Hysterosalpingography is a gynecological X-ray examination of the uterus and fallopian tubes, made with contrast, widely used to assess the causes of infertility in a couple, for example.
In addition, hysterosalpingography can also be used to evaluate other gynecological problems, such as malformations, fibroids, or obstructed tubules, as it helps visualize the anatomy of the female reproductive system from the uterus to the ovaries.
Hysterosalpingography does not hurt, however, during the examination the woman may feel some discomfort, and the doctor may prescribe some analgesic or anti-inflammatory for use before and after hysterosalpingography.
Where to do hysterosalpingography
Hysterosalpingography is usually done at the gynecologist's office, however, it can also be checked at a SUS health post.
Hysterosalpingography price
The price of hysterosalpingography is about 500 reais, and may vary according to the woman's health plan and the selected clinic, for example.
Preparation for hysterosalpingography
Hysterosalpingography should be done 1 week after menstruation and before ovulation to ensure the woman is not pregnant. In addition, other preparation care includes:
- Take the laxative prescribed by the doctor the night before the test;
- Take the analgesic or antispasmodic, prescribed by the doctor, about 15 minutes before the examination;
- Inform the gynecologist if there is a possibility of being pregnant;
- Inform the doctor if there is an inflammatory pelvic disease or sexually transmitted disease, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.
Hysterosalpingography in pregnancy should not be performed because contrast injected into the uterus and X-ray may cause malformations in the fetus.
Hysterosalpingography results
The results of hysterosalpingography are especially used to help the gynecologist identify the cause of infertility, however, they can also be used to diagnose other problems when the woman presents altered results.
| Examined organ | Normal result | Result changed | Possible diagnosis |
| Uterus | Normal format that allows the contrast to spread | Deformed uterus with nodules or wound | Malformation, Myoma, Polyps, Synechia, Vaginal septum or Endometriosis, for example |
| Fallopian tubes | Normal shape with clear tubes | Malformed, inflamed or obstructed trunks | Tubal obstruction, Malformation, Endometriosis, Hydrosalpinge or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, for example. |
From the result, the doctor can program the type of treatment or assisted reproduction procedure that can be applied.
How is hysterosalpingography
The hysterosalpingography is done with the woman in gynecological position, similar to the collection of the Papanicolau exam.
For the examination, a liquid, called contrast, is injected through the uterine cervix and several x-rays are made to observe the course of the fluid through the uterus into the uterine tubes, such as shows the first image.
The images obtained allow to observe the morphology of the female reproductive organs and to evaluate possible causes for the female infertility.
Learn about other tests to evaluate fertility problems:
- Hysteroscopy
- Spermogram
