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Hello! I’m Dr. Elissa Price, a radiologist at the University of California San Francisco Breast Care Center. I’d like to talk with you about hysterosalpingography. That word may sound a little scary. It simply means an x-ray examination of the uterus and fallopian tubes.

This procedure may be used when abnormalities within the uterus cause repeated miscarriages. It may also be used to determine the presence and severity of uterine fibroids or other growths or to evaluate the condition of your fallopian tubes and monitor the effects of tubal surgery.

If you’re scheduled for this exam, there are several things you can do to prepare.

First, it’s best to leave jewelry at home and wear loose, comfortable clothing. You will be asked to wear a gown. On the night before the procedure, you may be asked to take a laxative or an enema to empty your bowels, so that the uterus and surrounding structures can be seen clearly.

This procedure should not be performed if you have pelvic inflammatory disease. Tell your doctor and technologist if you have a chronic pelvic infection or an untreated sexually transmitted disease.

Also, inform your doctor if there is any possibility you are pregnant and discuss any recent illnesses or other medical conditions, any medications you are taking, and whether you have any allergies.

You may have some concerns about hysterosalpingography. While this exam does use radiation, if your doctor has requested this examination, he or she believes the benefit of an accurate diagnosis far outweighs any risk.

To learn more about this and other imaging procedures, visit Radiology Info dot org.

Thank you for your time!