Often, infertile friends are confused and unaware of the reason why they are in the clinic with an application form for a hysterosalpingogram, and some of them even refuse to undergo an imaging test, thinking that it is superfluous and why not just do IVF?
First of all, let’s understand why the doctor will issue a test order for a hysterosalpingogram?
The purpose is actually very simple.
1, to understand whether the shape of the uterine cavity is normal.
The uterus is commonly known as the “dollhouse” and is an important place for fertilized eggs to grow and develop. It is different from hysteroscopy in that hysteroscopy is to understand the internal condition of the uterus, while imaging is to understand the overall shape of the uterus, the former looking at the “internal decoration” and the latter looking at the “house layout”. The former looks at the “interior decoration” and the latter looks at the “house layout”, the combination of the two complements each other.
2.Whether the fallopian tubes are patent and the site of obstruction.
Whether the fallopian tubes are open or not is a key factor in determining whether the egg and sperm can be combined smoothly, and its importance is comparable to that of the magpie bridge on the eve of a wedding.
At present, there are three methods to check the patency of the fallopian tubes, one is tubal imaging, the other is tubal lavage, and the third is laparoscopy. However, tubal lavage does not show the morphology of the uterine cavity and the condition of the fallopian tubes, while tubal imaging can clarify them. Laparoscopy is a slightly more expensive and minimally invasive procedure that requires hospitalization. Therefore, hysterosalpingography is the most economical and convenient way to make a definitive diagnosis and is often used by outpatient physicians.
How is a hysterosalpingogram done?
1. Time selection.
Performed 3-7 days after menstrual cleansing (avoid intercourse for the first 3 days).
2. Prior examination.
Ultrasound, leucorrhoea, urine pregnancy test and electrocardiogram should be performed after the test is normal, without fasting.
3.Examination procedure.
The contrast medium is injected through the cervical cannula and films are taken at the same time to show the shape of the uterus and fallopian tubes as well as the diffusion to the surrounding area, which usually takes 5-10 minutes to complete.
Tip.
Some of you may experience slight abdominal discomfort during the imaging procedure. The application of diclofenac sodium anal plugs 30-60 minutes before the imaging may be helpful.
What should I pay attention to after the imaging?
1. Mild abdominal pain and a small amount of vaginal bleeding may occur 3-7 days after the imaging, antibiotics can be applied appropriately to prevent infection.
2.Prohibit intercourse and bathing for 2 weeks after imaging to avoid infection.
3. Avoid pregnancy in the month after the imaging to prevent the effect of X-rays on the eggs, if there is no abnormality, you can try to conceive in the second month after the imaging.
The chance of pregnancy increases significantly in the 3-6 months after imaging, probably due to the effect of contrast agent on the removal of mucus emboli in the fallopian tubes and the inhibition of bacteria.
Remark.
The accuracy rate of tubal imaging is about 80%. The blockage of the proximal end of the fallopian tube may be caused by blockage of the opening of the fallopian tube at the head of the imaging tube or spasm of the opening of the fallopian tube, which may not necessarily be a real blockage.