HSG

A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is an X-ray test. It looks at the inside of the uterus camera.gif and fallopian tubes and the area around them. It often is done for women who are having a hard time getting pregnant (infertile).

During the test, a dye (contrast material) is put through a thin tube. That tube is put through the vagina and into the uterus. Because the uterus and the fallopian tubes are hooked together, the dye will flow into the fallopian tubes. Pictures are taken using a steady beam of X-ray (fluoroscopy) as the dye passes through the uterus and fallopian tubes. The pictures can show problems such as an injury or abnormal structure of the uterus or fallopian tubes. They can also show a blockage that would prevent an egg moving through a fallopian tube to the uterus. A blockage also could prevent sperm from moving into a fallopian tube and joining (fertilizing) an egg. The test also may find problems on the inside of the uterus that prevent a fertilized egg from attaching (implanting) to the uterine wall.

Why It Is Done

A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is done to:

• Check for a blocked fallopian tube. The test often is done for a woman who is having a hard time getting pregnant. An infection may cause severe scarring of the fallopian tubes and block the tubes. This can prevent pregnancy. Once in a while, the dye used during the HSG will push through and open a blocked tube.
• Find problems in the uterus, such as an abnormal shape or structure. The test can also look for an injury, polyps, fibroids, adhesions, or a foreign object in the uterus. These types of problems may cause painful menstrual periods or repeated miscarriages.
• See if tubal implants camera.gif for permanent birth control are blocking the fallopian tubes.
• See if surgery to reverse a tubal ligation has been successful.