Radiology Department
Hysterosalpingogram
Patient Information Leaflet
Introduction
This leaflet is for patients who are having hysterosalpingogram X-ray examination. It explains what this procedure involves and how to arrange your appointment.
How do I arrange my appointment?
Please telephone Russells Hall Hospital X-Ray Department on the first day of your next period (or on a Monday if your period starts at the weekend). If you have few or no periods, please telephone during weekday working hours to discuss the timing of your examination.
Please let us know if the following apply:
- You are being treated for a pelvic infection or you have abnormal discharge.
- You have a latex allergy.
YOU MUST NOT HAVE SEXUAL INTERCOURSE (WITH OR WITHOUT A CONDOM) FROM THE START OF YOUR PERIOD UNTIL THE INVESTIGATION IS COMPLETED.
This is to avoid X-raying a very early pregnancy.
What is a hysterosalpingogram (HSG)?
A HSG is a way of looking at the uterus (womb) and fallopian tubes using X-rays and a liquid that is visible on X-rays.
Why is it done?
It is a test to investigate subfertility, and sometimes after sterilisation to check that the operation was successful or not.
What does it involve?
A HSG is carried out by a radiologist (doctor) or radiographer who has specialised to perform this investigation and another radiographer (who takes the X-rays). Usually, all staff involved are female.
You will be required to lie down on an X-ray table and the doctor or radiographer will insert a speculum into the vagina, (similar to having a smear test) and then a small tube into the neck of the womb. The liquid is then injected through the tube, into the womb and X-ray images are taken.
Will it hurt?
You may experience a pain similar to period cramps during the procedure. If you usually take painkillers for period pains, then these may be taken prior to the examination. There may be some ‘spotting’ afterwards. Please use a sanitary towel on the day of your examination.
When is it done?
A HSG has to be done at a particular stage of the menstrual cycle, approximately between day eight and day fourteen. This is why we ask patients to contact us on day one, so that an appointment can be arranged.
Following sterilisation, two months should be allowed to pass before contacting the Radiology Department. Contraception should be continued until the results are known.
How do I get the results?
Results are sent to the doctor requesting the HSG who will write to you with the results and arrange a follow up for you if appropriate.
Further information
In Radiology Departments, every effort is made to keep radiation doses low. The radiation does from X-ray examinations or isotope scans are small in relation to those we receive from natural background radiation, ranging from the equivalent of a few days’ worth, to a few years. You should make your doctor aware of any other recent X-rays or scans you may have had in case they make further examinations unnecessary.
Please contact the department if you have any queries.
Can I find out more?
You can find out more from the following web link:
NHS Choices
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Hysteroscopy/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
If you have any questions, or if there is anything you do not understand, please contact the Russells Hall Hospital switchboard number on 01384 456111 and ask for the relevant department who issued this leaflet.
If you have any feedback on this patient information leaflet please email dgft.patient.information@nhs.net
This leaflet can be made available in large print, audio version and in other languages, please call 0800 073 0510.
Originator: Dr T Woolmore. Date originated: December 2023. Review date: September 2026. Version: 1. DGH ref.: DGH/PIL/00997.