There are a few key differences between an HSG and a hysteroscopy. An HSG is an imaging test that uses a special type of X-ray to look at the inside of your uterus and Fallopian tubes. A hysteroscopy is a procedure that uses a thin, lighted tube to look inside your uterus. There are many reasons why you might need either test. Your doctor can help you decide which one is right for you.
What is HSG?
HSG is a medical test that is performed to evaluate a woman’s fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes are the pathway that eggs travel from the ovaries to the uterus. HSG stands for hysterosalpingogram. During this test, a small amount of dye is inserted through the cervix into the uterus. This dye then flows through the Fallopian tubes and appears on an x-ray. The HSG is used to determine if the fallopian tubes are blocked or open. A blocked fallopian tube can prevent pregnancy because it prevents the egg from traveling to the uterus. HSG is considered a safe and effective way to evaluate the fallopian tubes. It is important to note that HSG does not detect all causes of infertility, but it can provide valuable information about possible causes of infertility.
What is Hysteroscopy?
Hysteroscopy is a diagnostic procedure that enables your doctor to see inside your uterus. Hysteroscopy is used to diagnose and treat uterine conditions. Hysteroscopy can also be used to remove abnormal tissue from the uterine lining or to take a biopsy of the uterine lining.
- Hysteroscopy is usually performed in an outpatient setting. Hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small telescope-like instrument, called a hysteroscope, which is inserted through the cervix into the uterus.
- The hysteroscope is connected to a light source and camera, which allow your doctor to view the inside of your uterus on a monitor. Hysteroscopy can be used to diagnose and treat many uterine conditions, such as: Polyps – Hysteroscopy can be used to diagnose and remove polyps from the uterine lining.
- Fibroids – Hysteroscopy can be used to diagnose and treat fibroids by removing them or destroying them with heat or lasers. Endometriosis – Hysteroscopy can be used to diagnose and treat endometriosis by removing any abnormal tissue growths.
- Adhesions – Hysteroscopy can be used to diagnose and treat adhesions, which are scar tissue that has formed in the uterus. Abnormal bleeding – Hysteroscopy can be used to investigate abnormal bleeding by checking for structural problems in the uterus or by taking a biopsy of the uterine lining.
- Hysteroscopic sterilization – Hysteroscopy can be used for permanent sterilization by placing small devices in the Fallopian tubes. This procedure is called Essure sterilization.
Differences between HSG and Hysteroscopy
HSG is a radiological procedure during which an iodinated contrast material is injected into the uterine cavity through a catheter. The HSG film is then acquired to demonstrate the filling of the uterine cavity and the patency of the fallopian tubes.
- On the other hand, hysteroscopy is a procedure during which a thin telescope-like instrument is inserted through the cervical canal into the uterine cavity. By looking through this instrument, the physician can directly visualize the inside of the uterus.
- One advantage of HSG over hysteroscopy is that it does not require anesthesia and can be performed on an outpatient basis. However, HSG may not be as accurate as hysteroscopy in detecting small abnormalities, such as polyps or submucosal fibroids.
- In addition, HSG can cause significant discomfort due to the introduction of contrast material into the uterine cavity. For these reasons, hysteroscopy is generally considered to be the gold standard for evaluating the uterine cavity.
Conclusion
While hysteroscopy is a newer procedure, it has many advantages over HSG. If you are considering having a diagnostic procedure done, be sure to ask your doctor about hysteroscopy.
