HSG Test Price, Purpose, Sample Report & Results [2024]
HSG test (Hysterosalpingography) is an x-ray test to examine the uterus and fallopian tubes during infertility. The test identifies any abnormality in the uterus or blockage in the fallopian tubes in a woman. HSG test is a unique form of x-ray that uses fluoroscopy and contrast material. The contrast material gives a clear view of the female reproductive organs (womb and fallopian tubes). HSG test Price in India ranges from Rs 2000 to Rs 3400.
Blockage in the fallopian tubes can stop sperm to reach the egg and fertilized egg can not reach the uterus. Both of these are essential for getting pregnant. Thus, an HSG test is important during infertility treatment or IVF.
HSG stands for hysterosalpingography. It is also known as uterosalpingography. Hysterosalpingography is made up of two words’ Hystero,” indicating uterus, and “salpingo” indicating tubes (fallopian tubes).
Test Details in brief
| Also known as | HSG X-ray, Hysterosalpingography |
| Purpose | Diagnosis of abnormalities in the female reproductive system (Infertility) |
| Preparation | Avoid wearing tight clothes. |
| Fasting | Not required, Overnight fasting is required under anaesthesia |
| Reporting Time | 6-24 Hours |
| Cost | Rs 2000 to Rs 3400. |
HSG Test Cost
HSG test cost ranges from Rs 2000 to Rs 3400 in India. However, the actual cost would depend on the diagnostic centre, gynaecologist and your city. Some centres may charge up to Rs 6000. If you want a painless test, then anaesthesia may cost Rs 1000 to Rs 2000 extra.
X-Ray HSG Test Cost in popular labs
The table below lists the HSG test prices at some of the popular diagnostic centres in India. Kindly note that it is available at very few centres and you will need a prior appointment, thus always confirm your appointment before the visit.
| City Name | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Dr Lal pathlabs | Not available |
| Vijaya Diagnostics | Rs 3100 |
| City X-Ray | Rs 3400 |
| Aarthi scans | Rs 3150 |
| Bharat Scans | Rs 4000 |
| Mahajan Imaging | Rs 6000 |
City-wise Prices
Prices tend to vary from one city to another. Usually, metro cities have higher prices, whereas tier 2 or tier 3 cities have lower prices.
You can click on the city name to get the list of radiology centres with their prices and discount for X-Ray tests.
| City Name | Cost Range |
| HSG Test price in Delhi | Rs 2000 to 3500 |
| HSG Test price in Gurgaon | Rs 3150 |
| HSG Test price in Chennai | Rs 3150 |
| HSG Test price in Hyderabad | Rs 2000 |
| HSG Test price in Mumbai | Rs 2500 |
| HSG Test price in Bangalore | Rs 3150 |
| X-ray HSG Test price in Kolkata | Rs 2520 |
Purpose of the test
HSG test is mainly recommended for women facing difficulty in getting pregnant. HSG test detects any blockage in the tubes, abnormality in the uterus-like shape, or presence of scars that may cause infertility in women.
X-ray HSG is used to look for:
- Fallopian tube blockage: It can prevent sperm to reach the egg for fertilisation.
- Growth of uterus lining outside of the uterus. It can cause difficulty in getting pregnant. This condition is known as Endometriosis.
- Tumours: It detects intrauterine tumours (tumours present in the uterus) and ovarian tumours (tumours in the ovaries). The tumours may be cancerous or non-cancerous.
- Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas): It suggests the growth of the non-cancerous growth in the uterus. It consists of the mass growth from the connective tissue and muscles.
- Tubal ligation: It is a method of permanent birth control. In this method, the tubes (fallopian tubes) delivering the eggs from the ovaries to the uterus are bound to prevent egg delivery.
- Uterine anomalies: They are defects in the anatomy and structure of the uterus.
It is also used to examine the closure of the tubes in a sterilisation procedure and sterilisation reversal. Thus, the HSG test evaluates the re-opening of the fallopian tubes.
What are the advantages of the X-ray HSG Test?
There are the following advantages of the X-ray HSG.
- This medical test is minimally invasive, and the chances of having complications are rare.
- It can offer detailed and comprehensive information about problems facing women in getting pregnant.
- It can potentially de-clog or open the blocked fallopian tubes to allow pregnancy for a woman in the future.
- The X-Ray radiation does not affect your body negatively during the examination.
HSG Test Preparation
Usually, your doctor will ask you to get an HSG test between day 8 to day 11 of your mensural cycle. On the day of the test, you need to take the following precautions:
- 4-8 Hours of fasting. Do not drink water at least 4 hours before the test.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothes on the day of your test.
- Inform your doctor of any allergic reaction to iodine contrast or if you have any signs of infection in the pelvis. Let your doctor know of any medicines you are taking.
- Avoid wearing any metal objects in the pelvis as it may interfere with the test.
- Your doctor may recommend certain medicines before the test. This helps to minimise any discomfort during and after the procedure.
What shall I consider before the X-ray HSG Test?
- Radiation exposure. However, the small amount of x-ray radiation outweighs the associated risk.
- Pregnant women should always inform their doctor and x-ray technician if they are pregnant.
- Kindly inform your physician if you suffer from an untreated STD, pelvic infection, or pelvic inflammation.
HSG Test Procedure
As HSG is an x-ray test, the test is done inside the x-ray room. Usually, either a gynaecologist or a trained radiologist will do the test. Mais steps in the procedure are:
- Step 1: The technician will ask you to lie supine with knees bent and legs spread apart.
- Step 2: A catheter is inserted to fill the uterine cavity, fallopian tubes, and peritoneal cavity with contrast material.
- Step 3: X-ray is then passed on the area to be examined. X-ray films will be exposed to the radiation for imaging. These films are then processed and analysed by a doctor.
- Step 4: You will be provided with HSG test findings and x-ray films. Results may take up to 4-8 hours.
Why is the X-Ray HSG test painful? Is there any alternative?
Yes, HSG test is painful because it involves using a speculum that stretches the vagina and a catheter that disturb the inner walls of the uterus and causes bleeding and spasm(sudden contraction).
To relieve the pain, a doctor may use a painkiller, sedative or anaesthesia to provide comfort during the test.
What can I expect after the HSG X-Ray test?
After the test is performed, the catheter is removed, and you may be asked to wait for some time. The radiologist confirms the necessary images are captured.
The woman undergoing the test may feel slight discomfort. The common symptoms observed after the test are –
- Abdominal cramps: These are the sudden and unexpected muscular contractions in the uterus.
- Slight irritation or vaginal spotting for a few days after the test.
- Fainting: It is the loss of consciousness. It is a temporary loss of the senses of the patient.
- Nausea: The feeling of a high-intensity discomfort and contraction of the alimentary canal.
- Vaginal discharge: If you are having the insertion of the catheter, then your body will respond, and it eventually produces vaginal fluid. This fluid contains bacteria and vaginal cells.
- Bleeding: Bleeding after an X-Ray HSG test is very common. This is temporary and may be painful.
Risks & Side effects
Practically speaking, There are no such life-threatening risks associated with the HSG X-ray test. However, some of the minor risks include:
- Excessive radiation exposure may develop cancer. However, the amount of radiation used is small, so there is more benefit than cancer risk.
- Some may develop an allergic reaction to contrast dye.
- Perforation(small holes) in the uterus.
- Infection in the uterine lining or the fallopian tubes.
Limitations of X-ray HSG
The test evaluates the inner part of the uterus and fallopian tubes. Hysterosalpingography cannot examine the abnormality in the ovaries, the outer wall of the uterus and other pelvic structures.
X-ray HSG Test Result
The radiologist prepares the result and is handed over to you or the concerned doctor. Your healthcare provider will explain the result in detail and may recommend further tests if required.
Normal Result
The Normal x-ray HSG report indicates no blockage in the fallopian tubes and no abnormality in the uterus.
Abnormal Result
The test report is abnormal if the fallopian tubes are blocked. In tubal blockage, your doctor may recommend further tests and laparoscopy.
The Abnormal x-ray HSG report may also indicate problems in the uterus, such as fibroids, adhesions, tumours, endometrial polyps, etc.
Other tests for infertility in women
- AMH Test for ovarian reserve
- FSH, LH hormones test: These are the female hormones test. These tests help identify the level of hormones responsible for pregnancy in females. It
- Ultrasound pelvis test: This test identifies the structural abnormalities in the lower abdomen of the females as well as males.
Sample Report:
X-Ray HSG Normal Sample Report:-
X-Ray HSG Abnormal Sample Report:-
How to Book X-Ray HSG
Frequently asked questions
It is an X-ray-based technique. The X-rays penetrate your body and visualise the uterus and ovaries.
The X-ray test helps diagnose structural deformities in the female uterus.
You shall refer your report or scanned images to a trained technician as it would be difficult for an ordinary man to read the thing to read your X-ray hsg.
There is no such fixed number of X-ray tests that are not harmful. It depends on the intensity of the X-ray radiation. The X-ray technician maintains a safe radiation level.
Doctors prefer the X-ray HSG test for women between 6 to 10 days of their menstrual cycle.
For the HSG test, the technician uses various instruments like a Fluoroscopy x-ray machine, speculum, and catheter.
This test shall be avoided in the case of Pelvic infection and pregnancy.
References:
- https://www.reproductivefacts.org/news-and-publications/patient-fact-sheets-and-booklets/documents/
- https://radiology.ucsf.edu/patient-care/prepare/hysterosalpingogram
Dr Bhumika Rana
Dr Bhumika Rana is a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery (B.A.M.S.). Earlier She was an Operation Specialist at AIIMS Delhi & a Medical officer with the National health mission.