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.

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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.

Why Felicitas Mehiläinen

Felicitas Mehiläinen is the leading fertility clinic in Finland providing a wide variety of fertility treatments ranging from basic infertility care to the most advanced IVF technology available today.

Over 30 years of experience has made it possible for the Felicitas Mehiläinen to offer the highest standards of patient care and reproductive health services in a modern and comfortable clinic.

Our doctors and scientists have always been at the forefront of IVF science and development; in fact, our founder, was part of the team involved in the birth of the Finland’s first IVF baby in 1984.

We always remain focused on the individual needs of each and every patient. We always put out patients first, and that is why we work so hard to listen to and treat every patient individually.