Table of contents:
- What is the HSG test?
- What are the requirements for undergoing the HSG test?
- What is the procedure for the HSG test?
- When is the best time to have the HSG test?
- What are the risks that can occur after the HSG test?
The HSG test or hysterosalpingography is usually recommended by doctors for a woman who is not pregnant or complains of problems in her uterus. What is the procedure for carrying out this examination? Find out more about the HSG test in this article.
What is the HSG test?
The HSG test is an X-ray examination using a contrast fluid that is inserted into the uterine cavity or fallopian tube (fallopian tube) to see the entire contents of the female reproductive organs.
The purpose of this examination is to determine the condition of the fallopian tubes, whether there is a blockage that can cause infertility or not. In addition, this examination also functions to determine the shape, size and structure of the uterine cavity so that it can detect several abnormalities. For example, benign tumors that grow towards the uterine cavity, uterine polyps, adhesions of the uterine wall, uterine fibroids, or congenital abnormalities of the uterine cavity such as a blockage in the uterus. This examination can also determine the cause of recurrent miscarriage.
What are the requirements for undergoing the HSG test?
This examination should not be done if you have an active inflammatory condition. That is why, before doing this examination you should tell your doctor if you have chronic infections in the reproductive tract or in the pelvic area, if you have venereal disease, and if you have recently had uterine or fallopian tube surgery.
In addition, the day before the procedure, the doctor will usually give you a laxative or enema to be consumed. The goal is to clean the colon, so that the uterus and surrounding structures can be seen clearly during the examination.
Last but not least, before this examination you must ensure that your body is in good health and prime condition. Don't forget, to shave pubic hair to make it easier for the doctor to carry out examinations and actions.
What is the procedure for the HSG test?
This examination is carried out in the radiology department of the hospital just like when you do an X-ray. After changing clothes to examination clothes and removing the jewelry, you are asked to lie down with your feet lifted and supported on the footrests. This is to make it easier for the doctor to see your genital area.
After that, the doctor will insert a smooth, curved speculum into the vagina so that the cervix is exposed. Then the doctor will do a cleaning of the cervix with a special soap and a hard tube (cannula). Then slowly the catheter is inserted into the uterine cavity through the cervix. Contrast fluid is injected into the uterus through a catheter and a speculum is removed.
Several X-rays will be taken when fluid fills the uterus, into the fallopian tubes until it spills into the abdominal cavity (if there is no blockage). Usually, this procedure lasts 30 minutes. When finished, the catheter is removed and you are asked to lie down for a few minutes, then invited to get up and change clothes.
When the catheter is inserted and the fluid is injected, you may feel a little uncomfortable, you can even experience stomach cramps such as during menstruation if there is a blockage in the fallopian tubes. However, the pain should ideally not last long. The reason is that some doctors provide painkillers (anti-pain) when the examination is carried out. You may also be given antibiotics to reduce your risk of infection as a result of this test.
When is the best time to have the HSG test?
This examination should be done 2 to 5 days after your menstrual period ends (but done before ovulation or the fertile period). This is done to make sure you are not pregnant when the test is done.
In addition, you also should not do HSG checks while menstruating. The reason is, during menstruation, the blood vessels are open, so it is feared that it will cause blockages in the blood vessels.
What are the risks that can occur after the HSG test?
This examination is basically quite safe and rarely causes complications. Before the examination, you will undergo skin test first to find out if you have an allergy to the contrast fluid used or not.
X rays are also used in controlled doses to minimize the radiation exposure you receive. You don't need to worry if spots appear for a few days after the HSG examination. This is normal. In addition, you may also experience minor vaginal bleeding and pelvic cramps for a few days after the procedure.
Although generally safe, HSG examination still has several possible significant complications, namely the occurrence of infection in the fallopian tube or infection of the endometrium (uterine wall).
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