A hysterosalpingogram (HSG for short) is an x-ray test for the diagnosis of fertility resulting from the use of, among many others, uterine malformations, blocked tubes, endometriosis, etc. It is done in an obstetrician’s x-ray facility. gynecologist, or reproductive endocrinologist and catheterizing the uterus and pushing the dye into the cavity through the catheter.
In May 2006 I received an HSG due to a suspiciously abnormal uterus. My reproductive endocrinologist had done an ultrasound and couldn’t find half of my uterus, so I was booked in for this procedure for the following week. I was offered Valium or some other sedative for the cramp that the endocrinologist said could accompany the procedure, but I declined as it seemed unnecessary.
After arriving at the outpatient radiology center, I was asked to change into a hospital gown and lead to a private room with x. -ray machine placed on the examination table After being asked to empty my bladder, I was placed on a table and an x-ray machine was placed directly above my lower abdomen. The doctor came into the room and stood on my knees on the table.
In a gesture for which I was most grateful, there was a nurse placed at my head, whose only task was to talk me through the process and hold my hand. As the doctor inserted the catheter, she let me know what the usual pain was. Unfortunately, due to the size of the catheter, this part felt rather painful and like a very uncomfortable pessary. The dye was then injected through the catheter into my uterus, and we observed all of it in my uterus and one tube that could reach it.
The dye dispersion looks almost spotty to the uterus as it seeps into every nook and cranny. While HSG is sometimes followed by laparoscopy (surgery that involves examination of the pelvic area using small cameras inserted through small holes in the abdomen) for better diagnostics, in my case, it was all I needed to diagnose my abnormality. As a side benefit to many women, the injection of dye into the uterus and the tubes sometimes open vifallopian which are slightly blocked. As a result, there is a slightly higher chance of pregnancy after the procedure.
After the dye was inserted, and as much as possible, the doctor removed my catheter and the procedure was done. I was told I could wear it, and I said that there were pads in the bathroom that I could wear. I soon discovered that the pad was very important after this procedure, because the body will expel most of the dye injected into the womb, and Iodine is not known to come out easily from the clothing.
My doctor met with me after the HSG to discuss the outcome and to discuss what the options were in terms of the conception process. In my case, the odds are good, but I’m very glad I went through the HSG process for an accurate diagnosis.
