What is HSG testing?

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HSG testing refers to an x-ray test to check on the woman’s uterus and fallopian tubes.  HSG is short for hysterosalpingogram with “hystero” referring to the uterus, “salpingo” for the fallopian tubes, and “gram” for the x-ray test.  HSG testing is normally done for women who may have had difficulty getting pregnant.  Since the test involves the viewing of the uterus and fallopian tubes, doctors will be able to check if there are no abnormalities and cyst formation in these important structures for fertility-related cases.

HSG tests are typically done on an outpatient basis and may take around 30 minutes to complete.  In order for doctors to effectively view the uterus, fallopian tubes, and surrounding structures, a dye is inserted through the cervix.  This dye will help check the shape and orientation of the uterus which is essential when evaluating a women’s fertility.  It is also through the dye that the x-ray image shown to the doctor will help detect if the fallopian tubes are viable and if they are blocked or not. The health of both the uterus and fallopian tubes are very essential when it comes to helping women getting pregnant.  When it comes to the improperly shaped uterus, it is said that this condition may lead to miscarriages.  Blocked fallopian tubes meanwhile literally mean that the egg cell will not have a chance of meeting with a sperm cell and so does not help result to pregnancy.  For these concerns, HSG testing may be advised by doctors who specialize in pregnancy-related concerns and fertility.

HSG tests are normally done after a woman’s menstrual period and before the expected ovulation.  This is due to the fact that a dye is introduced into the cervix and fallopian tubes and this may interfere with a possible pregnancy. There is also no need for fasting the night before the procedure and it is also common for doctors to prescribe analgesics a few hours from the testing because of the associated discomfort afterwards.

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