Women who have trouble conceiving may realize that the possible reasons are manifold. One of the reasons for not able to get pregnant can be a blockage in the fallopian tubes known as tubal factor infertility. An obstruction in the fallopian tubes can prevent the sperm from reaching the egg or in some cases the fertilized egg to enter the uterus for implantation.
Blockage in the fallopian tube can occur due to several reasons. Doctors commonly recommend a diagnostic test called Hysterosalpingogram or HSG test to determine the cause. HSG test involves injecting an iodine-based dye into the cervix and taking an X-ray to examine the uterus, in order to check if the fallopian tubes are congested. In case a woman has suffered two or more miscarriages, she may also require taking HSG test to check if the uterus has any structural issues like fibroids or polyps.
Couples trying to conceive may often ask ‘what is an HSG test’. HSG or Hysterosalpingogram is a radiological procedure performed using an X-ray to gauge female fertility. HSG test uses a special radio-opaque contrasting dye which is injected into the cervix with the help of a thin catheter that enables picturing of the fallopian tubes and uterus. If the dye flows unobstructed through the tubes and uterus, it implies no blockage. But if the dye stops at any juncture, it may suggest a tubal blockage.
The HSG test is performed to ascertain the cause of infertility in cases where couples are unable to conceive. Also, when a woman has had a few miscarriages, HSG test is done to study the shape of the uterus as the irregular uterine shape can lead to repeated miscarriages. Physical anomalies in the uterus may be genetic or acquired. Similarly, if the uterus has problems like polyps and fibroids, it can make conception difficult.
The test also determines if there is a blockage in the fallopian tubes or not. Some of the common causes of obstruction in the fallopian tubes can be surgery, scar tissues from earlier pelvic infections or endometriosis.
In case a woman had tubal surgery, HSG test will help establish if the surgery was successful and in case of tubal ligation (a surgical procedure involving sealing of the fallopian tubes), the doctor can find out through HSG test if a reversal to reopen the fallopian tubes is possible or not.
You may wish to keep the following points in mind while preparing for the test:
The HSG test procedure may entail the following steps:
Women undertaking HSG test may have concerns about what happens after HSG test.
Some women may suffer mild to moderate cramps. However, if the pain seems to be escalating after the test or one starts to run a temperature, seek medical intervention. Developing a fever can be indicative of some infection.
In some cases, women can have light spotting or nausea. But usually one can resume their normal day to day activities after the test. Some doctors may propose abstaining from sexual intercourse for a couple of days after the test.
Most women do not feel any substantial pain while enduring the HSG test. Nevertheless, the experiences can vary from individual to individual. Some women can feel slight discomfort during the insertion of the catheter into the cervix. Women have also reported experiencing slight to moderate cramps. You are likely to feel a kind of warming sensation when the dye passes through the body.
In the event of a blockage in the fallopian tubes, the inserted dye will not be able to move freely through the tubes and therefore may exert some pressure resulting in pain or discomfort.
During the HSG test, if you suffer intense pain, do let your doctor know instantly. He may be able to address your concerns and help in eliminating the pain. In any case, the pain won’t last more than a few minutes. In most cases, anxiety and fear concerning the test add to the pain quotient more than the actual discomfort. Painkillers like ibuprofen can help in easing out the pain.
HSG test is largely a safe procedure. Nonetheless, certain possible risks and side effects of HSG test are listed below:
From the x-ray pictures, the radiologist tries to analyze if there are any irregularities in the uterus or tubal defects like dilation and blockage. If the x-ray displays a regular uterine shape and the inserted dye flows freely through the fallopian tubes, the test results, in that case, are thought to be normal. But this does not imply that the fertility is also normal. It simply means that the cause of infertility could not be detected. Infertility which may be due to hormonal reasons is not likely to be diagnosed by HSG test.
If the dye fails to pass unhindered through the fallopian tubes, it suggests a problem. Once the problem area is detected, it pointedly assists in determining the future course of treatment like IVF or reconstructive procedures such as laparoscopy.
After an HSG test can I get pregnant is the likely question. The simple answer is pregnancy after HSG test principally depends on the cause of infertility. But studies indicate that the pregnancy rate after HSG test significantly enhanced in a small percentage of women by 2 to 3 times. Perhaps the movement of the dye possibly displaced a slight blockage like an endometriosis lesion, clearing the fallopian tube for a probable pregnancy.
Right infertility diagnosis can be very important for couples who are struggling to get pregnant. HSG test is a positive step in that direction. It is quite natural to feel nervous about the test. You may try some relaxing deep breathing to calm yourself. Moreover, the procedure does not take much time and any discomfort if experienced is usually short-lived.