HSG Exam

Normal HSG
You can visualize the uterus and both tubes

I'd been dreading it, but I knew I had to do it. My doctor wanted me to have a hysterosalpingogram in order to assess my anatomy and make sure my Fallopian tubes are open. I had heard from a lot of ladies that it is an uncomfortable procedure so I was feeling super nervous and fidgety sitting there in the waiting room.



The first part of the procedure was not a big deal, basically like a pap smear where they insert the speculum and find your cervix. Then the doctor inserted the catheter into the uterus and it became a little uncomfortable. I was really nervous about the x-ray dye since I had anaphylaxis from x-ray dye as a child. The doctor assured me that since the dye wasn't going to be in my blood stream, since they weren't starting an IV, I wouldn't have a reaction to it. I was somewhat relieved to hear that. After the doctor got the catheter in place she pulled out the speculum (thank goodness!) and started injecting the dye. That's when the pain came! Woo boy was that uncomfortable, but I'm a big wimp when it comes to this kind of thing. There was a monitor nearby and I watched as the dye began to light up my cervix followed by my left tube. It took about 40 seconds more for my right tube to show up. But I was so relieved that everything looked normal. I didn't really have a lot of pain afterwards but had some cramping the rest of the day. Not to mention, the x-ray dye leaks out of you too!

One thing my doctor told me was that there is a higher chance of getting pregnant the cycle after your HSG exam. She said they have done a ton of research on why without finding any reason. But she thinks that while the dye is flowing through the tubes it may clear out debris or tissue that may have been obstructing the tube and not allowing an egg to find it's way to the uterus.

Here is a video of the x-ray portion of the HSG exam.