Having a Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)

What is a hysterosalpingogram?

This is an x-ray examination of your uterus (womb) and fallopian tubes to help determine if there are any abnormalities or blockages. The uterus and fallopian tubes cannot be seen on a normal x-ray, so contrast (a solution which shows up under x-ray) is used to outline the cavity and the tubes.

Prior to your examination

You will need to have vaginal swabs taken at your GP surgery to check for infection in the vagina which could spread to the fallopian tubes. Your fertility nurse will give you a form to arrange this.

When the swabs have been taken, contact the Fertility Department on 01305 254141 to let us know – please leave your name and telephone number. A nurse will telephone you with your results.

You will then need to ring the X-ray Department on 01305 254428 on the first day of your next period to arrange a date for your procedure.

You must not have sexual intercourse from the first day of your last period up to the date of the investigation, to avoid pregnancy, as the procedure can harm a developing foetus. We would also ask that you do a pregnancy test at home on the morning of the examination.

Who will be performing the procedure?

A doctor called a radiologist, who has been specially trained in doing this procedure, and a radiographer will be present to assist.

Where will the procedure take place?

The procedure will take place in the X-ray Department in a ‘special procedures’ room.

Is there any preparation?

The fertility nurses will arrange for you to have some antibiotics.

You need to take the medication one hour before the procedure.

You are also advised to take some painkillers, Paracetamol or Ibuprofen, one hour before the procedure.

What happens during the procedure?

You will need to change into an x-ray gown. You will be asked to go to the toilet to empty your bladder.

A radiologist will explain the procedure before obtaining your consent.

You will be asked to lie on the x-ray table in the same position you would for a smear test and a sterile drape will be placed over your pelvic area. The procedure involves inserting an instrument called a speculum into the vagina. A small tube will then be passed into the uterus and x-ray contrast will be gently injected into the uterus and fallopian tubes. As the contrast is injected, the x-rays are taken.

When the x-rays are complete, the tube and speculum will be removed.

How long will it take?

The procedure will take about 30 minutes.

Will it hurt?

Some discomfort may be felt as the fluid is injected, similar to period pain, and this may remain for a short period of time afterwards.

What happens afterwards?

After the procedure is complete you will be able to get dressed.

There may be slight vaginal discharge or bleeding (spotting) and you will be provided with a sanitary towel or you can bring your own. It is advisable not to use a vaginal tampon as it may cause irritation.

After care advice

You may feel weak or tired for a little while after the procedure, so we advise that you rest for 24 hours.

We advise you to:

• Have a responsible adult collect you from hospital
• Continue taking painkillers regularly for 24 hours.

Please contact your GP (home doctor) if:

• Your temperature is 38°C (100.04F) or greater
• You have prolonged abdominal pain not relieved by regular painkillers
• You have an offensive vaginal discharge.

Follow-up

Your referring consultant, or a member of their team, will see you in a future clinic to discuss the results and any further treatment.

What are the risks and complications?

The risks and side effects of this procedure are minimal.

There is a small risk of a reaction to the x-ray contrast, as this contains iodine. If you have known allergies, or have had a reaction to contrast in the past, please contact the department before your procedure.

Contact numbers

We hope that you have found this information useful. If you have any questions or are worried about anything, please speak to the following Dorset County Hospital staff:

X-ray appointments team: 01305 254428
Fertility Department: 01305 254141
Dorset County Hospital Switchboard: 01305 251120
Patient Experience team: 0800 7838058

About this leaflet

Author: Jeanette Bartlett, Lead Interventional Senior Radiographer.
Written: November 2020
Approved: April 2021
Review date: April 2024
Edition: v1

If you have feedback regarding the accuracy of the information contained in this leaflet, or if you would like a list of references used to develop this leaflet, please email patientinformation.leaflets@dchft.nhs.uk