Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)

A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is an X-ray test that looks at the inside of the uterus and fallopian tubes and the area around them. It often is done for women who are having a hard time becoming pregnant (infertile).

During a hysterosalpingogram, a dye (contrast material) is put through a thin tube that is put through the vagina and into the uterus. Because the uterus and the fallopian tubes are hooked together, the dye will flow into the fallopian tubes. Pictures are taken using a steady beam of X-ray (fluoroscopy) as the dye passes through the uterus and fallopian tubes. The pictures can show problems such as an injury or abnormal structure of the uterus or fallopian tubes, or a blockage that would prevent an egg moving through a fallopian tube to the uterus. A blockage also could prevent sperm from moving into a fallopian tube and joining (fertilizing) an egg. A hysterosalpingogram also may find problems on the inside of the uterus that prevent a fertilized egg from attaching (implanting) to the uterine wall. See a picture of a hysterosalpingogramcamera.

Why It Is Done

A hysterosalpingogram is done to:

• Find a blocked fallopian tube. The test often is done for a woman who is having a hard time becoming pregnant. An infection may cause severe scarring of the fallopian tubes and block the tubes, preventing pregnancy. Occasionally the dye used during a hysterosalpingogram will push through and open a blocked tube.
• Find problems in the uterus, such as an abnormal shape or structure, an injury, polyps, fibroids, adhesions, or a foreign object in the uterus. These types of problems may cause painful menstrual periods or repeated miscarriages.
• See whether surgery to reverse a tubal ligation has been successful.

Sonosalpingography

In this, the tubes patency is assessed by ultrasound by pushing a fluid through the uterus into the tubes. It is not only as accurate as HSG but has the advantage of the women not being exposed to radiation and also of assessing the uterine cavity and ovaries at the same time.in our experience 95% of pts opt for this saline infusion sonographySaline infusion sonography or Sonohysterography is a specialized procedure by which fluid, usually sterile saline, is installed into the uterine cavity, and gynecologic sonography performed at the same time. The procedure delineates intrauterine pathology such as polyps, Asherman's syndrome, uterine malformations or submucous leiomyoma.

A Hysterosalpingogram HSG is a x-ray procedure / Sonosalpingography is an ultrasound procedure, may also be used to check whether or not the Fallopian tubes are blocked. This is involving the injection of a special dye through the cervix and into the uterus.