HSG & Tubal Patency Tests in Chennai
HSG (hysterosalpingography), HyCoSy / SSG saline sonography, and laparoscopic chromopertubation in Chennai by Dr. Rukkayal — accurate tubal patency testing as the foundation of every fertility workup.
Tubal patency testing is one of the most important early investigations in any fertility workup. Even mild tubal disease can prevent natural conception, and unrecognised hydrosalpinx (fluid-filled tubes) can dramatically reduce IVF success. Three tests can confirm whether your fallopian tubes are open: hysterosalpingography (HSG, an X-ray dye study), hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography (HyCoSy or SSG, an ultrasound-based test using saline-air contrast), and laparoscopic chromopertubation (a direct surgical assessment). Dr. Rukkayal chooses the right test for your specific clinical situation and uses the result to plan IUI, IVF, or surgical correction with confidence.
HSG remains the most widely used first-line test — quick, outpatient, and informative — and is typically performed in the first half of the menstrual cycle. HyCoSy / SSG (also known as sonosalpingography or saline-air contrast sonohysterography) avoids X-ray radiation and can be performed in clinic with simultaneous evaluation of the ovaries and uterine cavity. Laparoscopic chromopertubation is the reference standard and is offered when other tests are abnormal, when a surgical condition such as endometriosis is suspected, or when combined diagnosis and treatment is preferred. Whatever test is chosen, the report is reviewed in the context of your full fertility profile and translated into a clear next step — natural conception attempt, IUI, IVF, or tubal surgery.
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When Tubal Patency Testing Is Recommended
You should see a specialist if you experience:
- Difficulty conceiving for 12 months or more (6 months if over 35)
- Previous pelvic infection, chlamydia, or PID
- Previous ectopic pregnancy or tubal surgery
- Severe period pain or suspected endometriosis
- Before starting IUI, to confirm tubes are open
- Before IVF, especially if hydrosalpinx is suspected
HSG vs HyCoSy vs Laparoscopic Chromopertubation
HSG involves passing a thin catheter through the cervix and slowly injecting an iodine-based contrast dye while X-ray images are taken. The dye traces the shape of the uterine cavity and should spill freely from the ends of both fallopian tubes if they are open. HyCoSy / SSG uses ultrasound instead of X-rays, with saline and an air or foam contrast medium injected through the cervix while the tubes are visualised in real time. It avoids radiation and is generally well tolerated. Laparoscopic chromopertubation uses a blue or methylene-coloured dye injected through the cervix while the surgeon directly observes the spill from the fallopian tubes through a laparoscope. It is the most accurate test, can detect pelvic adhesions and endometriosis that imaging tests miss, and allows treatment in the same sitting if a problem is found. Each test has its place — and Dr. Rukkayal will recommend the one that fits your situation best.
What Tubal Patency Testing Helps Diagnose
Tests We Offer
HSG (Hysterosalpingography)
Outpatient X-ray test using iodine contrast dye to map the uterine cavity and demonstrate tubal patency. Quick, informative, and the most widely used first-line tubal patency test in Chennai.
HyCoSy / SSG (Saline-Air Sonohysterography)
Ultrasound-based tubal patency test using saline and air or foam contrast. No radiation, performed in clinic, and gives simultaneous information about the ovaries, antral follicle count, and uterine cavity.
Laparoscopic Chromopertubation
Surgical reference-standard test under general anaesthesia, with direct visual confirmation of dye spill from the fallopian tubes and the ability to treat endometriosis, adhesions, or hydrosalpinx in the same sitting.
3D Saline Infusion Sonography (Cavity Focus)
A complementary 3D ultrasound that distends the uterine cavity with saline to evaluate polyps, fibroids, septa, or adhesions in detail — often combined with tubal patency testing.
Why Choose Dr. Rukkayal?
- Test selection tailored to your clinical situation — not a one-test-fits-all approach.
- Reports interpreted in the full context of your fertility profile, not in isolation.
- Direct integration with your IUI or IVF plan once results are available.
- Option of laparoscopic chromopertubation when combined diagnosis + treatment is appropriate.
- Honest counselling on how tubal findings change (or do not change) your treatment plan.
- Convenient Chennai imaging access through our partner facilities at Egmore/Chetpet, Mylapore, and Tambaram.
- Clear, itemised pricing with no hidden charges.
Your Treatment Journey
Pre-Test Consultation
Review of fertility history, infection history, allergies, and previous surgeries. Selection of the most appropriate tubal patency test for your situation.
Test Scheduling
HSG and HyCoSy are scheduled in the first half of the menstrual cycle (typically day 6–11). Laparoscopic chromopertubation is scheduled as a planned day-care procedure if indicated.
Test Performance
The test takes 15–30 minutes for HSG / HyCoSy, longer for laparoscopic chromopertubation. Mild cramping is common during dye injection and settles quickly.
Result Review
Findings are explained in plain language — open tubes, blocked tubes, hydrosalpinx, or cavity findings — along with the implications for your next step.
Treatment Planning
Results are translated into a clear plan — natural conception window, IUI, IVF, or surgical correction such as hydrosalpinx removal before IVF.
Have Questions About Your Treatment?
Book a consultation with Dr. Rukkayal Fathima to understand your options and next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most women experience moderate cramping for a few minutes when the dye is injected, then mild discomfort that settles within an hour. A simple painkiller taken before the test usually controls discomfort well. Severe pain is uncommon and is most often due to tubal blockage.
Typically between day 6 and day 11 of your cycle — after menstrual flow has stopped and before ovulation — to avoid testing during early pregnancy and to give the clearest view of the cavity and tubes.
Yes. HSG and HyCoSy are outpatient tests with no sedation in most cases. You can usually drive home and resume normal activities the same day, though some women prefer to take it easy for a few hours.
A blocked tube on HSG can occur from true disease or from spasm during the test. Dr. Rukkayal usually correlates the result with your clinical picture and either repeats the test under different conditions, proceeds to laparoscopy for confirmation and treatment, or moves directly to IVF — depending on the situation.
Yes, modern HyCoSy / SSG using foam or air contrast has comparable accuracy to HSG for confirming tubal patency, with the added advantages of no radiation and simultaneous ovarian and cavity assessment.
Some studies suggest a small temporary improvement in conception rates in the few cycles immediately after HSG, possibly because the dye flushes mucus or debris from the tubes. This is a side benefit — HSG is primarily diagnostic.
Both tests are affordable outpatient investigations and cost considerably less than laparoscopy. A clear, itemised price is shared at the time of scheduling.
HSG or HyCoSy is almost always the right first test — it is non-surgical, quick, and gives a clear initial answer. Laparoscopy is reserved for situations where imaging is abnormal or where another surgical condition such as endometriosis is strongly suspected.
Related Specialties
Ultrasound Services
HyCoSy / SSG is performed as part of fertility-focused ultrasound services.
Laparoscopy Treatment
Laparoscopic chromopertubation is the surgical gold-standard tubal patency test.
IUI Treatment
Confirmed tubal patency is a prerequisite before starting IUI.
IVF Treatment
Severe or bilateral tubal disease typically moves treatment directly to IVF.
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