HSG Infertility: What Is An HSG Infertility Test

What Is An HSG Infertility Test

By Parenting Editor

An HSG is prescribed by a physician to rule out any physical abnormalities as the cause behind infertility ...

HSG stands for “hysterosalpingogram”. It is basically a fertility test to find out if there are any blockages in a woman’s fallopian tubes. Besides this, it may also be administered to see if there are any adhesions, fibroids or some other type of problems or abnormalities in the uterus. It allows the visualization of the uterus and the tubes. In a case of sterilization reversal, a blocked point in the tubes can also be seen. Thus, it proves helpful in planning the reconstructive procedure. An HSG is prescribed by a physician to rule out any physical abnormalities as the cause behind infertility.

An HSG infertility test is performed with a “contrast” dye to get the shape of uterus and tubes on the x- ray. Flowing of the dye into the abdominal cavity provides a rough estimate of the tubal lining. It happens when the tubes are not blocked. In certain cases, the tubes may seem to be blocked at the joining point of uterus, but they are not. Actually, this blockage may be because of an opening spasm from the uterus or mucus blocking the opening. It is possible to manage it at the time of HSG. For this, a very thin catheter is passed into the fallopian tube.

The HSG may or may not find out pelvic adhesions, mild hydrosalpinx, small polyps tubal phimosis or immotility of the tube. Women may require getting other infertility tests like hysteroscopy or laparoscopy done to determine the status of their uterus.

Though the HSG is not a cure, still sometimes while forcing dye via the tube, material causing the blockage may get dislodged. Thus, there have been instances of women getting pregnant after an HSG infertility test without any further treatment.

Normally, there are no specifically required preparations for HSG. However, one may require taking antibiotics as protection against possible infection. It is made sure first that the woman who is taking HSG test is not pregnant by studying between 7 to 10 days of the cycle.

During the HSG process, a contrast dye is forced into the uterus via the vertex and x –rays of the area are taken. The entire process takes just a few minutes.

After the HSG, there are slightly increased chances of pregnancy. One may experience some kind of cramping after the process is over. It is recommended to discuss with the physician to get details about post procedure pain and possible infections.

The results are most likely to be available within only a few minutes. Further infertility tests are prescribed after considering results of the HSG test.

However, there is a certain element of risk involved post-procedure. One may be prescribed certain antibiotics to prevent these complications by the physician. Apart from this, there is a minor risk of allergic reaction to the contrast dye and any kind of damage to uterus.

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