Hysterosalpingogram

Before a hysterosalpingogram, tell your doctor if you:

• Are or might be pregnant.
• Currently have a pelvic infection (Reference pelvic inflammatory disease Opens New Window) or Reference sexually transmitted infection Opens New Window (such as Reference gonorrhea Opens New Window or Reference chlamydia Opens New Window).
• Are allergic to the iodine dye used or any other substance that has iodine. Also tell your doctor if you have Reference asthma Opens New Window, are allergic to any medicines, or have had a serious allergic reaction (Reference anaphylaxis Opens New Window) from any substance (such as the venom from a bee sting or from eating shellfish).
• Have any bleeding problems or are taking any blood-thinning medicines, such as aspirin or warfarin (such as Coumadin).
• Have a history of kidney problems or Reference diabetes Opens New Window, especially if you take metformin (such as Glucophage) to control your diabetes. The dye used during a hysterosalpingogram can cause kidney damage in people with poor kidney function. If you have a history of kidney problems, blood tests (creatinine, blood urea nitrogen) may be done before the hysterosalpingogram to check that your kidneys are working well.

This test should be done 2 to 5 days after your menstrual period has ended to be sure you are not pregnant. It should also be done before you Reference ovulate Opens New Window the next month (unless you are using contraception) to avoid using X-rays during an early pregnancy. You may want to bring along a sanitary napkin to wear after the test because some leakage of the X-ray dye may occur along with slight bleeding.

You may need to sign a consent form that says you understand the risks of a hysterosalpingogram and agree to have the test done. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have about the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results will mean. To help you understand the importance of this test, fill out the medical test information form (What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?).

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.