Hysterosalpingography – Indications, Procedure, Results

Last updated: February 8, 2026Reviewed date: February 8, 2026Reading time: 3 min read
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Article Summary

Hysterosalpingography is a special x-ray using dye to look at the womb (uterus) and fallopian tubes. How the Test is Performed This test is done in a radiology department. You will lie on a table beneath an x-ray machine. You will place your feet in stirrups as you do during a pelvic exam. A tool called a speculum is placed into the vagina. After the...

Key Takeaways

  • This article explains How the Test is Performed in simple medical language.
  • This article explains How to Prepare for the Test in simple medical language.
  • This article explains How the Test will Feel in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Why the Test is Performed in simple medical language.
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Definition

Hysterosalpingography is a special using dye to look at the () and fallopian tubes.

How the Test is Performed

This test is done in a radiology department. You will lie on a table beneath an x-ray machine. You will place your feet in stirrups as you do during a pelvic exam. A tool called a speculum is placed into the .

After the  is cleaned, the health care provider places a thin tube (catheter) through the cervix. Dye, called contrast, flows through this tube, filling the womb and fallopian tubes. X-rays are taken. The dye makes these areas easier to see on x-rays.

How to Prepare for the Test

Your provider may give you antibiotics to take before and after the test. This helps prevent infections. You may also be given medicines to take the day of the procedure to help you relax.

The best time for this test is about 7 or 8 days after the bleeding from your menstrual period has stopped. Doing it at this time also reduces the risk for , and ensures that you are not pregnant.

Tell your provider if you have had an allergic reaction to contrast dye before.

You can eat and drink normally before the test.

How the Test will Feel

You may have some discomfort when the speculum is inserted into the vagina. This is similar to a pelvic exam with a .

Some women have cramps during or after the test, like those you may get during your period.

You may have some if the dye leaks out of the tubes, or if the tubes are blocked.

Why the Test is Performed

This test is done to check for blockages in your fallopian tubes or other problems in the womb and tubes. It is often done as part of an exam. It may also be done after you have your tubes tied to confirm that the tubes are fully blocked after you have had a hysteroscopic tubal occlusion procedure to prevent pregnancy.

Normal Results

A normal result means everything looks normal. There are no defects.

Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What Abnormal Results Mean

Abnormal results may be due to:

  • Developmental disorders of the structures of the uterus or fallopian tubes
  • Scar tissue (adhesions) in the uterus or tubes
  • Blockage of the fallopian tubes
  • Presence of foreign bodies
  • Tumors or polyps in the uterus

Risks

Risks may include:

  • Allergic reaction to the contrast
  • Endometrial infection (endometritis)
  • infection (salpingitis)
  • Perforation of (poking a hole through) the uterus

Considerations

This test should not be performed if you have pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or have unexplained vaginal bleeding.

After the test, tell your provider right away if you have any signs or symptoms of infection. These include foul-smelling vaginal discharge, pain, or .

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Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

  • Write when the problem started and how it changed.
  • Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
  • Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
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Questions to ask

  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
  • Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
  • How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
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Tests to discuss

  • Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
  • Basic physical examination by a clinician
  • CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

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  • Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
  • Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

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This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

  • Avoid heavy lifting, sudden bending, and prolonged bed rest.
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OTC medicine safety

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Avoid these mistakes

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Get urgent help if

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Questions to ask
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Care roadmap for: Hysterosalpingography – Indications, Procedure, Results

Use this simple roadmap to understand the next safe steps. It is educational and does not replace examination by a doctor.

Go to emergency care if you notice:
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Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.
  1. Step 1

    Check danger signs first

    If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.

  2. Step 2

    Record the symptom story

    Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.

  3. Step 3

    Visit a qualified clinician

    A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.

  4. Step 4

    Do only useful tests

    Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.

  5. Step 5

    Follow up and return early if worse

    If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips
  • Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
  • Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
  • Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.