HYSTEROSALPINGOGRAPHY
What is hysterosalpingography?
Hysterosalpingography is an x-ray procedure used to examine the uterus and fallopian tubes. Contrast dye is used to highlight the organs so they are visible on an x-ray.
When is it used?
This procedure is usually done to discover the cause of infertility, heavy bleeding, or painful menstruation.
How do I prepare for hysterosalpingography?
The test is performed during the first half of your menstrual cycle to reduce the risk of aborting an unknown pregnancy.
The night before the procedure eat a light meal such as soup and salad and take a laxative. Do not have anything to eat or drink the morning before the procedure.
You should urinate before the test and tell the doctor if you know you are allergic to contrast dye or seafood. The doctor may give you a suppository or enema and a drug to relax your muscles.
What happens during the procedure?
The process is simple. A woman is brought in to a special room that has the x-ray equipment. She is asked to lie down and put her legs in stirrups, just as if she were going to have a PAP smear. A speculum is placed in the vagina and the opening to the uterus (called the cervix) is visualized by the doctor. After cleaning the cervix with an iodine solution, a long, narrow, flexible catheter is inserted through the opening of the cervix until the tip is inside the uterine cavity. A balloon on the end of the catheter is inflated to hold the catheter in place. The catheter is connected to some plastic tubing through which a special dye is passed into the uterus. This dye looks like water to the eye but it shows up on x-ray film because it blocks the passage of the x-rays leaving "unexposed film'. Therefore everywhere the dye flows looks white (or black if the image is reversed).
As the dye fills the uterus, x-rays are taken every few seconds, this reveals any abnormalities inside the uterus such as a split cavity, uterine fibroids or adhesions. As more dye flows into the uterus, some will begin to fill the fallopian tubes. If the tubes are patent along their entire course, eventually the dye will "spill" out the other side. This method for performing HSGs utilized an x-ray machine which snapped static pictures. Generally about three or four pictures were taken
What happens after the procedure?
Someone else should drive you home after the procedure. You may feel nauseous or dizzy and have some cramps for 1 or 2 days. You may also have some bloody vaginal discharge. Ask your doctor what steps you should take and when you should come back for a checkup.
What are the benefits of this procedure?
This procedure will not cure the problem, but it may help the doctor discover how to treat the problem.
What are the risks associated with this procedure?
Your abdominal cavity may be irritated, causing cramps or a fever. In rare cases, you may have an allergic reaction to the dye, which may include swelling of the skin, hives, nausea, fainting, or shortness of breath. You should ask your doctor how these risks apply to you.
When should I call the doctor?
Call the doctor immediately if:
- You develop a fever.
- You have an allergic reaction to the dye
Call the doctor during office hours if:
- You have questions about the procedure or its result
- You want to make another appointment.
