We'll bring you into the exam room. You will lie on your back on the exam table. Similar to a pelvic exam, you'll draw up your knees and place your feet apart. We'll place a sheet over your knees to try to keep you as covered as possible.
To view the cervix (lower part of the uterus), the radiologist puts a speculum into your vagina and cleans the area with antiseptic soap. Next, we put a small tube called a catheter (a thin flexible tube that moves easily) into the uterus.
The catheter uses a small balloon that inflates when inside the uterus. This helps the catheter stay in place. We'll then remove the speculum. The catheter will stay in place to help the contrast (X-ray dye) go into the uterus.
Using fluoroscopy, the radiologist will be able to see inside of the uterus and fallopian tubes as the contrast fills the catheter.
During the exam, we may ask you to roll slightly from one side to the other to get a better view of the uterus. If there is no blockage and the fallopian tubes are open, the contrast will release into your abdominal (middle of the body) cavity.
You may feel a warm flush as your body begins to absorb the contrast. After we get all the needed images, we'll remove the catheter.
After the exam, you may have a sticky discharge (liquid substance that comes out of the vagina). This happens when the contrast drains out of the uterus. There may be some blood in the discharge also.
A pad can help absorb the discharge. Don't use a tampon after the exam. Some people have cramping similar to menstrual cramps after the exam. You can use the same methods you use to help with your menstrual cramps, such as:
- Heating pads
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
