Getting pregnant is not very easy for many women. Many couples have trouble conceiving. The issue could be either or both the partners. Fertility specialists use various tests to narrow down the exact cause of infertility. This can help identify the most appropriate treatment plan to help the couple conceive as early as possible with as little intervention as possible. The HSG test is one such test that aims to identify the area of the problem.
HSG – HysteroSalpingoGram is a type of X-ray that uses dye to detect the problematic area when it comes to female fertility. A special dye is sent through the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes during the X-ray. The X-ray will show if there is a block in the pathway. The HSG helps identify blockage in the fallopian tubes or an irregularly shaped uterus, which can interfere with your attempts to get pregnant.
The HSG test is not taken for all women trying to conceive. When a couple are not able to get pregnant even after a year of trying, they may have fertility issues that require medical intervention. In such a case, the doctor may also order an HSG after taking the necessary tests.
The HSG is usually taken within the first 2 weeks after the menstrual cycle – before ovulation occurs. During this time, the chances of you menstruating or being pregnant are minimal, and the dye test will not interfere with either. The results will also be more accurate.
Should all pregnant women or women trying to conceive get an HSG test? Is it compulsory for all?
The fallopian tubes should be clear and open to allow the sperm to travel to the egg for fertilisation. If there is a block in the fallopian tubes, it can prevent the sperm from reaching the egg. The fertilised egg also travels through the fallopian tube to reach the uterus for implantation. So, identifying a block in these tubes is an important part of detecting fertility issues.
The HSG test also helps the fertility specialist check the shape of the uterus. In case of an abnormal shape or the presence of fibroids, your healthcare provider can perform more specific imaging tests for a closer look and a more precise diagnosis of the problem.
If you had a tubal ligation in the past and have reversed it, an HSG can help check if the reversal procedure is a success and if the tubes are open to allow fertilisation.
A gynaecologist, radiologist or reproductive specialist will perform the HSG test. They will fill your uterine cavity and fallopian tubes with a contrast dye. If the dye flows smoothly through the fallopian tubes, there is no blockage. The dye will also create an outline of the uterus, which allows the healthcare provider to assess the shape of your uterus.
Before taking this test, the healthcare provider will take a pregnancy test to ensure you are not pregnant. They will not conduct this test if you have a pelvic infection, either.
If you are getting an HSG exam, you may have to take precautionary antibiotics to avoid any pelvic infection or take some medication for the pain that the test might cause. Driving back on your own may not be feasible, as the test can cause cramping or pain. So, arrange for someone to take you back home. It is also advisable to come with someone for moral support and to help you in case of cramping after the test.
The procedure will take about 5 minutes, requiring no anaesthesia or other elaborate preparation. You can go right before your appointment, finish the test and go back home the same day.
The test itself can be mildly uncomfortable. You need to be relaxed as clenching or tightening your pelvic muscles can make it difficult to perform the test. The test will be done in the following manner:
● You will need to lie on your back with your leg bent at your knees
● The healthcare provider will use a speculum – an instrument that helps widen and keep your vagina open so that the cervix is accessible.
● Next, they will clean the cervix and insert a small catheter into the cervical canal and the uterus.
● After insertion, they will remove the speculum and ask you to straighten your legs.
● Now, they will slowly pump in the contrast dye as the radiologist positions the machine over your pelvic area, ready to take images.
● You may feel a bit of cramping as the dye travels through the fallopian tubes.
● In the case of a block, the dye will not move beyond it. They may make you change your position slightly to check how the dye travels. The fallopian tubes may also slightly stretch in case of a block as the dye pushes against it.
● If there is no block, the dye will flow easily and spill out close to your bowel. Don’t worry; the body will absorb this dye, which is completely harmless.
● Once the images are taken, they will slowly remove the tube from your cervix.
● You can rest and go back home on the same day.
According to some studies, doing an HSG test can sometimes increase the chances of conception for the next few cycles. The studies believe that flushing the dye through the fallopian tubes can stretch the tubes and also remove small blockages, if any, thus paving a clear path for the sperm to meet the egg. In most cases, you can try conceiving a few days after your HSG test. So, there is no reason to miss the chance, even if very minimal.
An HSG test is one of the routine fertility tests done if the fertility specialist suspects any issue or blockage in the fallopian tubes or the uterus. It is a safe test that might be a little uncomfortable during the procedure but does not have any lasting side effects. If your doctor asks for this test, you can go ahead with it without worrying too much.
● The HSG test helps identify a block in the fallopian tube or irregularities in the uterus that can interfere with the pregnancy attempts. According to some studies, passing the dye can help clear out small blocks and increase the chances of conception in the next few months.
● The HSG X-ray is performed by passing a colour dye through the fallopian tubes to the uterus. If there are any blocks, the X-ray will pick them up and help identify the exact point of blockage.
● If you are having trouble conceiving and have no other obvious fertility issues, you can take the HSG test within the first two weeks after your periods. This will reduce the chances of interfering with your pregnancy or menstruation.
● The HSG is done before ovulation. So, you can try conceiving right after the test. Some studies suggest the dye flowing through the fallopian tube can help remove any small blocks and increase the chances of conception. However, you should consult your doctor for the most appropriate advice as only they know your situation well enough.
