A small percent of patients may experience prolonged discomfort, especially when the tubes are blocked and the liquid dye is unable to flow out of the uterus promptly. A small percentage of patients may develop an infection of the lining of the uterus, tubes, or pelvis following this procedure. This is more common when the tubes have been damaged previously by infection or other causes. Infection in the tubes could lead to infertility, but the risk of infection is very low. If tubal damage or blockage is seen at the time of the HSG, you may be given a prescription for an antibiotic such as Doxycycline to be taken twice a day for 5 days.
Allergic reactions are possible after injection of the iodine-based dye.
During the procedure a small amount of x-ray irradiation will be directed in to the pelvic area and the ovaries. The possibility of injury to an unfertilized egg or recently fertilized egg exists. Although the risk of this causing a miscarriage or malformed infant is very low, the precise risk is unknown. The potential risks of this procedure must be balanced against the information to be gained in evaluating the cause of infertility. After having Hysterosalpingography There may be spotting or slight vaginal bleeding for a few days after the procedure.