One of the causes of infertility in a woman may be obstruction of the fallopian tubes or their poor patency. To clarify their condition, a hysterosalpingography procedure is prescribed, reviews and questions about which can be found on women's forums. How is it carried out? Does it hurt and how long does the procedure take? Let's figure it out.
The essence of the procedure
Hysterosalpingography is a contrasting research method, that is, a special substance is injected into the uterine cavity, after which the degree of its passage through the fallopian tubes under x-ray control is evaluated.
Normally, the tubes open into the abdominal cavity, where the ovaries are located. If the X-ray image shows that the contrast agent has got there, then the pipe is not broken. If the contrast medium breaks off in a certain area, then it cannot go any further, just like an egg in the uterus.
Types of hysterosalpingography
There is a procedure carried out under the control of x-rays, as well as a contrast ultrasound of the fallopian tubes. The latter has advantages. Since water is used as an input substance in this type of study, undesirable effects such as an allergic reaction and an inflammatory process can be avoided. In addition, during the procedure using ultrasound, a therapeutic effect is also achieved, this is possible thanks to a pump that increases the pressure in the pipes and relieves their spasm. With an X-ray study, such a result is difficult to achieve.
When can the procedure be carried out?
Hysterosalpingography, reviews of which may be different, is carried out in the first half of the menstrual cycle, it can be done the day after the end of menstruation. You should not carry out this procedure after ovulation, especially if the woman does not know how high the risk of pregnancy. The flow of fluid into the uterus can cause abnormalities in the development of the fetus or spontaneous miscarriage.
When planning hysterosalpingography for the period of ovulation, it is better to refrain from sexual intercourse or use protective equipment. If this was not possible, it is better to postpone the procedure at a later time.
Preparation for the procedure
Before conducting a contrast study, you need to take a smear for the study of the vaginal flora. A study is also being conducted on HIV, hepatitis and syphilis. Hysterosalpingography is associated with a risk of developing an ascending infection. Bacteria can enter the uterine cavity from the vagina.
The day before the procedure, do not overload the intestines, dinner should be easy. On the day of the procedure, it is undesirable to eat.
If an x-ray of the fallopian tubes is performed, then you need to empty the bladder, and if the ultrasound of the tubes, then, on the contrary, you need to drink before the procedure to fill the bladder (as with a conventional ultrasound of the uterus).
How is the procedure performed?
The vagina is treated to remove flora, then a mirror is inserted and a catheter is inserted into the cervix. A contrast agent enters the uterine cavity through it, at this time several x-rays are taken.
Depending on the qualifications of the doctor and the pain threshold of a woman, the procedure can be carried out using painkillers.
Basically, a woman is left in the clinic for 2 days, she needs to relax. Also, the doctor should make sure that there will be bleeding (they are rare) or allergies.
Hysterosalpingography, reviews
Not everyone is satisfied after the procedure. So, many with horror remember about its implementation. The sensations of a woman depend largely on who hysterosalpingography is performed, reviews can be either positive or negative. If the procedure is performed by an experienced doctor, the patient is satisfied, she does not feel pain, and discomfort can be observed from the introduction of mirrors and a catheter.
In addition, a small percentage of women experience an exacerbation of the inflammatory process after the procedure.
There may also be an increase in temperature, an allergic reaction (rash, shortness of breath, fainting) to a contrast medium (iodine) and spotting. With all these symptoms that have already arisen at home, you need to see a doctor.