The goal at South Jersey Fertility Center is to provide infertility procedures in a friendly and relaxed environment. Hysterosalpingograms (HSG’s) are performed in the Marlton Office by our physicians using state-of-art digital C-arm radiology equipment which reduces the x-ray exposure to the patient. It also allows us to schedule the procedure more efficiently and in a familiar, comfortable radiology setting.

Below is a picture of our new radiology suite.

A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is a test that assesses whether the fallopian tubes are open and if the uterine cavity is normal. A radio-opaque fluid is infused into the uterine cavity and through the tubes while taking an X-ray. The “dye” outlines the contour of the cavity and tubes. It can detect abnormalities such as blockage or swelling of the tubes, and polyps, fibroids, scar tissue and abnormal shape of the uterine cavity.

The HSG is done by inserting a speculum in the vagina to localize the cervix which is then cleansed with antiseptic. A catheter is placed at the opening of the cervix and the dye is infused gently for 1-2 minutes while the X-ray is taken. Patients might experience strong menstrual cramps during the infusion, but these cramps dissipate shortly after the test is completed. You may have a vaginal discharge or light bleeding for several days after the test and perhaps some persistent mild cramps for 10 minutes.

An HSG can be done in the same month that you are attempting a pregnancy, but not if you are past your usual day of ovulation (typically cycle day 14) to avoid interrupting a potential pregnancy. If you are allergic to iodine or shellfish, we will have you take medication ahead of time to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction to the dye. If you have had a history of sexually transmitted diseases or tubal disease, we will have you take antibiotics prior to the test. It is recommended that you take 600 mg of ibuprofen or 1000 mg of Tylenol one hour before the HSG to reduce cramping.

Some studies have shown that fertility is improved after having an HSG perhaps because small tubal blockages may be flushed out by the test, opening up the tubes to work normally again. Very rarely a patient may get an infection after a HSG. If you have a vaginal infection you should not have the test until it is treated. If you have a fever, foul smelling discharge or continuous pain after the test you should call us.

Dye fills to ends of both tubes

Dye spills out the ends of tubes