What is hysterosalpingography (HSG)?

• A. An X-ray test to outline the internal shape of the uterus and check for blocked fallopian tubes
• B. A magnetic resonance imaging scan of the pelvis
• C. A blood test measuring ovarian hormones
• D. A direct visualization of the uterus via hysteroscopy

Answer: (A)

Hysterosalpingography is an imaging test that uses X-ray with a radiopaque contrast injected through the cervix into the uterine cavity. This contrast outlines the inside of the uterus and the Fallopian tubes on X-ray images, so you can see the shape of the uterine cavity and check whether the tubes are open or blocked. If the contrast spills freely into the peritoneal cavity, the tubes are patent; if there’s poor filling or no spill, a blockage or abnormality may be present. This makes it a key part of infertility evaluation to assess both uterine shape and tubal patency.

The other options describe different tests: an MRI pelvis is a distinct imaging modality that isn’t used in the same way to assess tubal patency; a blood test measures ovarian hormones rather than imaging anatomy; hysteroscopy involves directly looking inside the uterus with a scope rather than outlining the tubes with contrast.