Hysterosalpingography (hsg) & bull; hello healthy

x

Definition

What is hysterosalpingography?

Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is an X-ray procedure that can see the contents of the uterus, fallopian tubes and the area around them. This HSG test is often performed on women who have difficulty getting pregnant or have infertility.

Quoted from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, HSG examinations are often used to see whether the fallopian tubes are only partially or completely blocked.

Not only that, hysterosalpingography can also show whether the inside of the uterus is of normal size and shape. All of these can lead to fertility problems and pregnancy problems later.

This procedure or check with HSG should be used several months after performing the tubal sterilization procedure. This is to ensure that the fallopian tubes are completely repaired.

When should I undergo hysterosalpingography?

If you are having trouble getting pregnant or have had problems getting pregnant, such as multiple miscarriages, your doctor may recommend this test. This is because hysterosalpingography (HSG) can help diagnose the cause of infertility.

If you have had fallopian tube surgery, your doctor may also recommend an HSG procedure to check if the surgery was successful.

For example, when undergoing a tube ligation — a procedure that closes the fallopian tube — the doctor may perform this procedure to ensure that the tube is closed properly.

Same thing with checking if the tubal ligation reversal is successful so that the fallopian tube opens again.

It should also be noted that hysterosalpingography should not be performed when women have the following conditions:

• Pregnancy
• Pelvic infection
• Continuous uterine bleeding during the procedure

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before undergoing hysterosalpingography?

Before performing a hysterosalpingography (HSG) examination, the doctor will provide additional information regarding other procedures that can also be performed.

Such as laparoscopy which can see the condition of the abdominal organs and inner pelvis such as the fallopian tubes but recovery is faster than major surgery.

There are also hysteroscopic procedures that can also see and examine internal organs such as the uterus, but cannot examine the fallopian tubes. Then, the sonohysterography (SHG) procedure can also check the condition of the uterus.

Meanwhile, hysterosalpingography (HSG) can also check the condition of the uterus and fallopian tubes. However, it cannot evaluate a low sperm count or the inability to fertilize an egg that has been inserted into the uterus.

Hysterosalpingography and fertility

Maybe one of you is finding out whether after an HSG examination or hysterosalpingography you can immediately become pregnant. It is claimed that further research is needed to be used as a fertility test.

However, several studies have shown an increase in fertility after 3 months of doing the HSG procedure. Then, it is necessary to look again at what kind of action is carried out because most doctors do this test for diagnosis.

Process

What should I do before undergoing hysterosalpingography?

The HSG procedure is best done a week after menstruation but before ovulation to make sure you are not pregnant during the check-up. This procedure should not be done if you have an active inflammatory condition.

You should tell a physicist or technologist if you have chronic pelvic infections or an untreated sexually transmitted disease at the time of the procedure.

The night before the procedure, you may be ordered to take antibiotics as well as a laxative or enema to empty the intestines, so that the uterus and surrounding structures can be seen clearly.

You should tell your physicist about any medications used and if you have any recent allergies, especially to iodine, and any other illnesses or medical conditions.

How is the hysterosalpingography process?

HSG is usually performed by a radiation specialist in the X-ray room of a hospital or clinic. Radiation technologists and nurses may assist the doctor.

A gynecologist or a fertility specialist (reproductive endocrinologist) may also help with this test.

Before starting this procedure, you may be given a sedative or ibuprofen (like Advil) to keep it relaxed and to rest the uterus so it won't cramp during the test. Then, the bladder will also be emptied.

The following hysterosalpingography (HSG) procedure will be performed:

• You will be asked to lie on your back with your legs raised and supported to facilitate the doctor's examination.
• The doctor will insert a speculum or metal device into the vagina to open the vaginal walls.
• Then, with a special tool the cervix will be cleaned with a special soap, then the tip is injected with a local anesthetic.
• After that, a contrast medium such as dye will be inserted to see the size and shape of the inside of the uterus and fallopian tubes.
• The cervix will be held in place with a cannula (hard tube) or a thin, flexible tube. This X-ray dye is put in.
• When the fallopian tubes open, the dye will flow and spill into the stomach where the body will naturally absorb it.
• If the fallopian tube is obstructed, the dye will not enter and.
• An X-ray image is shown on the TV monitor during the examination.
• If another display is required, the examination table may be tilted or you may be asked to change positions.
• This HSG test usually takes 15-30 minutes.

What can you feel and do after undergoing the procedure?

After a hysterosalpingography (HSG) test, there is a chance that you may experience vaginal discharge which is quite sticky because some of the fluid comes out of the uterus. This fluid may also be mixed with blood.

You can use pads or pantyliner to solve it. Then, maybe you will also experience the following things:

• Fever
• Severe stomach pain
• Vaginal bleeding that lasts more than 3-4 days.

Immediately see a doctor if any of the above feels worse.

Explanation of the Test Results

What do my test results mean?

Normal results mean:

• The uterus and fallopian tubes are normal in shape.
• The fallopian tube is not scratched or injured.
• The dye flows freely from the uterus, through the fallopian tubes, and spills normally into the stomach.
• No object (such as an intrauterine device or IUD), tumor, or growth can be seen in the uterus.

Abnormal results mean:

• The fallopian tube may be scratched, abnormally shaped, or blocked so that the dye doesn't flow through the tube and spills into the stomach.
• Possible causes of blocked fallopian tubes include inflammatory pelvic disease (PID) or endometriosis.
• The dye may leak through the uterine wall, showing a tear or opening in the uterus.
• An abnormal uterus may show tissue (called a septum) so that the uterus divides.
• There may be growths, for example polyps or fibroids.

Complications

What are the complications that can occur?

Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is considered a very safe procedure. However, in certain conditions serious complications may occur.

Keep in mind that this only occurs in 1% of all patients who have ever done this.

Here are some of the side effects or complications after doing HSG that might occur:

• Pelvic infection. This occurs when a woman has had a disease related to the fallopian tubes.
• Fainting. When women experience dizziness during or after a procedure.
• Allergy. This occurs when a woman has an allergy from the contrast iodine or dye used.
• Spotting. This condition sometimes occurs after 1 to 2 days after the hysterosalpingography (HSG) procedure.

Consult and see a doctor if you experience fever and heavy bleeding after performing a procedure that is one of these fertility tests.