When a woman is trying to conceive a baby. She must know that many parts of the reproductive system are responsible for conception, which should be healthy. For example, a woman’s ovaries need to produce an egg every month, called ovulation. The uterus must be free from abnormalities like fibroids, adenomyosis, polyp, etc. Lastly, the fallopian tubes connected bilaterally to the uterus should be open and healthy.
If any of these reproductive parts in women is not functioning properly, a woman might have trouble conceiving.
Fallopian tubes are connected to the uterus, and when the egg is released from the ovary during ovulation, the egg and sperm get fertilized in the fallopian tube. After that, an embryo develops and continues through the fallopian tubes until it reaches the uterus, where it implants into the uterine lining. But if fallopian tubes are blocked or unhealthy, then there will be no fertilization, or the embryo will not survive in the tube.
Blocked fallopian tubes happen due to many reasons, but no matter what the cause, the doctors in IVF Center in Kompally will diagnose it with a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) test.
Why Do We Need Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)?
Hysterosalpingography is performed for patients who have difficulty conceiving despite regular intercourse for 1 or 2 years. It is a test that can confirm if a woman’s fallopian tubes are blocked or open. Can also assess whether the uterine cavity is normal. It is an OPD procedure where the test takes no longer than 10 minutes. This process involves placing an iodine-based dye through the uterus mouth called the cervix and taking an x-ray. These x-rays help evaluate the uterus’s shape and the fallopian tubes’ status.
HSG is done within 5 days of completion of the period. This reduces the risk of undiagnosed pregnancy when the test is done.
On the day of the test. The doctor may advise painkillers an hour before going for HSG to help with the discomfort of the test. Also, some antibiotics are recommended to reduce the risk of infection.
The HSG Procedure
- At the commencement of the procedure, a speculum is inserted into the vagina to observe the cervix, similar to a Pap smear.
- The cervix is then cleansed with an antiseptic solution, and a thin, plastic catheter, which is almost the size of the tip of a pen, is positioned inside the cervix.
- Once positioned, an iodine-based dye is then injected via the catheter.
- This dye goes through the uterus, into the fallopian tubes unless they are blocked, and off into the pelvic cavity, enabling the radiologist to witness the shape of the uterus and detect any blockages.
The process involves a special X-ray known as fluoroscopy. This x-ray machine can detect the uterus and fallopian tubes, enabling the radiologist to see the interior of these organs via a TV-like monitor.
How Are the Results Evaluated?
The HSG helps the doctor detect two important factors:
1-The fallopian tubes are blocked – If the fallopian tubes are blocked, a woman will not be able to conceive because the egg and sperm cannot meet.
2-The fallopian tubes are open– if the fallopian tubes are open, the women can conceive through naturally timed intercourse or, if needed, through intrauterine insemination (IUI).
3- The inside shape of the uterus– if the shape of the uterus is not looking perfect, it may be considered the cause of recurrent pregnancy loss or miscarriage in some women. This test may suggest going for a hysteroscopy to look inside the uterus and correct defects like septum if present.
IS HSG PAINFUL?
Many women wonder if the HSG test is painful. The experience of HSG is different for every woman. Some women only have mild cramps, while others may complain of severe pain, especially if they have blocked fallopian tubes. If a person is terrified of pain, they may get it done with short general anaesthesia. This process may also cause some spotting. Th extra dye may leak out of the vagina, and it is advised to use pads after the process. The process is quick, and the person can continue their day-to-day routine activities immediately after the test.
HSG Risk Factors:
HSG is typically a very safe procedure, and the risks associated are very rare. There is a chance of infection in only one per cent of cases or a rare allergic reaction to the iodine used. Possible risks in rare cases may include:
- Endometrial (uterine lining) or fallopian tube infection
- Allergic reaction to contrast dye
- Injury to the uterus, such as perforation.
Conclusion:
If your report shows that your fallopian tubes are blocked, the doctors might suggest a laparoscopy procedure. They may also recommend in vitro fertilization or IVF. Oasis Fertility Kompally is one of the best options as their professional expertise and success rates are higher than any other IVF centre in Kompally.
