An HSG is an important diagnostic tool at Fertility Specialists of Texas

Getting the right diagnosis is the key to fertility treatment success. This is why our Dallas-Fort Worth infertility specialists use several diagnostic tests to identify the cause of a patient’s fertility issues. One of these assessments is called a hysterosalpingogram, or HSG. With help from this specialized X-ray test, your doctor can examine your uterus and fallopian tubes to determine whether any abnormalities exist.

What is a hysterosalpingogram, and what does it do?

This X-ray test uses a special dye that allows your doctor to see the outline of the internal shape of your uterus. It also provides valuable insight about the state of your fallopian tubes. Specifically, the test has three primary goals.

• See whether your fallopian tubes are open or blocked.
• Assess the shape of your uterus.
• Confirm that your uterus does not contain adhesions (scar tissue), fibroids or polyps.

Our Dallas-Fort Worth infertility specialists use the HSG findings to make a diagnosis and develop a customized treatment plan. For example, if your fallopian tubes are blocked, your doctor will likely recommend in vitro fertilization (IVF). In the case of fibroids or polyps, your fertility doctor may recommend minimally invasive surgery to remove them.

How do you prepare for an HSG, and what can you expect during the test?

There is very little that you need to do to prepare for this fertility test. However, your doctor or nurse may recommend that you take ibuprofen or another NSAID one hour before the procedure. This can help reduce any discomfort due to cramping.

The hysterosalpingogram itself only takes about 10 minutes. To start, your doctor will place a speculum into your vagina, much like when you have a Pap smear. Your provider will then clean the cervix with an antiseptic before inserting a thin, flexible catheter. Next, your doctor will pass a small amount of dye, or contrast material, through the catheter. Finally, you will have a series of X-rays that will help your doctor see the dye as it moves into the uterus and fallopian tubes.

If your fallopian tubes are open, the dye will gradually fill them before reaching the end and spilling into the pelvic cavity. If this does not occur, you have a fallopian tube blockage. The dye will also give your doctor more information about your uterine cavity by highlighting any abnormalities.

Immediately after your HSG, your doctor will review the preliminary results with you. You may experience some cramping or spotting after the procedure. Know that this is normal and will resolve itself.

Contact us if you would like to learn more about hysterosalpingogram or any other form of fertility testing. Our Dallas-Fort Worth infertility specialists can help determine what’s causing your fertility struggles and then help you overcome them.