What is Hysterosalpingography

Hysterosalpingography is a procedure in which a doctor looks inside a woman’s womb (uterus) and fallopian tubes. During the procedure, a dye is injected into the womb. Then X-rays are taken. The dye makes the womb show up on X-rays.

What happens before the procedure?

• Schedule the procedure after your period stops, but before your next ovulation. This is usually between day 5 and day 10 of your last period. Day 1 is the first day of your period.
• Ask your doctor about changing or stopping your normal medicines. This is important if you take diabetes medicines or blood thinners.
• Pee before the procedure starts.
• Plan to have someone take you home.

What happens during the procedure?

• You may be given one of these:
  • A medicine to help you relax (sedative).
  • An over-the-counter pain medicine.
• You will lie down on your back. Your feet will be placed in foot rests (stirrups).
• A device (speculum) will be placed into your vagina. This lets your doctor see the lower part of your womb (cervix).
• Your cervix will be washed with a soap that kills germs.
• A medicine may be injected into your cervix to numb it (local anesthesia).
• A tube will be passed into your womb.
• Dye will be passed through the tube and into the womb. The dye may cause some cramps.
• X-rays will be taken.
• The tube will be taken out. The dye will flow out of your vagina on its own.

The procedure may vary among doctors and hospitals.

What happens after the procedure?

• Most of the dye will flow out on its own. Wear a pad if needed.
• You may have mild cramping and vaginal bleeding.
• Do not drive for 24 hours if you were given a medicine to help you relax.
• It is up to you to get the results of your test. Ask your doctor when your results will be ready.

Summary

• Hysterosalpingography is a procedure in which a doctor looks inside a woman’s womb and fallopian tubes.
• In this procedure, dye is injected into the womb. Then, X-rays are taken. The dye makes the womb show up on the X-rays.
• Plan to have this procedure after your period stops, but before your next ovulation. This is often between days 5 and 10 of your last period. Day 1 is the first day of your period.
• After the procedure, you may have mild cramping and bleeding. Most of the dye will flow out on its own. Wear a pad if needed.

Hysterosalpingography, Care After

This sheet gives you information about how to care for yourself after your procedure. Your health care provider may also give you more specific instructions. If you have problems or questions, contact your health care provider.

What can I expect after the procedure?

After the procedure, it is common to have:

• Cramping and light vaginal bleeding (spotting) for a short time.
• Contrast dye naturally flowing out of your vagina. This fluid will be sticky and may have blood in it. You may want to wear a sanitary pad. Do not use a tampon.
• Mild dizziness or nausea.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Do not have sexual intercourse, use a tampon, or douche until your health care provider approves.
• Do not drive for 24 hours if you were given a medicine to help you relax (sedative).
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have a fever or chills.
• You faint.
• You have severe cramping.
• Your skin has a rash, and is itchy or swollen.
• You have a bad-smelling vaginal discharge.
• You have vaginal bleeding that lasts for more than 4 days.

Get help right away if:

• You have nausea and vomiting.
• You have heavy vaginal bleeding that soaks more than one pad every hour.
• You have severe abdominal pain.

Summary

• After the procedure, you may have a discharge, cramping, and light vaginal bleeding (spotting) for a short time.
• Do not have sexual intercourse, use a tampon, or douche until your health care provider approves.