HSG
Before pregnancy, the couple should prepare themselves mentally for the journey as it consists of lots of ups and downs. Maternal health and fertility are very important that’s why couples should get knowledge about it.
Hysterosalpingogram test type of X-ray that is done to know about the fertility issue. This X-ray, allows the doctor to examine your uterus and fallopian tube and to find the reason behind your fertility problem, it also helps to check the endometrial cyst and fallopian tube whether it is blocked or not.
Who Should Go For HSG Test?
The HSG test is recommended for those women who have difficulty conceiving. It is suggested to those women who have more than one miscarriage. This test is suggested if a woman has a blockage in the fallopian tube or there is tubal obstruction. HSG test shows irregularities in the uterus and gives a final diagnosis, as a result, it is sometimes used for further examination like laparoscopy or hysteroscopy.
Process Of HSG Test
Before going for the test the doctor may advise the patient to take some antibiotics and examine the patient's health. In this test fluoroscopy machine(X-ray) is used to take the images.
Speculum is a tool that is inserted in the patient's vagina that allows access to the cervix. Then the cervix is cleaned and a thin catheter is placed in the cervical canal. A medication of iodine is then injected which makes the fallopian tube visible for the X-ray.
The doctor examines through a fluoroscopy machine that shows the condition of the fallopian tube and uterus. Sometimes the doctors ask you to change your position to see how the solution moves and also to take a side image. During the HSG test, the patient can feel mild cramping and vaginal bleeding can be spotted if the patient is feeling severe pain. If any other severe symptoms are seen then consult with the doctor.
How To Prepare Before HSG Test?
Before going for the test you have to check a few things that will make you aware of it and will prepare you for it -
- Check beforehand if the HSG test is included in your medical insurance or not.
- As this test is related to fertility, it is done by a fertility expert in a gynaecology clinic or radiology facility. Patients suffering from infertility should consult with infertility experts first.
- The test is done in the first two weeks of the patient's menstrual cycle and it is to make sure that you are not pregnant.
- The insertion of a catheter into your cervical canal can lead to cramping and discomfort that can be cured by taking the painkiller recommended by the doctor.
- Do not get stressed if you saw spotting, it is normal. The solution causes spotting so make sure to carry a pad. The solution needs to leave the uterus so make sure to wear pads for a few days.
Complications Of HSG Test
Even though the procedure of the HSG test is safe but there are few chances of getting complications.
- Sometimes women can feel dizzy after the test.
- A serious problem women face is a pelvic infection, sometimes HSG test damages the fallopian tube.
- Another complication is radiation exposure which is why if a woman is pregnant she should not take this test as the rays can be harmful to the baby.
- If you have any allergies to iodine or any other please remember to inform the doctor before the test as it can lead to extreme complications.
Result Of HSG Test
Abnormal test
When the solution is unable to travel in the tube or the irregular shape of the uterus it is a problem. Blockage in the fallopian tube or uterus makes it unable for the solution to pass. In this case either the doctor repeats the test or suggests another test for further examination.
Normal test
The test is considered normal if the uterus size is regular and the fallopian tube is not blocked. However, the test does not detect the problem like endometriosis. It just shows that something is wrong. laparoscopy is the only way to detect endometriosis.
Does HSG test make you pregnant?
The test increases the chances of pregnancy. As the solution is inserted into the canal and flushes the blockage in the fallopian tube. Therefore HSG test increases the chances of conceiving.
Another merit of the HSG test is that the solution boosts the endometrium and facilitates embryo implantation. There might be some complications such as anti-inflammatory.