Why women may need a hysterosalpingogram, or HSG

If you’ve been trying to conceive without success, there could be many reasons. In some cases, it’s a sperm problem. Or, it could be due to any number of issues related to ovulation or female anatomy. One common cause of female infertility is blocked fallopian tubes. That’s why our orders for fertility testing in New Braunfels typically include a hysterosalpingogram, or HSG.

What is a hysterosalpingogram?

The hysterosalpingogram is an imaging study that can detect any blockages in the fallopian tubes, and at the same time, see if there are any abnormalities within the uterine cavity. For this test, you will go to a local imaging center, where contrast dye will be injected into your uterus through your vagina and cervix through a small catheter. The radiologist will monitor the movement of the dye using X-ray technology.

As the dye flows through your uterus and fallopian tubes, the radiologist will be able to see the shape of your uterus and spot any abnormalities, such as polyps or fibroids. If the dye doesn’t make it all the way through your fallopian tubes, a blockage may be present.

No anesthesia is needed for an HSG, but some women do experience cramping for a few minutes to a few hours. Many women manage discomfort by taking over-the-counter pain medication before and after the procedure. You can return to home or work and resume your normal activities right away.

Why might I need an HSG?

Women and couples experiencing infertility should plan on a hysterosalpingogram as part of a complete fertility workup. This test can identify many common causes of infertility, and the results can also help us create a treatment plan to help you get pregnant faster.

• Eggs and sperm meet for fertilization inside the fallopian tubes. Blocked fallopian tubes prevent sperm from meeting the egg, making it impossible for conception to occur. In such cases, IVF may be needed to achieve pregnancy.
• Some women are born with an abnormally shaped uterus, which can make it difficult to get pregnant or stay pregnant. An HSG can detect such abnormalities, which can be surgically corrected in many cases.
• Polyps or fibroids inside the uterus can make it difficult for a fertilized egg, or embryo, to successfully implant and grow. If an HSG reveals such abnormalities, they can be surgically removed to allow pregnancy to occur.

What if my results are normal?

The hysterosalpingogram is just one of several studies we will order as part of your fertility testing in New Braunfels. If your results are normal, that’s great news, as it means that your fallopian tubes and uterus are structurally ready for conception and pregnancy.

Other test results may provide clues as to what is causing an inability to conceive. For example, blood work and other imaging studies may reveal that ovulation is not occurring regularly or at all, or a semen analysis may find that the male partner has a low number of good-quality sperm.

Depending on your test results, we will create a customized treatment plan designed to target the problem and help you achieve your goal. In most cases, insurance covers our fertility testing in New Braunfels, so if you are trying to conceive without any luck, don’t wait to get the help you need. Contact us to schedule an appointment for a full fertility workup for both partners.