Sofat Infertility & Women Care Centre: HSG or hysterosalpingogram may be a difficult word to pronounce but it has implications if you are facing problems in conceiving. It scores over other tests related to infertility. While a transvaginal ultrasound or a pelvic ultrasound scan can determine structural problems in the uterus, it may not be enough to give you an all-clear signal on account of fertility. Hormone profiling may be done to rule out hormonal problems.
HSG is just what you need to get a report about the status of your fallopian tubes. It will give you a clear picture of your fallopian tubes, uterus and adjoining areas.IVF centre in India will provide you with this facility.
What does HSG involve?
It involves the use of water based colored dye which in passed through the vagina with a catheter. It passes on to the uterus, fallopian tubes, and the abdominal cavity. The way the fluid moves is constantly monitored by x-rays. The way the liquid flows indicates the normality or abnormality of the organs. It is significant in tracking fertility problems like uterine fibroids, myomas, scarring, tubal blockages, and other irregularities. All of these conditions can cause fertility problems. In such a condition, the woman faces problems in conceiving. The mixing of the sperm and the egg need a smooth passage. If the tubes are blocked or there are fibroids, the conception might never occur.
Going for an HSG can be a blessing in disguise as it can solve some of the infertility problems, then and there. If there is an accumulation of some debris in the tubes, it will be cleared due to the liquid. It can’t be used to clarify everything about infertility. If the doctor feels that a closer look is required, then he may recommend laparoscopy or hysteroscopy.
Going through the procedure
HSG is not a very comfortable test as the dye is passed through the vaginal cavity. The test usually lasts for 10-15 minutes. The woman may experience cramping as the dye passes through the organs. The doctor might give you a medication to help you fight pelvic infection. He will also give you an anti-inflammatory and a sedative if required. HSG is performed after the menstrual period before the ovulation takes place. This timing is kept to be sure that there is no pregnancy before performing the test.
What do the results how?
A normal HSG result will show the free flow of the dye in the uterus and the tubes. It also shows the absence of scarring and anomalies in the uterus.
An abnormal HSG will show growths in the uterus, blockages in the tube and uterine damage. The blockage and damage of tubes are usually caused by STDs, pelvic inflammatory disease, or endometriosis. Hydrosalpinges is a condition in which the tubes are filled with water-like fluid. It prevents the woman from conceiving as the egg is not able to travel through the tubes.