A hysterosalpingogram can help spot issues in your reproductive anatomy that may prevent you from getting pregnant. These issues include blocked fallopian tubes and an irregularly shaped uterus.

Blocked fallopian tubes don’t often cause symptoms. Many women don’t know they have blocked tubes until they try to get pregnant and have trouble. In some cases, blocked fallopian tubes can lead to mild, regular pain on one side of the abdomen, because of a build-up of fluid within that blocked tube - called a hydrosalpinx.

Approximately one in four women with infertility have a tube blockage. A blocked tube on both sides [in both tubes] will make achieving a natural pregnancy impossible. Healthy [and open] fallopian tubes are needed for the egg to be fertilised and transported to the uterus for a successful pregnancy to occur.

To determine whether your fallopian tubes are blocked, your doctor may suggest a laparoscopy with a dye test or a hysterosalpingogram. In an HSG test, liquid dye is inserted by catheter through the vagina and through the cervix into the uterus. Then, X-rays are taken to see if there is a blockage or if the dye flows freely into the abdomen.

A hysterosalpingogram is a type of x-ray which is used to diagnose a range of conditions, whereas a hysteroscopy is when a small camera is used to look into the uterus through the vagina and cervix. It is a procedure to treat conditions inside the uterus.

You will be asked to lie down on the x-ray table in a similar position to that used for a smear test. An instrument called a speculum will be inserted into your vagina (as in a smear test). A fine tube is inserted through the cervix into the uterus and held in position with a small balloon.

A small amount of colourless dye is then injected into the uterus and fallopian tubes. This dye is visible on x-ray so images will be taken at this time.

You should allow for 30 minutes which includes time to change into your gown, the test itself, and changing afterwards.

The test can be a little uncomfortable and rarely can make you feel faint. Usually it is not too dissimilar to having a smear test performed.

You will be given a sanitary towel after the procedure as there may be some slight spotting, and some of the dye will trickle out over the next 24 hours. (The dye is colourless but a little sticky). You may be advised not to use tampons.

You are free to leave the hospital when you feel ready –this will be after approximately 30 minutes.

If you have any problems with bleeding or offensive discharge after your test, or if you have severe pain which is not relieved by paracetamol or ibuprofen, please contact your GP for an urgent review appointment.

Your results will be discussed with you when you next see your referring Consultant or your GP.