All about the hysterosalpingography exam of the tubes

Hysterosalpingography is a gynecological exam performed with the objective of evaluating the uterus and uterine tubes and, thus, identifying any type of alteration. In addition, this exam can be performed with the aim of investigating the causes of infertility in a couple, for example, as well as the presence of some gynecological problems, such as malformations, fibroids or obstructed tubes, for example.

Hysterosalpingography corresponds to an X-ray exam performed with contrast that can be done in the doctor's office after appointment. Performing the hysterosalpingography test does not hurt, however during the examination the woman may experience mild discomfort, and the use of some analgesic or anti-inflammatory medication may be indicated by the doctor to use before and after the examination.

How Hysterosalpingography is done

Hysterosalpingography is a simple exam that is usually done in the gynecologist's office and can be booked by SUS free of charge. This exam does not hurt, but it is possible that the woman may experience a little discomfort during the exam.

To perform the exam, the woman must be in a gynecological position, similar to the position for the Pap smear, and the doctor injects, with the aid of a catheter, the contrast, which is a liquid. After applying the contrast, the doctor performs several X-rays in order to observe the path that the contrast takes inside the uterus and towards the fallopian tubes.

The images obtained by the X-ray allow the morphology of the female reproductive organs to be observed in detail, being possible to identify the possible causes of the woman's infertility, for example, or to identify any other type of alteration.

Check other tests that may be indicated by the gynecologist.

Hysterosalpingography Price

The price of hysterosalpingography is about 500 reais, which may vary according to the woman's health plan and the selected clinic, for example.

How to prepare for the exam

Usually the test is performed before ovulation, about 1 week after the start of the menstrual cycle, to ensure that the woman is not pregnant, since this test is contraindicated in cases of pregnancy. In addition, other preparation care includes:

Take the laxative prescribed by the doctor the night before the exam, to prevent the stool or gases from preventing the gynecological structures from being seen; Take the analgesic or antispasmodic, prescribed by the doctor, about 15 minutes before the exam, as the exam can be a little uncomfortable; inform the gynecologist if there is a possibility of being pregnant; inform the doctor if there is a pelvic inflammatory disease or sexually transmitted disease, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea.

Hysterosalpingography in pregnancy should not be performed, as the contrast injected into the uterus and the X-ray may cause malformations in the fetus.

Hysterosalpingography Results

The results of hysterosalpingography are especially used to help the gynecologist to identify the cause of infertility, however, they can also be used to diagnose other problems when the woman has altered results.

Organ examined	Normal result	Result changed	Possible diagnosis
Uterus	Normal format that allows contrast to spread	Deformed, lumpy or injured uterus	Malformation, Myoma, Polyps, Synechia, Vaginal septum or Endometriosis, for example
Fallopian tubes	Normal shape with unobstructed horns	Malformation, inflamed or obstructed tubes	Tubal obstruction, Malformation, Endometriosis, Hydrosalpinx or Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, for example.