Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Introduction
We have given you this factsheet because you have an appointment for a radiology procedure called an hysterosalpingogram (HSG) - a special study that examines the anatomy of the uterus (womb) and the fallopian tubes to identify potential causes of infertility or miscarriage. Please make sure you read this information and follow the instructions carefully before your procedure. If you have any further questions, please speak to a member of your healthcare team who will be able to advise you.
The investigation is performed by a radiologist (a doctor specialising in medical imaging) who uses fluoroscopy to examine the uterus and fallopian tubes using contrast which is a liquid visible on X-ray. Fluoroscopy is a process that uses X-rays to produce a real time moving image on a television monitor.
Before your appointment
It is very important that there is NO possibility that you could be pregnant at the time the HSG is done. In order to ensure we do not perform this study during any stage of pregnancy we ask you to remove the possibility of this happening.
Please do NOT have sexual intercourse from the first day of your period until after your HSG examination is done. If you attend having had intercourse (with or without protection) you will NOT have your study performed on the day.
If your periods are irregular please do NOT have sexual intercourse for 3 whole weeks before your appointment.
If you are still bleeding the day before your appointment, please contact us.
Please also let us know if:
- you have limited mobility and will require assistance to get on and off an X-ray couch.
- you will need an interpreter. We are not able to use family members or friends to interpret.
On the day of procedure
Eating and Drinking – You may eat and drink as normal. No special measures required.
On Arrival
Please arrive 10 minutes before your appointment time.
The Radiology / X-Ray Department is located on the ground floor of the hospital. You should follow the directions from the main hospital entrance. On arrival in the department you should check in at the reception desk. Bring this letter with you and be prepared to confirm your details with the receptionist. Please allow time to do this prior to your appointment time and bear in mind that the reception may be busy. Once you have been booked in you will be directed to the waiting area. Please be aware that patients are attending for different examinations and patients who arrive after you may be called before you. The Radiology Department can be very busy, please bring only one relative or friend with you.
The Examination
Once called, you will be asked to change into a gown.
We will then take you into the room where the study will take place to discuss the procedure before performing it.
We want to involve you in decisions about your care and treatment and an internal
examination will only be performed if you consent to it. The radiologist will ask you if you are happy for the procedure to go ahead - this is called verbal consent. If you do not wish to have the scan or are undecided, please tell the radiologist. It is your decision and you can change your mind at any time. Please note that the examination could be performed by either a male or a female Radiologist.
The Radiologist will place a small speculum into the vagina, like a smear test. A tiny tube is then placed in the cervix (neck of womb) through which a liquid dye (contrast) is injected which shows up on x-ray, is passed into the uterus. X-rays will be taken as the fluid fills the uterus and fallopian tubes.
The procedure takes around 30 minutes, but please expect to be with us for an hour or so in total.
After the Examination
After the examination is completed you will be free to resume your daily activities.
You may have a small amount of bleeding and notice that some of the fluid may continue to flow out after the procedure has been done. This is normal and you should not be alarmed.
Please use panty liners or pads, not tampons, as they increase the risk of infection. This should settle within a couple of days of the procedure. If you would like to bring your own sanitary towels to the procedure, please do so.
If you have a high temperature, fever, heavy bleeding, or increasing abdominal pain, please contact the Gynae Outpatient Clinic on 01344 877090, or your GP, or go to your nearest Accident and Emergency department as treatment may be necessary.
Risks
- X-rays are a type of radiation. We are all exposed to natural background radiation every day from the sun, food we eat, and the ground. Exposure to medical X-rays carries a small additional risk, but your doctor feels that this risk is outweighed by the benefits of having the test and the amount of radiation you will receive is kept to as low as reasonably possible.
- There is a small chance of introducing infection during the procedure and so we will prescribe antibiotics for you to minimize this risk. These will be given to you at the time of your procedure. However, even with antibiotics it is still possible for infection to occur.
- You may find it uncomfortable and have period-like aches. Simple painkillers such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen, which you would normally use to reduce period-pains, may help and these may be taken.
When will I know the results?
A final report cannot be given until the images obtained during the study have been fully processed and examined in detail.
You will be able to discuss the results in full at your next outpatient clinic appointment with the doctor who referred you for the test.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Radiology service.
About this information
Service:
Radiology
Reference:
PILS-IR.5
Approval date:
11 September 2023
Review date:
3 October 2027
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.