The hysterosalpingogram, or HSG, is a basic fertility test that evaluates the uterine cavity and determines if the fallopian tubes are open. This test can be conducted radiology center and we do offer at IVF Phoenix. We have several OBGYN offices that refer patients to us for an HSG.
The procedure itself usually takes less than 5 minutes. A catheter tube is placed into the cervix and X-ray dye is slowly injected into the uterus. The dye then travels through the fallopian tubes into the abdomen. The dye is radio-opaque, meaning it can be detected by an X-ray so during the procedure, several X-rays are taken.
The test is performed between Cycle Days 6-10, with Cycle Day 1 being the first day of the period. If there is usually light spotting before a period, then Cycle Day 1 is the first day of full flow.
Patients undergoing this procedure will be encouraged to take 800 milligrams of ibuprofen or another over-the-counter pain medicine one hour before the procedure as cramping may be experienced when the HSG dye is injected. Patients who are allergic to iodine or X-ray dye should notify us before the HSG is scheduled. Patients who are allergic to the iodine-containing X-ray dye must take a special course of immune/allergy suppressing drugs before the HSG can be performed.
We will also check your insurance to see if you have a diagnostic benefit. Most patients tolerate this procedure well with little or no discomfort.
