Why hsg

Severe problems after an HSG are rare. They include an allergic reaction to the dye, injury to the uterus, or pelvic infection. Call your health care provider if you have any of these symptoms:. There are other procedures that can give your health care provider some of the same information as HSG:.

Hysteroscopy —This procedure can give a detailed view of the inside of the uterus. However, it cannot show whether the fallopian tubes are blocked see the FAQ Hysteroscopy. Sonohysterography —This technique uses ultrasound to show the inside of the uterus. Like hysteroscopy, it does not give information about the fallopian tubes see the FAQ Sonohysterography.

Contrast Medium : A substance injected into the body that highlights internal structures during an imaging study. Fallopian Tubes : Tubes through which an egg travels from the ovary to the uterus. Hysteroscopy : A procedure in which a slender, light-transmitting device, the hysteroscope, is inserted into the uterus through the cervix to view the inside of the uterus or perform surgery.

Infertility : A condition in which a couple has been unable to get pregnant after 12 months of trying without the use of any form of birth control. Laparoscopy : A surgical procedure in which a slender, light-transmitting instrument, the laparoscope, is inserted into the pelvic cavity through small incisions. The laparoscope is used to view the pelvic organs. Other instruments can be used to perform surgery.

Sonohysterography : A procedure in which sterile fluid is injected into the uterus through the cervix while ultrasound images are taken of the inside of the uterus. Uterus : A muscular organ located in the female pelvis that contains and nourishes the developing fetus during pregnancy. Copyright by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. All rights reserved. Read copyright and permissions information. This information is designed as an educational aid for the public.

Some physicians prescribe several days of antibiotics to reduce risk of infection after HSG. Hysterosalpingogram picture showing uterus with a fibroid that is pushing in to the cavity Another fibroid on the outside of the uterus is circumscribed by dye along the red line Fibroids inside the cavity can cause infertility, miscarriage or preterm birth.

Patient Resource Center. Patient Portal. Request a Consult. Hysterosalpingogram — HSG — fertility test for tubal patency and normalcy of the uterine cavity. What is a hysterosalpingogram? Radiographic contrast dye is injected into the uterine cavity through the vagina and cervix The uterine cavity fills with dye and if the fallopian tubes are open, dye fills the tubes and spills into the abdominal cavity This shows whether the fallopian tubes are open or blocked and whether a blockage is at the junction of the tube and uterus proximal or at the other end of the tube distal.

Other things that can be seen on a hysterosalpingogram include: The uterine cavity is evaluated for the presence of congenital uterine anomalies, polyps , fibroid tumors or uterine scar tissue The fallopian tubes are also examined for defects within them, for suggestion of partial blockage, and for evidence of pelvic scar tissue in the abdominal cavity near the tube What to expect during a hysterosalpingogram The hysterosalpingogram study only takes about 5 minutes to perform.

The doctor places a speculum in the vagina and visualizes the cervix. Either a soft, thin catheter is placed through the cervical opening into the uterine cavity or an instrument called a tenaculum is placed on the cervix and then a narrow metal cannula is inserted through the cervical opening. Contrast is slowly injected through the cannula or catheter into the uterine cavity. An x-ray picture is taken as the uterine cavity is filling and then additional contrast is injected so that the tubes should fill and begin to spill into the abdominal cavity.

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Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. An HSG usually causes mild or moderate uterine cramping for about minutes. However, some women may experience cramps for several hours. These symptoms can be greatly reduced by taking medications used for menstrual cramps before the procedure or when they occur.

Women should be prepared to have a family member or friend drive them home after the procedure in the event that they are experiencing cramping. It is controversial whether this procedure enhances fertility. Some studies show a slight increase in fertility lasting about 3 months after a normal HSG. However, most doctors perform HSG only for diagnostic reasons.