Michelle Emblenton, biochemist at inviTRA, tells us step by step how to perform a hysterosalpingography:
Hysterosalpingography is performed in a similar way to an X-ray. A contrast die is injected through the uterus and then X-rays are taken to visualize the structures. Proper preparation is important and, as the test uses X-rays, it is vital to ensure that the woman is not pregnant before performing the test. As such, the test is usually done at between days 8 and 10 of the menstrual cycle, with day one being the first day of the last monthly period. This ensures that the test is performed when the bleeding has finished and before ovulation occurs. There is no need to fast before this test as anesthesia is not administered.
However, you may want to take a laxative a few hours before the test to empty your bowels to give a better visualization of the reproductive structures. If there is any genital infection this test should not be performed and indeed your specialist may require you to take a prophylactic antibiotic before or/and after the test to ensure the risks of infection are very very small.If you have pelvic inflammatory disease, bleeding between periods or indeed have had any other type of test with a contrast die injected into you or in your digestive system, this test won't be performed.
The test itself is quite simple and takes between 20 30 minutes. It will take place in the gynecological chair, so in stirrups as it would for a normal papsmear. Once the patient is in the proper position, the speculum will be introduced and the area wash with a saline solution to make sure that everything is clean and sterile. Then, the contrast die will be injected through the cervix by the specialist and the X-ray is taken to monitor the progress of the die through the reproductive system. A series of X-ray photos will be taken.
The process is not painful and doesn't require anesthesia, but it may be uncomfortable, so you could perhaps take an over-the-counter analgesic before the procedure. After the procedure there is no special care that is needed. However, you may want to rest and take it easy for the rest of the day. It is also common for the days following the hysterosalpingography to have a light reddish or brownish vaginal discharge. In general, a patient is then recommended to follow their normal everyday life and follow any recommendations provided by their doctor.
