Michelle Emblenton, biochemist at inviTRA, tells us if it is necessary for a woman to prepare herself before undergoing a hysterosalpingography:
Hysterosalpingography is a radiological examination that allows us to study the structures of the uterus, the cervix and the fallopian tubes. Indeed, the patency, the permeability of the fallopian tubes can be responsible for between 20 and 35% of female fertility problems.
As this is a somewhat invasive gynecological procedure, it cannot be performed if there is any kind of infection within the reproductive system and your doctor will prescribe a prophylactic antibiotic before the procedure.
To minimize any discomfort to the patient you can also take an over the counter analgesic and anti-inflammatory analgesic, such as Ibuprofen, before the procedure. The procedure itself should be performed in the first half of the menstrual cycle, so between day 7 and day 10 of your cycle, which is when the endometrium has started to proliferate which helps us to visualize the uterus. It is very recommended not to have sex in this part of the cycle when you are having the test to make sure that pregnancy has not occurred.
Studies performed in the second phase of the menstrual cycle can lead to difficulties in interpreting the results and give you false results.
