Hysterosalpingography in the Workup of Female Fertility Issues

HIPAA in the Digital Age: Ethical Protection of Personal Healthcare Information is organized by eRADIMAGING.

Release Date: 11/25/2019
Expiration Date: 12/1/2025

Course Description:
Infertility is a potentially life-changing diagnosis for couples who are trying to conceive. In the United States, infertility affects 6% of married women of reproductive age, and at least 1 million medical visits are for women seeking help in becoming pregnant. This number has been increasing over the last decade. A diagnosis of infertility and the associated management plan can lead to psychological stress, anxiety, and depression for one or both partners. Once a couple is determined to be infertile, prompt referral to a specialist is indicated. Treatment varies according to the cause and may include medication, surgical intervention, or assisted reproductive technology. Radiologic imaging plays a key role in the diagnostic evaluation of infertility in women. The pelvic causes of female infertility are varied and range from tubal and peritubal abnormalities to uterine, cervical, and ovarian disorders. Knowledge and selection of appropriate imaging tests and accurate characterization of the various causes of infertility are essential because these findings help direct subsequent patient care. The diagnostic work-up begins, in most cases, with a physical, bloodwork, and hysterosalpingography (HSG) to evaluate fallopian tube patency. This article reviews HSG and its role in the evaluation of infertility. It also discusses other imaging modalities and their indications for use. As women wait longer to have children, issues with being able to conceive and carry a baby to term increase. Appropriate use of imaging in infertile women is critical to managing this important outcome.

Learning Objectives:
After reading this article, the participant should be able to:

• Describe the risk factors and common causes of infertility in women.
• Describe the role hysterosalpingography for evaluating infertility in women.
• List the current imaging techniques used to investigate female infertility.