Diagnostic Fluoroscopy - Hysterosalpingogram (x-ray)

The procedure is undertaken similar to a pap smear and is commonly done to check fallopian tubes in women who are having difficulty getting pregnant.

This procedure is available at the following Jones Radiology locations:

• Alice Springs Hospital
• Burnside
• Calvary Adelaide Hospital
• Kurralta Park
• Noarlunga Hospital
• Pt Augusta Hospital
• Pt Lincoln Hospital
• St Andrew’s Hospital

Procedure

You will lie on your back on the x-ray table, positioned with your knees raised and bent (for example with similar positioning as required for a pap smear test). You will be assisted by a female nurse and a radiologist, nurse and radiographer will be present for the procedure. Although we try to have female staff for these tests, some of our radiologists are male. This can be confirmed at time of booking.

A speculum is inserted into the vagina to allow the radiologist to visualise the cervix. A small catheter is inserted into the uterus through the cervix, and dye is injected. The x-ray machine is used to take pictures of the dye in the uterus and fallopian tubes. At the time of injection, you may experience mild discomfort and cramping similar to period pain.

Once the test is done, the catheter and speculum are removed.

Risks / Side effects

Occasionally, some women have discomfort and spotting (minor bleeding) up to 48 hours after the procedure. A sanitary napkin (pad) is provided if bleeding occurs. If you experience any discharge that is abnormal for you, please see your GP.

If x-ray contrast is administered, there is a small risk of an allergic reaction. A mild allergic reaction occurs in 1/1000 injections and includes a rash, hives or sneezing. More severe reactions such as difficulty breathing are less common. Severe life-threatening reactions are extremely rare (1 in 170,000).

Before your Scan

When you book, you will be asked when your last menstrual cycle was. The procedure is done in the first ten days of your menstrual cycle (after bleeding has finished). This is to ensure you are not pregnant at the time of the procedure.

Duration

30 minutes.