Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Hysterosalpingogram

The nurse called yesterday and scheduled my test for this Friday. I copied and pasted an article below of what exactly the procedure is.

What to expect during a hysterosalpingogram:
The hysterosalpingogram study only takes about 5 minutes to actually perform. However as the test is usually done in the radiology department of a hospital there is additional time for the woman to register at the facility and fill out a questionnaire and answer some questions regarding allergies to medication etc. The way the test is done is the following:
The woman lies on the table on her back and brings her feet up into a "frog leg" position.
The doctor places a speculum in the vagina and visualizes the cervix.
Either a soft, thin catheter is placed through the cervical opening into the uterine cavity or an instrument called a tenaculum is placed on the cervix and then a narrow metal cannula is inserted through the cervical opening.
Contrast is slowly injected through the cannula or catheter into the uterine cavity. An x-ray picture is taken as the uterine cavity is filling and then additional contrast is injected so that the tubes should fill and begin to spill into the abdominal cavity. Additional x-rays are taken as this "fill and spill" occurs.
When both tubes are demonstrated to be patent (or blocked), the woman is usually asked to roll to one side or the other slightly to give a slightly oblique x-ray image which may help to further delineate her anatomy.
 The procedure is now complete. The instruments are removed from the cervix and vagina. The woman usually remains on the table for several minutes to recover from the cramping which usually accompanies injection of the contrast.
After several minutes the woman can get dressed and leave the hospital.
The results of the test are immediately available. The x-ray pictures can be reviewed with the woman several minutes after the procedure has been completed if both she and the physician prefer to do this.

1 comment:

  1. I'll be praying for you! I know those are the most uncomfortable appts to go too but just breath and relax....heck take an ipod!
    I see the blog Kelly's Korner on your blogs visited. It's an awesome blog and you should read back through her older posts. She dealt with infertility and has a heart for women going through the same...

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