If you’re a woman trying to get pregnant, you probably know that a few really important body processes need to come together. Your uterus has to be in good health, your fallopian tubes need to be clear and open, and your ovaries need to release an egg every month during ovulation.
Conception may be challenging if any of these vital elements aren’t functioning correctly. Fallopian tubes that are blocked can prohibit fertilized eggs from reaching the uterus or sperm from reaching the egg. A hysterosalpingogram test can be used by your doctor to diagnose this blockage, which can arise from several causes. Let’s get into the depth of HSG. Contact RiSAA IVF: The best IVF Centre in Delhi, for further details.
What is a hysterosalpingogram?
An X-ray dye test called a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is used to diagnose problems with fertility. During this process, your fallopian tubes and uterus are imaged on X-ray after being filled with a particular dye.
This test aids medical professionals in determining whether you have any reproductive anatomy issues, such as blocked fallopian tubes or irregularities in the uterus’ shape, that could prevent you from becoming pregnant.
When is a hysterosalpingogram performed?
The HSG will be scheduled by your healthcare practitioner for the first two weeks of your menstrual cycle, which is the time after your period ends but before ovulation. By scheduling the test now, you reduce the chance of taking it while you are expecting or menstruating. If you have a pelvic infection or are pregnant, HSG should not be done.
Why might you need a hysterosalpingogram?
An HSG helps diagnose reproductive issues by assisting in determining if your fallopian tubes are obstructed or open. An egg can be fertilized by sperm entering through an open fallopian tube, and the fertilized egg can then proceed to the uterus for implantation and development. These procedures are impeded by blocked tubes, which results in sterility.
Additionally, HSG can:
Verify the tubal ligation or reversal success: It can verify if the tubes were successfully closed by a tubal ligation or whether they were opened again by a reversal surgery.
Arrange for additional imaging: It can detect abnormalities in the uterus (such as fibroids or atypical forms) that would necessitate further testing, including hysteroscopy or son hysterography.
Test Details
How does the HSG Test procedure work?
An outline that can be seen on an X-ray is produced by injecting a dye into the fallopian tubes and uterus during an HSG test. The dye’s flow tells if the tubes are obstructed or open. To determine whether you are a good candidate for HSG, your doctor will examine your medical history.
They will examine patients for dye allergies and go over any possible concerns, which are quite low.
- One possible way to prepare is to take pain medicine 1 hour before the treatment.
- Using antibiotics to ward against illness.
- Make plans for a ride home afterwards, as cramps can strike.
What happens during the HSG test procedure?
You can return home the same day after an hysterosalpingogram, which takes less than five minutes. Like a pelvic exam, you will lie on a table with your legs spread wide and your knees bent. A catheter is introduced into your uterus, and a speculum is inserted into your vagina. After a gradual injection of the dye, X-rays are taken. Your tubes are open if the dye runs freely through them. Should it not, they will be blocked.
Is the HSG test procedure painful?
During and after the treatment, you may feel some slight pain or discomfort; this usually feels like cramps. This could continue for a few minutes or several hours. NSAIDs available over-the-counter can help reduce the pain.
During and after the treatment, you may feel some slight pain or discomfort; this usually feels like cramps. This could continue for a few minutes or several hours. NSAIDs available over-the-counter can help reduce the pain.
What to expect after the HSG test procedure?
You may require a pad to catch any excess dye that leaks from your vagina after the test. Mild cramping, vertigo, upset stomach, or little vaginal bleeding are typical side effects. Generally, you can get back to your regular activities right away, depending on how comfortable you are.
The few dangers connected with HSG include the possibility of infection, damage to the uterus, or dye allergy.
Results and Follow-Up
Understanding the HSG test results
You and your clinician will talk about the outcomes and what comes next. The HSG may suggest other procedures, such as laparoscopy if it shows obstructed tubes. As an alternative, in vitro fertilization (IVF), a fertility procedure that circumvents the fallopian tubes can be recommended.
If you have any infection-related symptoms, such as fever, chills, dizziness, vomiting, copious vaginal bleeding, foul-smelling discharge, or intense cramping, get in touch with your doctor.
Does HSG increase the chance of pregnancy?
According to certain research, “tubal flushing,” which is injecting dye into the fallopian tubes and uterus, may improve fertility, particularly in the first three to six months of pregnancy.
Nevertheless, more investigation is required to validate this as a reproductive remedy. Minor obstructions may be cleared by the dye solution, thus increasing the likelihood of becoming pregnant, although further research is needed to prove this.
Side effects of HSG
The most frequent side effect is cramping. To help you manage this discomfort, your provider might suggest over-the-counter pain medicines. Additionally frequent is a sticky discharge from the dye that goes away on its own. It is generally safe to try to get pregnant a few days after having an HSG, but you should check with your doctor to be sure.
A useful diagnostic technique that can identify uterine or fallopian tube anomalies causing infertility is a hysterosalpingogram. Your healthcare professional can decide the next steps in your reproductive journey by having a clear understanding of the results. For individualized guidance on how your HSG results will affect your reproductive treatment strategy, speak with the Best IVF Centre in Delhi: Risa IVF.
