If your fertility evaluation includes checking your fallopian tubes, you may be advised to have an HSG or an SSG test. Both are diagnostic procedures, not treatments, and understanding what each involves can make the experience far less daunting.
HSG (hysterosalpingogram) is an X-ray procedure that checks whether the fallopian tubes are open and whether the shape of the uterine cavity is normal. A contrast dye is passed through the cervix, and X-ray images track its movement through the uterus and tubes.
SSG (sonohysterography, sometimes called a saline sonogram) uses ultrasound rather than X-ray. Saline solution is passed into the uterus while an ultrasound is performed, allowing the doctor to assess the uterine cavity in more detail.
Your specialist will recommend one or occasionally both, depending on what your evaluation needs to confirm.
These tests are typically recommended when you're being evaluated for infertility, particularly if a tubal blockage or a uterine cavity abnormality is suspected — for example, before starting IUI or IVF, to rule out a structural issue that could affect treatment choice.
Both procedures are typically done as outpatient visits, without general anaesthesia, and take only a few minutes. You may be advised to take a mild pain reliever beforehand.
Most patients describe the sensation as cramping, similar to period pain, during and shortly after the procedure. This usually settles within a day. Some spotting afterward is common and not typically a cause for concern, but any severe pain, fever, or heavy bleeding should be reported to your clinic.
An HSG or SSG result might show that your tubes are open, show a blockage on one or both sides, or show a uterine cavity finding. What this means for your treatment plan depends entirely on your broader evaluation — a single test result is one piece of the picture, not the whole diagnosis.
Cost can vary depending on which test (or both) is recommended and any additional imaging required. This is best discussed directly during your consultation against your specific test order.
| HSG | SSG | |
|---|---|---|
| Imaging method | X-ray with contrast dye | Ultrasound with saline |
| Primarily checks | Tubal patency (are the tubes open?) and uterine shape | Uterine cavity detail |
| Radiation exposure | Yes, minimal | No |
If you'd like a deeper explanation of how to interpret your specific HSG images, see our detailed guide: Reading Your HSG Test Results.
Have questions about your own test results? Talk to our specialists about what your HSG or SSG results mean for your next steps.
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