What is hysterosalpingography and how is it performed?
Hysterosalpingography is a medical test that uses X-rays to detect problems in the uterus, we will tell you all about this test.
Hysterosalpingography consists of a test that is performed on the woman using the X-ray technique to see if she has any type of problem in the uterus. Usually it is used to control possible problems in the fallopian tubes. Like any medical test that is performed with the X-ray technique, it is not recommending that pregnant women undergo it because of the possible problems that radiation can cause in the fetus. In addition, there are also contraindications for those women who have had vaginal bleeding days before the test or who have, at that time, some type of vaginal infection.
Index
STEPS PRIOR TO HYSTEROSALPINGOGRAPHY
When a doctor recommends a woman to have a hysterosalpingography, it is because he suspects that she has a problem with the uterus. Therefore, it is not a routine test for any woman , but has to be requested in advance.
This test is used to check if there is any type of tumor or polyp in the cavity of the uterus. On the other hand, it is also effective to know the fertility of the woman after the visualization of her fallopian tubes. In addition, when a woman has a tubal ligation , you can also see how her progress is going by performing a hysterosalpingography. Finally, through this test the doctor can see if there is any type of malformation in the uterus that can cause problems for the woman.
The risks to which a woman is exposed when this test is carried out are very low , moreover , once it is carried out, she will be able to continue her life without any type of problem. Yes, it will be necessary that, before taking the test, the patient tells the doctor what medication she is taking in case it is necessary to interrupt it to avoid alterations in the results. Regarding food, it is advisable not to take foods that may cause nervousness before hysterosalpingography. Therefore, it is not advisable to consume coffee , alcohol or exciting drinks.
HOW IS A HYSTEROSALPINGOGRAPHY PERFORMED
As with many tests, before a hysterosalpingogram is performed , the woman will be asked if she consents to it . This consists of a sheet in which the patient is informed of what the test will consist of and of the possible risks or side effects that could occur. You must sign so that the doctor can carry it out.
When the patient arrives for the test, it is very important that she be calm, as it could be painful if she has tension in the vaginal walls. Once you arrive for the consultation, you will be asked to uncover yourself from the waist down and to sit with your legs spread , as in any gynecological examination. Once the patient is positioned, the speculum will be inserted in order to have better access to the uterine cavity. Depending on the pain that the woman may feel at this time, it is possible that, at times, the area will be anesthetized to be able to perform the test without problems.
The next step would already be the hysterosalpingography itself. Through the speculum, the doctor will insert a tube through the cervix that has a plastic balloon at the end that acts as a stopper so that it does not come out during the test. When it is in place, contrast substances will be inserted so that the uterine cavity can be seen on x-rays . The woman may need to change position to get a better view of the fallopian tubes .
The results of this test usually do not take long . It may be that the doctor gives an advance of what has come out the same day of the hysterosalpingography, but the most normal thing is that he waits a few days to be able to analyze them in detail. After this, he will give the patient the treatment he needs, in case a problem has arisen or he will discard his suspicions if he does not see the need to do more tests.
Dr. Tabriella Perivolaris, Sara's mother and fan of fashion, beauty, motherhood, among others, about the female universe. Since 2018 she has been working as a copywriter, always bringing to her articles a little of her experience and experience as a mother and woman.