6031 Shallowford Road, Suite 101 Chattanooga, TN, 37421 (423) 876-2229 Contact Us Directions

Fertility Testing for Women

Anatomical Testing > Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)

woman A Hysterosalpingogram is one of the most common studies performed to assess a woman’s anatomy. Translated it means, picture (gram) of the uterus (hysto) and fallopian tubes (salpingo).

The test is performed in a radiology suite. A speculum is placed into the vagina and a small catheter is introduced through the cervix and into the uterus. X-ray contrast media is then pushed through the catheter to fill the uterus and tubes. The resulting image shows the inside of the uterus (not the walls) and whether the tubes are open.

Uterus with HSG catheter:

Uterus labeled

X-ray image:

Labeled HSG

Sometimes an HSG can show whether the tubes are blocked, or if fibroids or polyps are present in the uterine cavity. The HSG is a good screening test for uterine malformations including uterine septum, unicornuate uterus, bicornuate uterus and dideplphyic uterus. HSGs can also indicate whether a patient is at increased risk for conditions like endometriosis. One limitation of the HSG is that it does not show the walls of the uterus or the ovaries directly.

The HSG image is essentially a shadow of the woman’s anatomy, and there are times when these shadows can be incomplete. In these cases, other tests such as saline hysterosonography (ultrasound with water infusion), MRI, or diagnostic surgery may be necessary.

The HSG can cause uterine cramping and, in very rare cases, lead to pelvic infection or tubal scarring. Anti-inflamatory medicine such as ibuprofen is typically recommended prior to the test. Antibiotics are prescribed if a patient is at increased risk for tubal infection.

See Ultrasound for more Anatomical Testing information