Scheduling, Insurance and Preparation | A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is an exam that looks at the condition of the uterus, fallopian tubes and abdominal area around them. It is primarily used to determine reasons why a woman may have difficulty becoming pregnant or sustaining a pregnancy. It is also done for women who have had tubal ligation or permanent contraceptive devices implanted into the fallopian tubes to verify the effectiveness of these procedures. Hysterosalpingograms use a fluoroscope to take images of the reproductive organs. A fluoroscope uses x-ray technology but takes continuous images rather than a single image like a traditional x-ray. A contrast material is used to enhance the images and make any abnormalities more visible. During a hysterosalpingogram, a small tube called a catheter is placed into the cervix through the vagina. The contrast material is injected through the catheter into the uterus. The catheter has a small balloon on the tip which will be inflated to create a seal and keep the contrast from flowing back through the cervix.

Since the uterus and the fallopian tubes are connected, the contrast will flow through the uterus and into the fallopian tubes. If the fallopian tubes are not completely blocked, the contrast may then flow from the fallopian tubes into the abdominal area. The fluoroscope images can show an abnormality of the uterus or a blockage of the fallopian tubes. A blockage could prevent the egg from ever becoming fertilized. Occasionally, an HSG can have a therapeutic effect. The contrast may flush unseen blockages and enable conception without additional medical procedures; however, that should not be relied upon. Abnormalities in the uterus could prevent fertilization or implantation of an egg or could be the cause of miscarriages. An HSG is needed three months after the placement of a permanent contraceptive device (i.e. Essure or Adiana). This ensures that the micro-inserts are properly in place and that the fallopian tubes are completely blocked. This procedure should be done within the first 10 days of your menstrual cycle, but after blood flow has stopped.

This is usually between days 7 and 10. This is to ensure you are not pregnant and to avoid using x-rays, which emit radiation, during an early pregnancy. If you are not having menstrual periods, a pregnancy test may be required. Risks involved in a hysterosalpingogram include the following: An HSG can be done at the following Invision Sally Jobe location(s) in the Denver, Colorado area: Contact your personal physician for a referral for this exam. Then call 720-493-3700 to schedule. Infertility workup procedures such as a hysterosalpingogram are often not covered by insurance. Check with your insurance company to be sure. If your insurance company will cover the exam, please bring your insurance card with you. If an HSG is not covered by your insurance, please plan to pay for the procedure at the time it is performed. In advance of your procedure, let your scheduler, technologist, or radiologist know if any of the following circumstances apply to you:

Following are the general preparation guidelines for an HSG. You may receive additional or differing guidelines based on your specific situation. Please contact us at 720-493-3700 if you have any questions. Here is generally what will happen during a hysterosalpingogram: This procedure generally takes about 30 minutes. You may experience cramping for several hours following the procedure. Houses For Sale Alma Place North ShieldsYou will have a clear sticky discharge, which is the contrast material. Outdoor Furniture Westport Village LouisvilleYou may also have some light spotting from the procedure. Beagle Puppies For Sale In AustinAvoid the following for 24 hours after the procedure to help prevent infection:

If you have any heavy bleeding, severe cramping or a fever following the HSG exam, contact your physician as these are signs of an infection. A board-certified radiologist experienced in the interpretation of hysterosalpingograms will analyze the data and results from your procedure. The results will be reported to your physician. Your physician will pass the results onto you. During the exam, our technologists will be happy to answer questions about the exam itself; however, they will not immediately provide you with the results of your exam.Self care, without ibuprofen, for menstrual cramps? August 16, 2010   Subscribe Terrible menstrual cramps, and I can't take any pain reliever other than Tylenol (acetaminophen). What can I do right now at home (i.e., without a prescription/doctor) to ease the pain?Download PDF Version of Patient Instructions For Endovenous Laser Ablation Please avoid aspirin products for 7 days prior to having the procedure. If you are on blood thinning medication (i.e. Plavix or Coumadin) please notify us (the risk is increased bruising). 

If pain medication is needed before the procedure, please take only Tylenol. If you are particularly anxious about medical procedures, please discuss this with the doctor. We may prescribe a mild sedative for use prior to the procedure, if necessary. Eat a nutritious breakfast/lunch prior to the procedure.  Maintain adequate hydration prior to appointment. Shower before your visit. Suture-strips will be applied the day of the procedure and may be removed on day 4 following the procedure. You will be able to shower the morning following your procedure.  Prior to the shower, remove the overlying gauze and you can shower with the underlying suture-strips in place. Please avoid scraping/removing scab/shaving at the laser entry site(s). Wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing.  When you arrive home, we ask that you complete three separate 20 minutes walks during the day of the procedure and 1-2 walks a day for the following week.  It is normal to notice a small amount of fluid drainage on the gauze following the procedure (in the initial 24 hours).  

Your leg may also feel “tight” and some bruising and discomfort is expected for 7-14 days afterwards. Please bring your compression stockings to the office.  We will only require you to wear stockings on the leg we treat.  You will be asked to wear the compression stocking overnight, and then during the day for 5 days following the procedure. Please arrange for someone to drive you home.  This is especially important if you require a mild sedative with the procedure.  You will be receiving local anesthetic during the laser procedure.  Expect to be in office for approximately 1 hour. You may return to work the next day.  Some patients (in more intense occupations) find it helpful to take a day or two off of work.  Please limit exercise to walking for 5-7 days following the laser.  Running, weightlifting, and other high impact activities may be resumed at that time. Please avoid flying for 5-7 days and long car trips following the procedure. Please avoid use of iron containing supplements during the first 4-6 weeks of your treatment protocol.

Please refrain from hot tubs/swimming for 5 days following the procedure. Please have Motrin/Advil (ibuprofen 200mg-take three tablets every eight hours with food)or Aleve (naproxen 225mg -take two tablets every 12 hours with food) available at home. You will be encouraged to use one of these medications on a daily basis for 1 to 2 weeks.  Please let Dr. Schoonover know if you are already taking a prescription anti-inflammatory like Celebrex or Mobic.  Although unusual (<2% of patients), you may require an additional narcotic medication (i.e. Vicodin). You will be scheduled for an appointment approximately 1 week after the procedure.  A follow-up ultrasound will be performed at that time. Additional procedural appointments will also be scheduled as indicated with your individualized treatment plan. Download PDF Version of Patient Instructions For SclerotherapyMaintain adequate hydration prior to and after the appointment. You may experience bruising, tenderness, swelling after a treatment. 

The veins often respond to the sclerosant medication with an inflammatory response.  Arnica gel or cream may be used during your treatment process to speed the healing of bruises.  Arnica does not require a prescription and can be purchased at Whole Foods and some local pharmacies.You will be encouraged to use one of these medications for up to 2-3 days after a treatment.  Please let Dr. Schoonover or his nurse, Maggie, know if you are already taking a prescription anti-inflammatory like Celebrex or Mobic. You should expect some discomfort in your leg during the first 24 hours. You may find that your leg feels tender, achy or tight.  Muscle cramping is also common as well as bruising.   You may also develop a red streak or blotching over treated areas. These are normal reactions to the treatment.  Other commonly noted symptoms include itching, throbbing, fullness and swelling.  These symptoms will be most notable when you get up and may peak 24 hours following a treatment. 

An ice pack or bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a paper towel may be helpful when applied to your leg for 10 minutes three times a day. “Trapped blood” may develop, usually in 2-4 weeks following a treatment session.  This occurs when the blood gets caught inside the vein as it heals.  This area may feel “bumpy” and tender to the touch.  This is an expected side effect with sclerotherapy.  If it causes too much discomfort, it can be easily treated in the office at your next follow-up visit. Please limit exercise to walking on the day of a sclerotherapy session.  Running, weightlifting, and other high impact activities may be resumed the next day. Please avoid flying for 48-72 hours and long car trips following the procedure.You will be asked to wear the compression stocking during the day for 3-5 days following the procedure. Please avoid excessive sun exposure and use sunscreen (SPF >30) regularly. Download PDF Version of Compression Stockings Instructions for Application and Care

Putting your stockings on at the start of your day, before swelling starts, is best. The use of gloves is recommended to make the process easier. Gathering the stockings prior to donning is not recommended, as this makes it difficult to put them on. Do not pull from the top band. The goal when putting on stockings is to get the heel in place as easily as you can. 1. Fold the stocking over once down to the heel, so that the length of the stocking is shortened in half. This will help get your foot and heel in place more easily. Remember, do not bunch or gather the stocking. 2. Insert foot and gently pull until you meet resistance as you secure the foot. 3. If your stocking doesn’t go entirely on the foot, use your donning gloves to gently move the fabric in an upward direction. Once the heel is in place, you can gently move the stocking in an upward motion to its full length. Use your donning gloves to smooth out any wrinkles. The top band should be approximately 2 fingers width from the top of the leg.

Secure each foot in place: then, using the donning gloves gently move the stocking up each leg in short, alternating movements, securing the panty in place. 1. Remove stockings before going to bed, unless otherwise indicated by Dr. Schoonover and his care team. (Exception: the stocking must be worn overnight the day of your endovenous laser procedure.) 2. Use donning gloves to make stocking removal easier. Take hold of the stockings at the top band and peel downwards past the ankle. Never push downward, as this creates bunching and makes the stocking more difficult to remove. 3. With the palm of the hand, work the stocking over the heel and remove. Wash your stockings every day. You may machine wash on gentle cycle, using lukewarm water and a mild detergent. For sheer stockings, hand washing is recommended. To protect the garment during washing, a lingerie bag is recommended. Rinse well and air dry. Do not use bleach or fabric softeners and avoid tumble drying. For best results with trouser socks, turn inside out before washing.