Getting To Know About HSG Test(HYSTEROSALPINGOGRAPUY CATHETER)

What is HSG?
A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is a special type of x-ray dye test used to diagnose if you have problems related to the uterus or fallopian tubes i.e causing fertility issues.

Why HSG testing is needed ？
There are many causes of female infertility. In front of various complicated disease names, the classification of the source is actually nothing more than two categories: one is infertility due to ovulation disorders; the other is infertility caused by pelvic factors. Another very common cause of pelvic factors is "fallopian tube obstruction."

Who Should Consider an HSG Test?
For couples who have not used contraception after marriage and have not become pregnant for more than a year, if there is still "no abnormality" after routine examinations (such as male semen routine, female sex hormone measurement and ovulation monitoring), then we will recommend the patient to have a fallopian tube angiography examination. Because salpingography can clearly and objectively reflect the condition of the fallopian tubes.

How does HSG help?
Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is a method of injecting contrast agent into the fallopian tube through a cervical tube. At the same time, an X-ray diagnostic instrument is used to photograph the course of the contrast agent in the uterine cavity and fallopian tube and the diffusion of the contrast agent in the pelvic cavity to determine the patency of the fallopian tube, uterine cavity morphology and pelvic cavity status.
HSG can also indirectly evaluate the fallopian tube peristalsis function, egg pickup function and pelvic environment, and has a certain therapeutic effect on infertility, because the process of fallopian tube angiography also "clears" the fallopian tubes, which can increase the probability of pregnancy for a period of time after the angiography is completed.

Important tips-Preparation
For patients who want to complete the outpatient fallopian tube imaging examination,This is necessary to know that preoperative examination and the timing  is very important. Before the operation, it is necessary to evaluate whether there are infectious diseases, whether the cleanliness of the leucorrhea is up to standard, and whether there is pregnancy. Therefore, vaginal secretions, blood routine, HHT, urine HCG, etc. must be checked before the operation is completed. After the menstruation is clean, do not have sex and go to the outpatient department for examination immediately.

Regarding the timing of  inspection, choose within 3 to 7 days after the menstruation is completely clean. This is because the endometrium is still relatively thin during this period, about 3.5-8mm. If the endometrium thickens in the later period, the imaging results will be inaccurate, and the repair ability of the early endometrium is relatively strong, which is conducive to hemostasis after surgery.
Q: Are there any side effects?
A: Contrast media has a short shelf life. With the replacement of contrast media, the incidence of drug residues and allergies has been greatly reduced. At present, the contrast agents we use clinically are basically water-soluble preparations containing iodine, rather than the traditional "iodized oil" preparations. "Iodine water" is easily absorbed, stays in the body for a very short time, and has almost no impact on the body.

Q:Is bleeding normal?
A: There will be vaginal bleeding after the operation, but it will generally not last more than 7 days, and the amount will not exceed the usual menstrual flow. Pay attention to proper rest within 1 week after the operation, avoid strenuous exercise, do not take a bath in the tub, and do not have sex within 2 weeks. You cannot prepare for pregnancy in the month of the angiography. You can start preparing for pregnancy as early as the next month after the angiography. If you have symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, massive vaginal bleeding, or fever after surgery, you should go to the hospital in time.