The extent of damage that dye rays may cause to the uterus. The respected man faces some risks when undergoing a medical examination that includes an injection of a certain dye. The purpose of this examination is to determine the real reason behind delayed childbearing and irregular menstrual cycles, or to suspect the presence of tumors in the uterus area that may lead to some abnormal conditions. X-rays are obtained by imaging the internal tubes and the entire uterus area. However, this method may carry some risks to the woman's health, which we will review in our article today, Dalili Medical.

What are dye rays?

 

Dye rays are considered one of the vital medical procedures used to detect and diagnose diseases, in addition to ensuring the health of the body's internal organs. This is done by taking pictures using X-rays (CXR) or computed tomography (CT scan) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), after applying the dye to the organ to be examined, as the dye helps highlight the relevant organs and tissues in the X-ray images. Dye rays are used specifically to detect digestive system problems such as stomach ulcers and infections, as well as to examine the uterus and fallopian tubes to assess fertility and detect blockages or abnormalities, which helps in identifying the causes of delayed pregnancy. They are also used to examine the urinary system, including the kidneys and bladder, which makes it easier for the doctor to accurately diagnose the condition.

How do we prepare for a hysterosalpingogram?

 

Before a hysterosalpingogram, if the patient feels any discomfort, the doctor will prescribe a sedative for her. In addition, it is recommended to use painkillers to relieve possible pain. To avoid any infection, antibiotics are prescribed before and after the imaging procedure. Since the dye rays may negatively affect the fetus, it is important to ensure that there is no pregnancy before this examination.

Does a hysterosalpingogram cause pain?

 

Uterine contractions during a hysterosalpingogram, especially when the contrast material is injected, can cause a woman to feel mild pain. This pain may be more severe in the event of a blocked fallopian tube. Therefore, to reduce pain, it is recommended to take painkillers before performing a hysterosalpingogram. Since some women feel more pain and discomfort during hysterosalpingography, they may hesitate to undergo this examination while awake. Therefore, in some imaging centers, hysterosalpingography is performed under light anesthesia.

Does hysterosalpingography increase the chances of pregnancy?

 

If the cause of infertility is blocked fallopian tubes, injecting contrast material may help open these tubes, which solves the problem of blockage. By injecting contrast material and cleaning the fallopian tubes, the chances of the egg reaching the uterus can be improved and thus the chances of pregnancy increase. According to scientific studies, the probability of pregnancy within three months after hysterosalpingography in people with blocked fallopian tubes increases by about 30%.

What is the ideal time to perform a hysterosalpingogram?

 

The most appropriate time to perform a hysterosalpingogram is one week after the start of the menstrual cycle and before ovulation, as the probability of pregnancy during this period is low. In addition, false disorders resulting from increased thickness of the uterine wall are much less at this time. It is important for the woman who will undergo the examination to avoid carrying any metal objects such as jewelry, as they can interfere with the work of the X-ray machine.

How is a hysterosalpingogram performed?

 

The hysterosalpingogram procedure usually takes between 10 and 30 minutes. The procedure begins with the woman lying on the gynecological examination bed. Then, the technician opens the cervix using a speculum. An iodine-containing contrast material is injected into the uterus through a thin tube known as a cannula. After the uterus and fallopian tubes are filled with the contrast material, X-rays are used to see the material, which makes the contrast appear on the screen as white dots, which helps determine the position of the uterus and fallopian tubes. Under normal conditions, the contrast material should fill the uterus and fallopian tubes evenly. If part of the uterus or fallopian tubes is not filled, this may be evidence of a blockage or abnormality in the uterus.

Does a hysterosalpingogram cause pain?

 

The dye can sometimes irritate the peritoneal cavity, causing abdominal discomfort. So, if you feel pain during the examination, you should inform your doctor immediately, and do not ignore it or think it is normal. The doctor can quickly remove the catheter, which will help relieve pressure and relieve pain.

How long does a hysterosalpingogram take?

 

The examination takes about 15 to 30 minutes.

**Benefits of hysterosalpingogram**

Dyeing hysterosalpingograms for women have several main advantages, including:

- Reducing the possibility of complications, since there is no need for surgical intervention.

- Providing accurate information about pregnancy problems.

- No side effects associated with this examination.

- The body is not exposed to any residual radiation after the X-ray.

- The possibility of opening blocked fallopian tubes, which makes it easier to get pregnant in the future.

**How ​​is a hysterosalpingogram performed?**

 

A hysterosalpingogram is a procedure that uses X-rays to examine the fallopian tubes and uterus. This procedure usually takes a few minutes in the doctor's office, and you can go home the same day. It is preferable to perform the x-rays after the end of the menstrual cycle and before the ovulation stage, as the possibility of pregnancy decreases during this period, which protects the fetus from exposure to radiation. This test is usually performed in the first half of the cycle, that is, between the first and fourteenth day.

The procedure is as follows: You lie on a table under an x-ray machine known as a fluoroscope. The doctor inserts a speculum into the vagina to keep it open, then cleans the cervix. After that, he inserts a thin tube into the cervix and gently fills the uterus with a fluid containingIodine. The tube is made in a way that prevents the dye from leaking into the vagina, and is inserted with the dye under fluoroscopy guidance to reduce the risk. Instead of a still image, a video is shown that allows the doctor to monitor the movement of the dye through the reproductive system, which helps him determine if there is a blockage in the fallopian tubes or any other structural abnormalities in the uterus.

**The importance of dye rays on the uterus**

 

The doctor may recommend this test in the event of problems related to pregnancy, such as recurrent miscarriages. The hysterosalpingogram can also help determine the causes of infertility, which may include: structural abnormalities in the uterus, whether congenital or acquired, blocked fallopian tubes, scar tissue inside the uterus, and uterine fibroids, in addition to benign tumors. The doctor may also order a hysterosalpingogram to ensure the success of surgical procedures related to the fallopian tubes, such as tubal ligation or reopening of blocked tubes.

Potential harms from these rays:

1. **Infection**: If the fallopian tubes are dilated and suffer from chronic infection, a condition known as hydrosalpinx, the procedure may cause injury to the pelvis. This may also be an indication of the catheter being inserted too traumatically, which may cause injury to the uterus.

2. **Uterine injury**: The catheter may puncture the tube or cause a wound in the lining of the uterus, and this condition is usually not serious.

3. **Uterine or tube rupture**: Although this condition is rare due to the use of a laparoscope in the procedure, if the tube is blocked or weakened by infection, or the dye is pushed too hard, a rupture of the thin tube may occur, leading to bleeding. Uterine perforation can also occur if the catheter is inserted too deeply or too quickly through the cervix.

4. **Endometritis**: The dye may leak from the uterine cavity and tube into the lymphatic or blood vessels if the dye is injected with excessive force or if the catheter hits the uterine lining. Therefore, it is advisable to inform the doctor if there is any possibility of pregnancy, or if you suffer from a pelvic injury, inflammation or sexually transmitted disease, as this will help avoid infection.

Uterine contractions occur as a result of the insertion and exit of the needle and the stretching of the muscles. These contractions may last for an hour or more, but usually do not last more than one day.

The X-ray procedure can cause bleeding from the needle into the uterus, but this bleeding stops immediately after the examination.

There is a possibility of infection in the uterus, so it is advisable to follow the doctor's instructions regarding taking an antibiotic the day before the procedure.

In some rare cases, an allergy to the dye may occur as a result of injecting large amounts of it.

Most patients suffer from nausea and vomiting before the X-ray procedure, due to anxiety and fear of the examination, so it is advisable to remain calm and avoid stress.

The advice can be summarized in the need to deal with the dye rays on the uterus with caution, and to adhere to the doctor's instructions regarding the examinations and medications recommended before and after the procedure. This condition should be treated under medical supervision.

Small amounts of vaginal bleeding may occur, and cramps in the pelvic area continue for a few days after the test.

There is also a possibility of an allergic reaction to the dye, in addition to the risk of infection, which is the most important effect of this test, as it occurs in about 3 out of every 100 patients.

**Allergy** Some cases suffer from allergies to dye materials, especially those containing iodine. Allergy symptoms are common symptoms associated with dye examination, as they appear in the form of a rash, swelling of the face, difficulty breathing, severe itching, and low blood pressure. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a doctor before the examination, especially for patients with allergies and asthma.

**Radiation damage** One of the common symptoms of dye examination is the long-term effect of radiation on the body. Although the amount of radiation used in the examination is low, there is a small possibility of developing serious diseases such as cancerous tumors or negatively affecting general health. The risk of infection increases with the frequency of examinations.

**Effect on kidney health** The kidneys are considered one of the organs most susceptible to damage caused by dye radiation. Therefore, patients with a history of kidney disease or kidney patients in general are advised to be careful when undergoing this examination, as the dye can lead to kidney toxicity as a result of kidney failure, which is common among kidney patients. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a specialist doctor before undergoing the examination.

**Fetal injury in pregnant women** Pregnant women are among the categories that are prohibited from undergoing a dye radiation examination, due to the significant damage that may be caused to the health of the fetus, especially in the first months of pregnancy. As the fetus cannot tolerate the radiation and dye used in this examination. Among the potential risks, the fetus may be exposed to deformities or injury to one of its vital organs. So, if you are pregnant or have any doubts about pregnancy, it is advisable not to undergo this examination without consulting your specialist doctor.

**Interaction with medications**

A possible symptom is also the interaction of radiation with some types of medications that the patient is taking, such as diabetes or heart medications, which may lead to side effects that may be painful.

**Dizziness** The patient may experience nausea or dizziness, and sometimes vomiting, after the dye examination. However, this symptom is not worrisome as it quickly disappears minutes after the procedure is completed.

**Bleeding** When performing a dye examination on the uterus, tubes and fallopian tubes, there is a small possibility of temporary bleeding for a short period, which usually ends quickly.

**Effect on the nervous system** Among the harms of dye radiation, some types of dyes contain chemical compounds that may negatively affect the nervous system or cause problems in the mindAkra. However, these cases are considered rare.

**Emergency Dye Ray Damage**

If you notice any of the following symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately:

- Vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor.

- Loss of consciousness.

- Vomiting.

- Heavy vaginal bleeding.

- High temperature.

- Severe pain or abdominal cramps.

What are the uses of hysterosalpingography?

 

Hysterosalpingography (color image of the uterus) helps doctors examine the shape and structure of the uterus, as well as assess the opening of the fallopian tubes and detect any ulcers or cavities inside the uterus. This examination is also performed to determine the causes of recurrent miscarriage resulting from congenital or acquired malformations of the uterus. In general, the uses of hysterosalpingography include:

- Studying the structure and size of the uterus and fallopian tubes

- Diagnosing uterine adhesions

- Diagnosing uterine fibroids

- Diagnosing masses and benign tumors in the uterine tissue

- Checking the opening of the fallopian tubes

- Studying tumors and uterine cancer

- Evaluating the effect of some surgical procedures such as opening the fallopian tubes

- Confirming the results of fallopian tube closure surgery (sterilization)

- Studying the causes of failure of the IVF process

The colored image of the uterus is used to study the inside of the uterus and fallopian tubes, and problems with the ovaries and all parts of the pelvis are examined by other methods such as ultrasound, vaginal ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

**Diagnosis resulting from dye**

The diagnosis resulting from X-rays with dye on parts of the reproductive system varies from one case to another. The most prominent results that can be shown by images and films of these rays are the following:

- Detecting congenital defects and deformities, the most famous of which is the inverted uterus.

- Identify acquired malformations in the reproductive system.

- Evaluate the severity of protrusions, adhesions or endometriosis.

- Detect the presence of any tumors, whether benign or malignant.

- Identify problems related to the fallopian tube.

- Evaluate the health status of all parts, including the containers.

- Detect genetic diseases and the possibility of their transmission to future generations.

**How ​​to reduce the risks of dye radiation**

 

The harms of dye radiation are a matter of concern, despite the great benefits of this examination and the need for many cases to accurately diagnose it after visiting a specialist doctor. However, there are some factors that must be taken into account to reduce the risks of dye radiation and get the most out of the examination, including:

**Postponing the examination for pregnant women** It is preferable to postpone the dye radiation examination for pregnant women, due to the potential harm that may be caused to the fetus or mother. It is best to perform the examination after birth or consult a specialist doctor to find an alternative examination suitable for this sensitive stage.

**Medical History** If there is any medical history for the patient or in the family, the doctor should be informed to take the necessary measures, especially in cases of kidney disease or allergies.

**Body Hydration** Continuously hydrating the body, by drinking sufficient amounts of water, helps reduce the risks of dye examination and supports kidney function.

**Choosing the appropriate type of dye** The appropriate type and amount of dye should be chosen based on the patient's sensitivity, weight and health condition, to avoid any harmful complications.

**Doctor Follow-up** It is necessary to follow up on the health condition with the doctor after the examination to ensure the patient's safety.

**Contraindications to dye examination:**

There are several contraindications that must be taken into consideration before performing the dye examination, which are as follows:

1. **Allergic cases:** If the patient has a history of allergy to the dye, immediate reactions may appear after its injection. In this case, the matter must be dealt with quickly using anti-allergy injections.

2. **Kidney disorders:** Kidney disorders, especially when the creatinine level is high, are important contraindications for the dye test. These disorders must be treated before the test, or replaced with another type of test.

3. **Kidney failure:** In the case of kidney failure, the test must be performed before the dialysis session, and then the patient must go directly to the session to get rid of the substance stuck in the blood.

4. **Diabetes:** It is recommended not to perform the test for people with diabetes, especially type 2, or for those who are taking medications that may affect the effectiveness of the dye.

What happens after the dye rays are performed on the uterus?

 

After the dye rays are performed on the uterus, the doctor determines the cause of the problem that the uterus suffers from, which allows him to prescribe the appropriate treatment, whether related to pregnancy or to treating any other health conditions. Among the conditions that can be detected through the dye rays:

- The presence of fibers, protrusions, or polyps in the uterus.

- Diagnosing uterine abnormalities, such as a retroverted uterus or a bicornuate uterus, in addition to some other abnormalities.

- Detecting problems in the tubes, especially the fallopian tube.

It is important to note that the main goal of these rays is to diagnose cases of delayed childbearing and facilitate pregnancy. If the problem is caused by a blockage in one of the vessels, the dye may help open it, which leads to a natural pregnancy. However, the doctor is the person qualified to diagnose the condition and determine the appropriate treatment after reviewing the results of the dye rays.

**Conditions for the success of dye rays on the uterus and tubes**

It is essential for the woman to be aware of the most important conditions for the success of dye rays before the examination, to ensure accurate and correct results. The most prominent of these conditions are:

- When deciding to perform dye rays, the woman must choose the appropriate time, which is immediately after the end of the menstrual cycle (between two to five days after it), to ensure that there is no fertilization or pregnancy.

- Any intimate relationship with the husband should be avoided after the end of the menstrual cycle and until the end of the rays and recovery from them. After the menstrual cycle comes the ovulation period, where the ovulation process is active, which may lead to pregnancy without your knowledge, and thusYou may have a miscarriage.

- After completing the dye rays, it is preferable to avoid having any full marital relationship, because the vaginal and uterine area will be stressed, which may expose you to severe painful infections. The appropriate period to return to marital life after the rays is at least two weeks.

What are the steps that must be followed before performing the dye rays examination?

The attending physician recommends that the woman who is preparing to undergo the dye rays examination follow the following steps before undergoing the examination:

1. Take some painkillers an hour before the examination, as some women may feel pain during the procedure.

2. Take antibiotics to avoid any inflammation or infection.

3. Take sedatives to relax, due to the tension and anxiety that some women may feel before the examination.

4. Conduct the examination several days after the end of the menstrual cycle, to ensure that there is no pregnancy.

5. Ensure that there is no vaginal bleeding or pelvic inflammation.

6. Avoid wearing any jewelry or metals, to avoid affecting the results of the dye rays examination.

When should you visit a doctor?

 

If a woman notices any of the following symptoms, she should not hesitate to visit a doctor to get the appropriate advice:

- Feeling a rise in body temperature.

- The appearance of vaginal discharge with a very bad smell.

- Heavy vaginal bleeding.

- Vomiting or fainting.

**Instructions to be followed before performing a dye scan**

The doctor asks the patient to follow some necessary instructions before performing a dye scan, in order to avoid any damage that the dye rays may cause to the uterus and other parts. The most prominent of these instructions are:

1. The scan must be performed at least a week after the end of the menstrual cycle, or after a week to ten days if it is late from its usual date.

2. It is preferable to avoid marital relations in the period following the end of the menstrual cycle or during its delay, to avoid pregnancy in its early stages.

3. The severity of the pain that the patient may feel during the X-ray procedure varies, as some cases may not feel any pain, while others may experience mild pain or a tingling sensation and cramps as a result of the insertion and exit of the needle.

4. The patient can take a painkiller before the X-ray procedure to relieve the feeling of pain, but it should be noted that most cases do not suffer from severe pain, which makes it possible to bear without the need to take any painkillers.

5. The antibiotic prescribed by the doctor must be taken in the recommended doses the day before the examination, to avoid any infections in the uterus or other parts as a result of the procedure.