What Is A Hysterpsalpingogram? - with Insight on the Experience from the Baby Dust Community
What you need to know + insight from the Baby Dust Fertility Community
Article to Read: Hysterosalpingogram – HSG – fertility test for tubal patency and normalcy of the uterine cavity
Must Know Info:
A Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is a diagnostic medical procedure used to evaluate the condition of a woman's uterus and fallopian tubes. During this procedure, a special contrast dye is injected into the uterine cavity through the cervix. This dye allows the radiologist to take X-ray images in real time as it travels through the uterus and into the fallopian tubes.
The primary purposes of an HSG are:
Uterine Assessment: It helps identify abnormalities in the uterine cavity, such as uterine polyps, fibroids, adhesions, or congenital anomalies, which can affect fertility or cause other gynecological issues.
Fallopian Tube Evaluation: HSG assesses the patency (openness) of the fallopian tubes. If the tubes are blocked or damaged, it can hinder the natural transport of eggs from the ovaries to the uterus, which can lead to infertility.
HSG is typically performed in a radiology or imaging center and is often recommended for individuals or couples experiencing fertility issues. The procedure is relatively quick and usually causes mild discomfort, with some women experiencing cramping or slight pain. After the HSG, the radiologist will review the X-ray images to assess uterine and tubal health, and the results can help guide further fertility evaluations and treatments.
Further reading: Saline Sonogram, Hysterosalpingogram, and Sonohysterosalpingogram to Detect Uterine Abnormalities
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Insight on the HSG Experience from the Baby Dust Community
We asked our community about their experience with this procedure. Here’s what members said:
“I was able to drive myself home with no issue. I didn't need to go to work, but I could have. I didn't have any lingering effects except bloating that lasted until I ovulated this past Tuesday. Oh, and I also took 800mg ibuprofen about 1 hour before my test.”
“I’ve had 4 in total… HSGs can be painful. I found sometimes certain cycles I was more sensitive than others which made my HSG exam painful. I also found that the medical professional doing the injection made a difference in pain. If they went gently/smoothly, it was a very minor cramp almost unnoticeable. If they pushed the fluid too fast, it was super painful. Taking pain meds 30 minutes before helped a bit, but I did notice that it wouldn’t help during the procedure as much as it did afterwards.”
“I was shocked that I had no pain from it.”
“I actually had the HSG and SIS at the same time. I didn’t find it painful at all but definitely uncomfortable.”
“For me, it was fairly uncomfortable and a little painful. The nurse gave me a stressball to squeeze which helped a lot. So if you can.. bring a stressball.”
“I took Motrin beforehand and while it was painful for a few moments, it wasn't horrible. HOWEVER, the after was awful. No one warned me of the pain I would feel later in the day…I was in pain for a good 3 days after the HSG and I really wish someone would have warned me about that!”