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  3. Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
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Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)

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For Obstetrics and Gynecology related requests:
1-319-356-2294
For all other requests:
1-800-777-8442
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What is an HSG?

A hysterosalpingogram (HIS-ta-ro-sal-PING-o-gram) is a test that lets your doctor see the inside walls of your uterus and fallopian tubes. It uses an X-ray and a special dye to find:

  • Scar tissue inside the uterus
  • Polyps inside the uterus
  • Fibroids (non-cancerous tumors of the uterus)
  • Problems with the fallopian tubes, such as:
    • Blockage
    • Scarring
    • Swelling
    • Dilation
  • Scar tissue in and around the pelvis

Your chances for pregnancy may be lower if there are problems with your fallopian tubes or uterus. Sperm cannot reach the egg if your fallopian tubes are blocked.

What can I expect during an HSG test?

  • Your appointment will take 60 to 90 minutes.
  • The HSG is done in radiology. It takes 10 to 30 minutes.
  • Your provider will put a speculum into your vagina, like when you have a Pap smear. Then they put a thin tube inside your cervix that will let a special dye flow into your uterus and fallopian tubes.
  • In a normal HSG the dye will fill your uterus and fallopian tubes and spill out of each tube.
  • X-rays will be taken to see how the dye flows through the uterus and tubes.
  • Family cannot be in the room during the X-ray.
  • After your test you may leave.

  • Cramping or discomfort like strong menstrual cramps
    • Call the clinic if your pain does not get better.
  • Infection
    • Call the clinic if you have a fever of 100.4° F (or 38° C).
  • Vaginal spotting or bleeding

Schedule it after your period ends, but before you expect to ovulate. This will be about days 5 to 13 of your menstrual cycle.

  • Count “day 1” as the day your period starts to figure out the days of your cycle.
  • Call to reschedule if:
    • Your period is late
    • You are menstruating (more than light vaginal spotting)
    • You are past ovulation

Many women feel some cramping, especially when the dye is injected. Women who have a blocked fallopian tube may feel strong cramping.

Take a pain medicine 30 to 60 minutes before you HSG. This will help prevent or lessen pain during the test.

Your provider recommends you take:

  • Ibuprofen 800 mg
    • 4 tabs of the 200mg Advil™ or other over-the-counter ibuprofen tabs
  • 650 mg (2 tabs) of acetaminophen (Tylenol™), if you cannot take aspirin or ibuprofen

Check in at the UI Center for Advanced Reproductive care 2nd floor of the UI Health Care-North Dodge clinic. A nurse will take you to a room to complete intake and do a urine pregnancy test. Please come with a full bladder so you can supply a urine sample for this test. You will then proceed to the check in desk on the 2nd Floor to check in for the HSG procedure and be directed to the radiology waiting area on the 1st Floor.

Many women have no pain after the HSG, but you may feel crampy or achy. It may help to have someone else drive you home.

You may try to get pregnant in the same cycle your HSG was done.

The provider doing your X-ray will look at the images and give you preliminary test results right away. The X-ray will be reviewed by a faculty reproductive endocrinologist later.

Your doctor will talk with you about other treatment recommendations at your next visit or by mail.

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  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
    • Pregnancy Care
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    • Gynecology Clinic
    • Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
    • Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic at UI Hospitals & Clinics
Not sure which Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) provider is right for you?
When you call 1-319-356-2294 we'll help you find a provider who meets your needs.
Call 1-319-356-2294

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Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic

31500 Pomerantz Family Pavilion (PFP)
Level 3, Elevator M
1-319-356-2294
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200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242
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