Patient Experience
A hysterosalpinogram is an x-ray examination of the uterus and fallopian tubes.
This examination should be performed after menstruation and prior to ovulation, approximately Day 5 to Day 10 of a standard menstrual cycle – this will be arranged at the time of booking the procedure. Please bring a menstrual pad for after the examination as some women tend to have a bit of spotting for a day two after the procedure.
If you have had a previous allergic reaction to any foods e.g.: shellfish, medications etc please notify the radiographer. Please discuss with the radiographer if you have asthma or hayfever also. This examination uses a contrast medium/dye that some people can have an allergic reaction to.
Yes.
A radiologist and radiographer will be present in the x-ray room. Once you are comfortable on the x-ray table a speculum will be inserted into the vaginal passage. A catheter will then be passed through the cervix into the uterus. Contrast medium/dye will be slowly injected through this catheter into the uterus and this dye will fill out into the fallopian tubes. This will be visualised as it is happening by the radiologist. Once the majority of imaging has been taken the radiologist will remove the instruments and after a short lapse in time another image will be taken.
It is normal for cramping to occur when the dye is first injected. The instrumentation used may cause a pinching sensation.
The examination typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete, though this may vary from patient to patient.
Cramping may continue after the examination, as the uterus continues to eject the dye. Women may need a pad immediately after a hystersalpinogram, and possibly for several days afterwards as the remaining dye and possibly some blood pass.
The results will be available when you next visit the gynaecologist. Please feel free to ask the radiologist any questions while in the procedure room.