What is a hysterosalpinogram (HSG)?
A hysterosalpinogram (HSG) is an x-ray examination of the fallopian tubes and uterus, which checks to see if the cavity of the uterus is normal and whether the tubes are open. It is normally performed between day 7 and 10 of your cycle and takes about 30 minutes to perform. You will be asked to undress and put on a gown. You will be asked to lie on your back on an examination table. A small plastic tube is inserted into your vagina, through your cervix and into your womb. You may feel slightly uncomfortable as this happens. A colorless liquid, which shows up on x-rays is flushed into the fallopian tubes and then spills out into the abdominal cavity. X-ray pictures are taken while the dye is flowing through the organs. Some women feel a sharp pain, similar to period pains as the liquid travels into each fallopian tube. After the examination you may feel period-like pains and have some discharge, which contains the dye and also some blood.
