A Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is an X-ray examination used to provide information about your uterus (womb) and fallopian tubes (the tubes that carry the eggs from your ovaries to your uterus). It is usually used to check whether your fallopian tubes are open or blocked.
You will have this procedure as an outpatient. It usually takes about 30 minutes to complete, but please allow 90 minutes in the department.
How do I make an appointment?
If your menstrual cycle is regular you can book an appointment in the X-ray Department. If your menstrual cycle is irregular, you can phone on the first day of your next menstrual cycle (period starting) to arrange your appointment on 020 3315 2785/3.
This test cannot be performed during your period or when there is any vaginal bleeding. If you have any signs of infection (eg. thrush) please treat this first before booking your appointment.
It is very important that you either use condoms or do not have sexual intercourse from the first day of your next menstrual cycle (period starting) until after you have had this procedure.
This is important for your health and safety, as we need to ensure that there is no chance you could be pregnant.
If you have not followed these instructions, we will not be able to carry out your procedure on this day and you will have to make a new appointment.
On the day of your procedure we will ask you to sign a form to confirm you have followed these instructions.
Should I be worried about radiation risks?
No. With modern equipment, the radiation dose is minimal. The equipment is constantly monitored and there are very strict working practices by which we are legally bound to abide.
What happens on the day of my appointment?
We recommend that you take some pain relief (eg paracetamol, ibuprofen) one hour before your procedure. Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment.
Before the procedure
Please come to the X-ray Department Reception (First Floor, Lift Bank D). You will be shown to a cubicle and asked to change into a gown.
If you are paying for your treatment, please arrive 20 minutes early and go to Chelsea Cashiers (Fourth Floor, Lift Bank D) first, and bring the receipt with you to the X-ray Department reception.
During the procedure
You will be taken into the X-ray room where the doctor or specialist nurse will explain your procedure to you. You will be asked to lie on a special X-ray table.
A speculum (an instrument used to hold the vagina open during an internal examination) will be inserted, and a small tube will be passed into the cervix (opening to uterus).
The doctor or nurse will inject a contrast liquid under X-ray guidance. The contrast liquid will enable your clinician to see the shape of your uterus and fallopian tubes.
You may feel some cramping pains (very similar to period pains) lasting only a few seconds while the dye is being injected.
Following the procedure
You may feel some mild discomfort similar to period-like pains. You may take your own pain relieving tablets for this.
It is common to have slight vaginal bleeding for 2–3 days with a discharge of a clear sticky fluid. This is the dye used in the procedure.
You will be given a sanitary pad to wear, however you might like to bring your own panty liner. Please do not use tampons or Tampax for any bleeding relating to this procedure.
You will be given two antibiotic tablets at the end of the procedure. Occasionally, if the tubes are blocked, we will prescribe a five day course of antibiotics.
If you experience prolonged bleeding, severe abdominal pain or a temperature, please visit your GP or local A&E.
How do I get the results?
Results will be sent to the doctor who saw you in clinic.
If you do not already have an appointment, you should make one for 2–4 weeks following your procedure to discuss the results.
Contact information
Imaging Department 1st Floor, Lift Bank D Chelsea and Westminster Hospital 369 Fulham Road London SW10 9NH
Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm
T: 020 3315 2785/3
If you need to change your appointment time or date, please contact the Imaging Department on 020 3315 2785/3 as soon as possible.
