Tubal patency test
The patency of the fallopian tubes and the structure of the uterus and mucous membrane are studied in a hysterosonosalpingography (HSSG).
Tubal patency test or HSSG
The tubal patency test, or HSSG, is an ultrasound examination in which the patency of the fallopian tubes and the structure of the uterus and mucous membrane is examined.
What happens in an HSSG examination?
At the beginning of the examination, the doctor conducts a gynaecological examination and a regular vaginal ultrasound examination. After this, a thin, flexible catheter is inserted into the cervix, which is held in place by filling the empty section inside the catheter with a small amount of fluid. The doctor injects saline into the uterine cavity to study the structure of the uterus, after which ultrasound is used to examine the passage of air and saline injected through the catheter in the fallopian tubes.
The examination takes about ten minutes. If you wish, you can watch the progress of the study on a monitor. Any pain or other sensations vary between individuals and are harmless. The examination may cause pain similar to menstrual pain.
HSSG study timing
The tubal patency test is normally carried out on day 7–10 of the menstrual cycle to ensure that the menstrual bleeding has stopped completely. It is recommended to take a painkiller approximately one hour before the examination due to possible painful sensations.
You may experience pain in the abdominal region, which may also radiate to the shoulders after the examination. This pain is harmless and it is caused by the saline and air that entered the abdominal cavity. The pain is transient and it most commonly occurs on the day of the examination. You may take painkillers as needed after the examination.