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Hysterosalpingography

(Hysterogram; HSG)

by Amy Scholten, MPH

Home | Health Information Center | Procedure & Surgery Fact Sheets | Article

Definition

Reasons for Test

Possible Complications

What to Expect

Call Your Doctor

En Español

Definition

Hysterosalpingography is a type of x-ray. It is used to look at the uterus and fallopian tubes. The uterus is the organ that holds an unborn baby during pregnancy. The fallopian tubes carry eggs from the ovary to the uterus.

Female Reproductive Organs

Reasons for Test

Hysterosalpingography is used to look at:

Why a woman is not getting pregnant
Abnormal bleeding
Abnormal puberty
Injury

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:

Excess bleeding
Problems from contrast dye
Belly pain or cramping
Infection

All x-rays involve some radiation exposure. These levels are considered safe for most. The test is not advised for pregnant women. The radiation can harm the unborn baby.

What to Expect

Prior to Test

The care team may meet with you to talk about:

Any allergies you may have
Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before the procedure
Fasting before the procedure, such as avoiding food or drink after midnight the night before
Whether you need a ride to and from the procedure
Cleaning out the colon
Pain medicine

Description of Test

A device will be inserted to gently open the vagina. A tube will be passed through the cervix and into the uterus.

Contrast material will be passed through a tube into the uterus and fallopian tubes. This will help the doctor see the x-rays. X-rays will be taken. The tube will then be removed.

How Long Will It Take?

About 15 to 45 minutes

Will It Hurt?

There may be some discomfort and cramping during the test. If there is a blockage, it may cause worse pain. You may have some light cramps after the test. Medicine will help to ease discomfort.

Results

Your doctor will talk to you about the results of the test.

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if you have:

Pain that is not controlled with the medicine
Heavy bleeding from the vagina
Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
Belly pain
Nausea or vomiting
Itching, hives, or rash
Problems breathing and/or swallowing

RESOURCES:

Offiice on Women's Health—US Department of Health and Human Services
http://www.womenshealth.gov

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
http://www.acog.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC)
http://www.sogc.org

Women's Health Matters
http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca

References:

Abnormal uterine bleeding. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/approach-to/abnormal-uterine-bleeding. Accessed August 3, 2021.

Hysterosalpingography. Radiology Info—Radiological Society of North America website. Available at: https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/hysterosalp. Accessed August 3, 2021.

Hysterosalpingography. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website. Available at: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/hysterosalpingography. Accessed August 3, 2021.

Zafarani F, Ghaffari F, et al. Hysterosalpingography in the assessment of proximal tubal pathology: a review of congenital and acquired abnormalities. Br J Radiol. 2021;94(1122):20201386.

Last reviewed July 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD
Last Updated: 8/3/2021

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