Video: What is a Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)?

0:00:00.000,0:00:05.000 (text on screen): Ask the Expert 0:00:05.000,0:00:07.000 Fertility Authority. Your Most Trusted Source 0:00:07.000,0:00:12.000 What is a hysterosalpingogram (HSG)? 0:00:12.000,0:00:18.000 Isaac Kligman, M.D., The Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility: Another test that is typically done is called the hysterosalpingogram. 0:00:18.000,0:00:20.000 For short, it's HSG. 0:00:20.000,0:00:28.000 I need to say that the HSG has a very bad reputation for those women that look online: 0:00:28.000,0:00:33.000 that it is very painful, that it has a lot of risks, and so on and so forth. 0:00:33.000,0:00:40.000 And, typically, from our experience, the hysterosalpingogram is a little bit uncomfortable because, basically, 0:00:40.000,0:00:46.000 it entails to inject some dye through the cervix and then take some x-ray pictures. 0:00:46.000,0:00:53.000 But the discomfort is really mild. It's temporary. It goes away as soon as you finish the test. 0:00:53.000,0:00:55.000 And it gives you a lot of information. 0:00:55.000,0:01:04.000 It gives you information on the anatomy of the uterus, if there are any feeling defects in the uterine cavity, 0:01:04.000,0:01:08.000 such as fibroids or polyps that will prevent implantation. 0:01:08.000,0:01:18.000 If there is any scarring from previous miscarriages or interventions in the uterus that may cause scars that would prevent implantation as well. 0:01:18.000,0:01:22.000 And it will give you a very good idea of how the tubes are. 0:01:22.000,0:01:27.000 Are they open? Are they blocked? Is there a collection of fluid called a hydrosalpinx. 0:01:27.000,0:01:40.000 So, it is an important test to do. It's important to note that this test is typically done before ovulation, because basically, 0:01:40.000,0:01:52.000 you don't want to be doing a test where you have to shoot dye through the tubes after ovulation when there is a possibility of pregnancy. 0:01:52.000,0:01:55.000 So, your doctor will schedule it accordingly. 0:01:55.000,0:01:59.000 (text on screen): Ask the Expert 0:01:59.000,0:02:00.000 Fertility Authority. Your Most Trusted Source