Pretty much every woman who seeks the assistance of a fertility specialist is advised to have an HSG test. A hysterosalpingogram (or HSG) is a quick procedure that uses dye and x-ray to assess the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes. The dye is injected into the uterus through the vagina and cervix. Once the uterine cavity fills the dye will then go into the fallopian tubes if they are open. The test can also detect the presence of scar tissue, polyps and fibroids that all may be a hindrance to fertility. The HSG test is very helpful in indentifying blocked tubes and diagnosing tubal factor infertility.
Many warn that the test is very painful. I think how much pain you experience is based on your reaction to the dye and if you have scar tissue present. For me, it was very mild and the anxiety about what I was going to experience was worse than the procedure. I lost one fallopian tube to an ectopic pregnancy and the other was open and clear with minimal scarring and polyps and no fibroids in that location. So, that meant that the procedure for me was relatively painless. It was by no means comfortable – they do insert a speculum and you are asked to roll from side to side to help the dye move. Many doctors suggest that you take a pain reliever about 30 minutes before the test to help with the cramping and painful side effects.
There is definitely cramping as the dye is injected and even some slight bleeding can be expected. You are not to use tampons, but a pad afterward is a good idea since the fluid does leak after the procedure. Overall, I personally thought that the HSG test was one of the best. It gives a good all-encompassing view of your reproductive system and highlights the good, bad and ugly. If tubal factor is diagnosed you are able to better make decisions about the best reproductive treatment. It is relatively simple in comparison to a lot of the other tests and pokes and prods and is an essential first step in efforts to determine fertility challenges if they are unknown. But perhaps the best thing about the HSG test is that several studies have shown that pregnancy rates are slightly increased in the months following the procedure if no major blockages or scarring is found. The theory is that the dye “flushes” the tubes and open minor blockages assisting in conception – definitely worth a shot, especially since it is typically one of the pre-requisite tests when you decide to seek fertility assistance!
Related posts:
