Hysterosalpingography

Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is an X-ray test that examines the inside of uterus and fallopian tubes and the surrounding area. It often is done for women who are unable to become pregnant (infertile).

During hysterosalpingography, a dye called constant material is injected through a thin tube that is inserted through the vagina into the uterus. Because the uterus and the fallopian tubes are connected, the contrast material will flow into the fallopian tubes. As the contrast material passes through the uterus and fallopian tubes, continuous X-ray pictures are taken. The pictures can reveal problems such as an injury or abnormal structure of the uterus or fallopian tubes, or blockage that would prevent an egg passing through a fallopian tube from reaching the uterus. Blockage also could prevent sperm from traveling into a fallopian tube and fertilizing an egg. Hysterosalpingography also may detect abnormalities on the inside of the uterus that might prevent a fertilized egg from attaching (implanting) to the uterine wall.