes and uterus, as these issues can hinder conception.
The test is also useful for those who have experienced recurrent miscarriages, helping to identify any uterine anomalies that might contribute to these losses. Additionally, women who have undergone tubal surgery, such as a tubal ligation reversal, might need an HSG to ensure that the tubes are open and functioning properly.
It is also used when there are suspicions of uterine anomalies, such as an abnormal shape or the presence of fibroids and polyps, which can affect fertility.
Before starting certain fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF), an HSG might be conducted to confirm there are no structural impediments that could affect the treatment’s success.
Women with a history of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which can cause scarring and blockages in the fallopian tubes, may require an HSG to assess the extent of the damage.
HSG Procedure - How to prepare?
- Timing of the Procedure: Schedule the HSG for after your menstrual period but before ovulation, typically between days 5 and 10 of your cycle, to avoid the possibility of being pregnant.
- Medication: Your doctor may recommend taking a pain reliever, such as ibuprofen, an hour before the procedure to help minimize discomfort or cramping.
- Antibiotics: Sometimes, prophylactic antibiotics are prescribed to reduce the risk of infection. Ensure to take these as directed by your healthcare provider.
- Allergy Disclosure: Inform your doctor if you have any allergies, especially to iodine or contrast dyes, as these are used during the procedure.
- Consent Form: Be prepared to sign a consent form. This form will outline the procedure and any potential risks involved.
- Personal Items: Bring a sanitary pad, as some leakage of the contrast dye or slight bleeding may occur after the procedure.
- Clothing: Wear comfortable clothing and consider bringing a pair of socks, as you may need to change into a hospital gown for the procedure.
- Emotional Support: Arrange for someone to accompany you to and from the appointment for emotional support and assistance with transportation.
Is HSG Test Painful?
A HSG test can be painful for some women. What do most women say? It feels like the pains that come with monthly periods. This happens during and just after the test. What causes this? The tube put in and the dye injected. It makes the uterus cramp. How bad can it get? It can be just a bit to quite a bit of pain. Strong cramping? That’s not as common. What’s the way to tone down the pain? Take a painkiller, like ibuprofen, an hour before the test. Releasing tension and slow breathing work well, too. They can also tame the discomfort during the test.
HSG Test Price
In India, the price for an HSG test can range widely depending on several factors, such as geographical location, type of medical facility, and additional services provided. Generally, the cost varies from INR 1,000 to INR 7,000.
Understanding The HSG Procedure
Hysterosalpingograms are generally performed after the female’s menstrual cycle, i.e., the proliferative phase. The duration can be a few days or a week. It is done to ensure that the patient is not pregnant.
A speculum is inserted into the vagina so that the cervix remains visible. After that, the cervix is cleaned, and a cannula is also inserted. The dye flows into the uterus and the fallopian tubes via a cannula. Then, the X-ray images are taken once the dye flows through. These images show the internal structure of the uterus and fallopian tube.
Post-Procedure Care For HSG
Patients might feel mild discomfort or cramps after the procedure, persisting for a few hours to 2/3 days. Mild spotting is also common after the procedure in a few patients. The HSG procedure, as described, is an outpatient procedure and rarely has complications like vasovagal symptoms or infections. Antibiotics and painkillers may be prescribed for a few patients.
Patients can usually get back to their routine physical activity on the same day of the procedure. Sexual intercourse is ideally to be avoided for a day or so due to increased discomfort after the procedure.
Benefits of HSG Test
The HSG test, or hysterosalpingography, offers several key benefits, particularly for women experiencing fertility issues or recurrent miscarriages. Here are the primary advantages of undergoing an HSG test:
- Identifies Blockages: Detects blockages in the fallopian tubes that can cause infertility.
- Uterine Issues: Reveals abnormalities in the uterus, such as fibroids, polyps, or abnormal shape.
- Potential Fertility Boost: Some evidence suggests the test may improve fertility by clearing minor blockages.
- Pre-treatment Evaluation: Essential before fertility treatments like IVF to ensure no structural impediments.
- Checks for Miscarriage Causes: Helps investigate causes behind recurrent miscarriages.
- Surgical Planning: Assists in planning surgeries by providing detailed images of reproductive anatomy.
Conclusion
By undergoing the HSG procedure, individuals and couples can receive targeted interventions to address their fertility issues and increase their chances of achieving a successful pregnancy. One of the primary reasons for performing an HSG is to determine whether the fallopian tubes are open and functioning correctly. Blocked or partially blocked fallopian tubes can prevent the sperm from reaching the egg or impede the fertilized egg’s journey to the uterus, leading to infertility.
The HSG procedure helps detect tubal blockages, which enables healthcare providers to develop appropriate treatment plans to address the issue. By detecting such problems, the HSG procedure guides healthcare providers in recommending targeted treatments or interventions to optimize fertility outcomes.
Hysterosalpingogram Test (HSG): Procedure, Benefits and Test Results - FAQs
1. What is hysterosalpingography (HSG)?
Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is an X-ray procedure used to view the inside of the uterus and fallopian tubes. It helps diagnose problems related to fertility by recording images while a special dye fills these structures.
2. When is the best time to do the HSG Test?
The best time to do an HSG (hysterosalpingogram) test is usually between days 7 and 10 of your menstrual cycle, after your period has ended but before ovulation begins. This timing helps ensure that you are not pregnant during the test.
3. Why is HSG done?
HSG is performed to assess the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes. It helps identify issues such as blockages, abnormalities, or structural problems that may affect fertility.
4. What should I do to prepare for HSG?
Before the procedure, your healthcare provider will provide specific instructions. Generally, you may need to avoid sexual intercourse for a few days before HSG and take pain medication if needed.
5. What are the risks associated with HSG?
While rare, potential risks include allergic reactions to the dye, infection, or injury to the uterus or fallopian tubes. Your doctor will explain these risks before the procedure.
