A Diagnostic Test (HSG) Might Help With Fertility

With more and more women waiting in their 30s and 40s to have their first child, doctors are seeing more fertility problems. In fact, according to government research, about one-third of couples where the woman is over the age of 35 have problems getting pregnant.

A dignostic test called hysterosalpingogram, or HSG, uses a very thin catheter to examine a woman's uterus and fallopian tubes to see if everything is working properly.

"We inject a little bit of what we would call dye, radiologist call contract, into uterine cavity through the cervix," said Dr. William Schlaff from University of Colorado Hospital.

A teaspoon or so is injected. The whole process takes less than 30 minutes. Through X-ray images doctors can see if the fallopian tubes are blocked or not functioning properly.

"It's just the same amount of discomfort as an annual pap smear exam," said Szczebak. Read more.