Infertility is a reproductive health issue that unables couples to conceive a baby or start their planned parenthood journey even after timed and frequent physical intimacy without using any protection. As a couple, you should visit a fertility or test tube centre when your efforts to become parents don’t bring any positive results. At the clinic, the doctor recommends a few tests for both of you. And an HSG test for infertility is one of them.
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What is an HSG test?
HSG or hysterosalpingography is a special type of X-ray method to examine the real status of the fallopian tubes of a woman. The fallopian tubes are the two structures that facilitate the egg travel to the uterus from the ovaries. Further, this test also helps to know the actual shape, size of the uterine cavity and the anatomic errors it may have.
This test procedure takes 5-10 minutes, and a radiologist performs it at a separate unit, which is a part of a clinic/hospital or away from it. As a female, you have to go through this test on 7 to 10 days of your menstrual cycle. Your doctor may advise you to take a pain killer of 600 mg before an hour of the test, as it can make your menstrual cycle cramping unbearable for you.
Why is an HSG test done?
It is a kind of X-Ray of the abdomen, which helps a fertility specialist to find out whether the fallopian tubes have any blockage and structural damage or not. Blockage or structural damage in the fallopian tubes prohibits you from getting pregnant. Through this test, the doctor knows whether your fallopian tubes are open or not. Further, it helps to find out the real causes of frequent miscarriages. The causes may be uterine fibroids, adhesions, and tumour masses in the uterus.
The process of an HSG test
In hysterosalpingography, an expert uses fluoroscopy, a type of x-ray, to examine the fallopian tubes and uterus. The expert will ask you to lie on your back on a table at the centre. He/she will insert a speculum into your vagina for the examination of your fallopian tubes and uterus.
After cleaning your cervix, the expert places a cannula in the cervix opening and pushes a liquid through the cannula. The contrast is white in the image displayed on the screen and displays the contour of the uterus with the travel of the liquid from the cannula to the uterus via the fallopian tubes. In the case of any blockage in the fallopian tubes, the liquid doesn’t pass through it. After the HSG test, your doctor may advise you not to have physical intimacy for a few days. However, you can do other activities in your daily life.
When should you not have the HSG test?
Like other tests, it has some limitations and is not good for a few females. Here are some situations when your doctor may not recommend an HSG test for you:
- Allergies
- Inflammatory conditions such as untreated STIs and pelvic inflammation
- Pregnancy
How to get ready for the test?
During the interaction, the doctor asks about your medical history and past pregnancy issues if you have one. On your offered information, the expert will advise you to take contraceptive pills to avoid pregnancy during the menstrual cycle and the test. Further, the expert will prescribe a few antibiotics for infection prevention and a painkiller for having no discomfort during the test procedure.
Does the HSG test cause any pain?
This test may cause you mild to moderate pain or cramping for or around an hour. Some of you may experience cramping or pain for many hours. Your doctor will ask you to take a painkiller before an hour to lower the discomfort you may have during the test procedure.
Read Also:- 7 Important Facts To Know If You Are Considering IVF
Does this test enhance your chances of being pregnant?
The HSG test is for the examination of the blockage or damage in the fallopian tubes and abnormalities in the uterus. After the test, the doctor may recommend a surgery for removing the obstruction in your fallopian tubes. You can get pregnant after the opening or removing the obstruction in your fallopian tubes.
Does this test open the blocked fallopian tubes?
No, this test doesn’t open the blocked tubes. The doctor recommends this test to find out whether your fallopian tubes have any blockage, damage or not. For opening the blocked fallopian tubes, your doctor will advise a surgery to you.
What are the risks of an HSG test?
An HSG test is safe and there is only a 1% chance for having any complications. The probable risks are cancer, pelvic inflammation, fainting, iodine allergy, and spotting.
Conclusion
An HSG test is an inside evaluation of your fallopian tubes and uterus. It facilitates your doctor to advise you what you should do if any blockage or damage is there. You should always follow your doctor’s advice to make the test successful and comfortable for you.
