What to Expect During the hysterosalpingography procedure, you will be positioned similarly to a pelvic exam at your gynecologist’s office. The radiologist will insert a small catheter into the cervical opening, gently guiding it into the uterus. X-ray dye or contrast (a liquid containing iodine that is visible to x-rays) will be injected through the catheter to fill the uterus and fallopian tubes as  the radiologist and technologist capture images. The entire hysterosalpingography procedure usually only takes a few minutes to complete. Some patients may experience mild cramping and pressure during and immediately following the procedure, which is usually comparable to menstrual cramping. This discomfort typically subsides within a few hours. How to Prepare This exam should not be performed if you think you may be or are pregnant or if you currently have a pelvic infection. Most physicians recommend taking ibuprofen 45 minutes prior to the procedure to assist with possible discomfort. Let us know before the exam if you have any allergies or adverse reactions to medications or iodinated contrast material.