Hysterosalpingography (HSG)

Hysterosalpingography (HSG)

Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is a radiologic examination of the shape and passage of the uterine canal and the fallopian tubes using a radiographic contrast medium. It is used to reveal uterine congenital defects or fallopian tubes obstruction. HSG is done after menstrual bleeding in the first half of a menstrual cycle. A contrast medium is injected into the uterine cavity via a special device called the Schultze’s cannula, which caulks the cervix. Passing of the contrast medium through the patient’s internal reproductive organs is then monitored and analyzed.

This examination is not complicated and takes approximately 15 minutes. It is performed by a gynecologist and a radiologist. The procedure can be painful when the uterine cavity is being filled with the contrast medium; the patient is given analgesics. HSG certainly has its place in modern methods of examining infertility but has been neglected lately because of the negative effects of x-ray radiation, risks of pelvic infections and the overall unpleasantness of the experience.

HSG can be substituted by other imaging methods, such as sonohysterosalpingography, where the passing of the contrast medium through the genital system is monitored by a diagnostic sonographic scanner or a hysteroscopy often combined with laparoscopy and examination of patency of fallopian tubes, which together give a comprehensive picture of the condition of internal reproductive organs.