What is salpingography?
Salpingography is a commonly used diagnostic method that injects a special X-ray contrast agent to make the uterus and fallopian tubes visible, and takes X-rays to observe the shape and function of the uterus and fallopian tubes. This method can help doctors discover and diagnose common problems related to female fertility, such as fallopian tube blockage, uterine malformations, endometriosis, etc.
Preparation for fallopian tube imaging
Before a fallopian tube scan, some preparations are required. First of all, you need to stick to a light diet and avoid eating too greasy food or drinks. Secondly, a suitable ovulation time needs to be determined, which is usually done on the 7th to 10th day after the menstrual period. If you frequently experience problems such as irregular menstruation or abnormal ovulation, it is recommended that you undergo treatment before taking the test.
You will need to avoid having sex in the 24 hours before the test to avoid bacterial infection. Also, if you are allergic to certain medications or are pregnant, you need to tell your doctor before taking the test.
Steps of salpingography
A salpingogram can be done in a hospital\’s radiology department or obstetrics and gynecology department. The entire test takes about 30 minutes. The specific steps are as follows:
1. You need to take off your lower body clothes and lie on your back on the radiography bed under the guidance of the doctor.
2. The doctor will insert a special catheter into your vaginal opening and slowly inject a contrast agent containing iodine. You may feel mild discomfort or pain.
3. While injecting the contrast agent, the doctor will take multiple pictures through the X-ray machine to observe the flow and shape of the uterus and fallopian tubes.
4. After the X-ray process is completed, the doctor will remove the catheter from your vaginal opening and examine you.
Risks and precautions of salpingography
While salpingography is a safe and effective test, there are some risks and precautions to be aware of. First of all, since the test involves the injection of contrast media and X-ray radiation, the test is risky for women with drug allergies or pregnant women and needs to be performed under the guidance of a doctor.
Secondly, some women may experience a small amount of abdominal pain, nausea, dizziness and other uncomfortable symptoms. This is a normal reaction and usually disappears within a few hours after the test. However, if severe allergic reactions, heavy bleeding, high fever, etc. occur, you need to seek medical treatment in time.
Summary
Salpingography is a commonly used diagnostic method. It can make the uterus and fallopian tubes visible by injecting a special X-ray contrast agent, and observe the shape and function of the uterus and fallopian tubes through X-rays. Some preparations need to be done before the test, such as avoiding greasy food and setting a suitable ovulation time. The testing process takes about 30 minutes and is performed under the guidance of a doctor. Although the test is safe and effective, there are some risks and precautions that need to be noted, such as drug allergies, pregnant women, minor discomfort, etc. Fallopian tube imaging can help doctors discover and diagnose women\’s reproductive health problems and avoid unnecessary pain and risks.
