Hysterosalpingography (HSG)

HysterosalpingographyA radiological examination of the uterus and fallopian tubes, especially to check tubal patency. Abbreviated HSG. (HSG) is a procedure intended to document any pathology of the uterusPear-shaped organ that contains and nourishes the fetus during pregnancy, which contracts in a powerful and rhythmic manner at birth to expel the fetus. or fallopian tubes. The HSG, formerly known to be painful because of the thick contrast agent used, is now carried out ​​with water-based materials.

It is performed between the 5th and 15th days of the cycle, if possible before the expected date of ovulationThe release of the egg from the ovary. A mature follicle bursts, expelling the egg it contains into the fallopian tube. This usually occurs around the middle of the menstrual cycle.. A pregnancy test is performed the day before or the same day of the examination. The HSG is carried out in a radiology service and is performed by a physician. The patient is installed in the usual gynecological position and then, following a vaginalRelating to the vagina. disinfection, the cervixLower part of the uterus, adjacent to and reaching into the vagina, which secretes an alkaline mucus to protect the sperm from acidic environment of the vagina. is held by a clamp and a small device allows the introduction of contrast into the uterine cavity. The patient is awake, can follow the examination on a screen and immediately receives the doctor's explanations.

The duration of the examination itself is short (1-4 minutes). Xray pictures are taken and then described to the patient. The consequences of the discovery of a possible disease are discussed in a later consultation.

The complications of this procedure are very rare. These are mainly vagal reaction (nausea, sweating, cold sensations, rarely with loss of consciousness), small bleeding from the vagina in the hours following the examination, and very rare infections that occur primarily in patients already carrying germs and who did not use the antibiotic prophylaxis they received.

This test is done on an outpatient basis and normally the patient can go back to work one hour later. These examinations are performed on an empty stomach in the morning between 08 and 10 A.M. by a gynecologist in the Radiology department of the Clinic Cecil.