Hysterosalpingogram

HSG (Hysterosalpingography), Uterosalpingography

What To Think About

• In some cases, a pelvic ultrasound test may be done instead of a hysterosalpingogram to find foreign objects in the uterus, such as an intrauterine device (IUD). For more information, see the medical test Pelvic Ultrasound.
• Some early tests to find the cause of infertility may include tests such as semen analysis and blood tests for luteinizing hormone (LH), progesterone, or follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). If these tests cannot find the cause of infertility, a hysterosalpingogram may be done. For more information, see the medical test Infertility Testing.
• A hysterosalpingogram is done mainly for women who are having a hard time becoming pregnant. Some studies show that this test may help a woman's chance of becoming pregnant because the dye may remove mucous plugs, straighten the fallopian tubes, and break through thin scar tissue.
• Hysteroscopy may be done instead of a hysterosalpingogram to look at the uterus. Another test called laparoscopy may also be done instead of a hysterosalpingogram to look at the fallopian tubes. A laparoscopy does not show whether the fallopian tubes are open, unless dye is injected during the laparoscopy. For more information, see the medical tests Hysteroscopy or Laparoscopy.
• Another test, a sonohysterogram (SHG), may be more accurate than a hysterosalpingogram for looking at uterine fibroids or polyps. SHG uses ultrasound to watch the movement of a salt solution (saline) that is injected into the uterus. SHG does not use X-rays or an iodine dye.
• If a blocked fallopian tube is the cause of infertility, an oil-based dye may be used during a hysterosalpingogram to remove the blockage. Some studies show that an oil-based dye may open up a blockage better than a water-based dye, but other studies have shown no difference between the two dyes.
• Be sure your doctor knows if you take metformin (Glucophage) for diabetes or for any other reason, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), because of the possible interaction with the dye used in this test.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: July 24, 2006
Medical Review:	Renée M. Crichlow, MD - Family Medicine Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
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