During this procedure, the patient will be asked to lie on an examination table with her feet in stirrups. A relatively large machine, called a fluoroscope, will be positioned over the pelvis to take a “real-time X-Ray” of the reproductive tract. The physician will then place a speculum in the vagina and insert a small catheter through the natural opening of the cervix. A small amount of contrast material will be delivered through the catheter into the uterus and the doctor will monitor the dye as it moves through the uterus into the fallopian tubes.
The dye will outline intrauterine abnormalities such as polyps or fibroids, if present. If the fallopian tubes are open, the dye will pass easily through the tubes. If they are blocked or damaged, the contrast dye will not flow through the tubes as expected. Unfortunately, as the contrast dye passes through the reproductive tract, the patient may experience some cramping, but the discomfort should resolve quickly as the dye flows back out of the uterus.
When the HSG is done, the physician will review the results of the test with the patient immediately and make recommendations for proceeding with fertility treatment.
