An HSG uncovers causes of female infertility
Every patient at Park Avenue Fertility and Reproductive Medicine is unique, and examining individual anatomy is key to understanding fertility. Our Connecticut fertility doctor, Dr. Andrew Levi, commonly relies on a procedure called a hysterosalpingogram, or an HSG, to diagnose certain causes of female infertility. Completed early in the fertility journey, this procedure provides important information about a woman’s fallopian tubes and uterus.
This screening can readily pinpoint blocked fallopian tubes, a common cause of female infertility that often is symptomless. This powerful diagnostic tool can identify tubal blockages that evade detection in a routine ultrasound. Additionally, this test can assess the shape of the uterine cavity for abnormalities, and can discover scarring, polyps or fibroids that otherwise might go untreated.
This X-ray procedure can benefit many patients. It can provide answers to women facing unexplained infertility and may help those who have experienced recurrent miscarriages.
How is a hysterosalpingogram done?
If you need an HSG, Dr. Levi, our board certified Connecticut fertility doctor, and our medical team will guide you to a local radiologist to schedule an X-ray. The timing is individual, but it is usually done between day 5 and day 10 of your cycle, after you’ve stopped bleeding from your menstrual cycle, but before ovulation.
A hysterosalpingogram is an effective and commonly used tool in diagnosing female infertility. It only takes about 10 minutes and consists of a few steps.
- You will be carefully positioned on a table in the same way as a gynecologic exam.
- A radiologist will place a speculum into your vagina.
- A catheter will be gently placed in the opening of the cervix, and a dye detectable by X-ray is slowly injected into your uterus.
- X-rays will show in real time the length and openness of the fallopian tubes. Fluid will spill out their ends if the tubes are open. Fluid movement in the uterus is also monitored for possible disruptions.
What if I am nervous about an HSG?
Patients often ask Dr. Levi, our Connecticut fertility doctor, “Will an HSG hurt?” The caring Park Avenue Fertility team can answer questions and explain what to expect in your procedure.
Everyone responds differently to a hysterosalpingogram. Most women return to normal activities immediately, but some patients experience mild or moderate uterine cramping for about five to 10 minutes. Patients can ask about taking Motrin or ibuprofen in advance to alleviate this. Dr. Levi can also prescribe an antibiotic if a woman has a history of infection.
After the procedure, a radiologist interprets the findings, and we will review them and contact you to discuss a plan to move forward with your family building.
Get help for female infertility
An HSG is a valuable diagnostic tool to provide answers about female infertility and help make family-building dreams a reality. If you have questions, please contact us. Our Connecticut fertility doctor and medical team want to support you in your fertility journey.
