Hysterosalpingogram preparation

The hysterosalpingogram is an essential part of an infertility evaluation. Simply stated, it is an x-ray which shows the uterine cavity and the fallopian tubes. Typically lasting only a minute or two, we strive to make your experience a relaxing one. Utilizing a spa like atmosphere, you will hardly believe you are having a medical procedure.

Are you a current patient of IVF1?

If you are and you have a hysterosalpingogram already scheduled, then please make sure you have signed your consent forms

Click here to sign consents

Timing

A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is performed after the bleeding from a period has ended but before ovulation has occurred. for women with regular menstrual cycles, this is typically between day 5 and day 12 of their cycle. (Day 1 is considered the first day of full flow bleeding).

The night before the HSG

If you are having your hysterosalpingogram under anesthesia, then you should not have anything to eat or drink for 12 hours prior to you procedure. For example, if your hysterosalpingogram is scheduled for 10:00 a.m., you should fast from 10:00 p.m. the night before. If you are not having anesthesia, then you may eat or drink normally.

Two hours before the HSG

In order to reduce cramping from the hysterosalpingogram, you may take any of the following medications one to two hours before the procedure:  (DO NOT TAKE THESE MEDICATIONS IF YOU ARE HAVING ANESTHESIA)

  • celecoxib (Celebrex)
  • ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
  • naproxen (Naprosyn)
  • ketorolac (Toradol)

 Arrival at the Naperville Fertility Center

Please arrive at the surgery center at least 30 minutes before your procedure. If you are having anesthesia, you should arrive at least 60 minutes before your procedure. Check in at the reception desk. Once you are checked in, you will be taken to the admit / recovery area and be greeted by our friendly nursing staff. You will be asked to removal all of your clothing and change into a gown. Anesthesia patients will at this time have an intravenous line inserted into a vein on their arm. The anesthesiologist will interview you about your medical history and explain the type of anesthesia you will receive.

Hysterosalpingogram

Non-anesthesia patients may walk into the surgical suite. Anesthesia patients will be taken into the surgical suite on a cart. In keeping with the spa like atmosphere of the Naperville Fertility Center, the lights in the surgical suite will be dimmed and soft relaxing music will be playing in the background.

After lying down on a comfortable surgical bed, your legs will be placed in stirrups. A speculum will be placed into the vagina. The cervix will be leaned with iodine on a soft gauze sponge. If you are not having anesthesia, a small injection of anesthetic will be administered into the cervix. A hysterosalpingogram catheter will be advanced into the uterus.

If tubal blockage is identified, then the doctor may proceed with additional procedures to open the blocked tubes. These procedures are known selective salpingography and wire guide canalization.  

HSG Procedures performed ay IVF1

Click to learn more about each type

Hysterosalpingogram
Tubal catheterization
Wire guide canalization

Once the procedure is completed, the doctor will review and explain the images to you immediately. Your questions will be answered.  You will then be taken back to you room in the admit / recovery area.  

 After the hysterosalpingogram

  1. Expect some cramping and vaginal bleeding. The amount may be similar to what you experience during a period. On occasion, it may be heavier than a normal period.
  2. Iodine is used to clean the cervix and vagina. You may notice brown colored discharge.
  3. A fever is not normal. If you think you have a fever, take you temperature. Call the office if your temperature is higher than 100.4 degrees
  4. You may take Tylenol, Ibuprofen or similar medication for cramps.
  5. Some cramping is common. Call the office if you have severe pain above and beyond what you would consider normal and that is not relieved by medication.
  6. You may shower tonight. You may bathe after the vaginal bleeding has stopped.
  7. You may eat or drink whatever you like.
  8. You may have intercourse once the vaginal bleeding has stopped. It is okay for you to attempt pregnancy if you desire.

Follow-up:

  1. If you have additional diagnostic tests, complete them and then follow up in the office to discuss the results.
  2. If you are not sure what the next step is, call the office. We will review your chart and give you appropriate instructions.