Home Blog

Uterosalpingography or hysterosalpingography is done to examine the fallopian tubes and uterus. This procedure uses a water-soluble contrast material. It also uses a unique type of X-ray. This is known as fluoroscopy. With fluoroscopy, it is possible for doctors to observe the body’s organs. When the contrast material fills the fallopian tubes and uterus, the radiologist will be able to know their function and anatomy.

Uterosalpingography is a noninvasive medical test that is mainly used to check the fallopian tubes and the uterus of those women who find it difficult to conceive. It is possible to determine the shape of your uterus with this test; you can also check for scars in the cavity (peritoneal) and the fallopian tubes’ openness.
It also helps in determining why past miscarriages occurred. Additionally, it detects abnormalities like adhesions, tumors, and uterine fibroids.

Uterosalpingography also determines the presence of any fallopian tube blockage, tubal ligation, or disease related to tubes’ blockage.

Procedure

In this procedure, you will need to bend your knees as you lie down on a table. A speculum will be inserted into the vagina and the cervix would be cleansed. A catheter is then inserted into the cervix. The doctor will remove the speculum and carefully place you under the device (fluoroscopy). The catheter will fill your uterine, fallopian tubes, and peritoneal cavity with the contrast material in order to take the fluoroscopic images.

In case of any problem, you may be advised rest for a short while and wait for half an hour or so to get another image, which will give the doctor clues regarding your condition; this may be in contrast to the original image.

The doctor will remove the catheter once the uterosalpingography is done, after which, you can get up. This procedure generally takes 30 to 40 minutes.

Preparation

• Uterosalpingography is generally done a week after you complete your menstruation cycle and before you start ovulating again. This is done to make sure that there is no possibility of pregnancy while undergoing this procedure.
• Do not perform this procedure during any active inflammation condition. It is necessary for you to notify the doctor if you are suffering from any STD (sexually transmitted disease) that is untreated or pelvic infection while undergoing this procedure.
• You will probably be required to clean your bowels the previous night by administering a laxative. This is done for clear viewing of the uterus as well as the area around.
• You also need to inform the doctor if you are allergic to any medicine or are suffering from any kind of allergy. Bring it to your doctor’s notice regarding any illness in the recent past.
• You also need to inform the doctor if you are pregnant as this procedure cannot be performed in that case. The X-ray can harm your child.
• Before undergoing the procedure, make sure you remove all jewelry or metal objects, if any, as they tend to obstruct the images.