The Difference Between SHG & HSG

When a woman is trying to get pregnant and having difficulty, or when her doctor is concerned about possible problems with her uterus or bladder, she may be prescribed tests to better investigate the problem. Two common tests are the sonohysterogram, or SHG, and the hysterosalpingogram, or HSG. Although the abbreviations are easy to get confused, the tests have different uses and procedures and the patient should be sure to ask any questions she might have before consenting to either.

  1. Uses

    • The SHG procedure is generally used to check for fibroids, polyps or other abnormalities in the uterus that can be causing infertility in the patient. The HSG is a slightly more invasive procedure that checks for structural defects in the uterus, such as whether the fallopian tubes are open. While both tests can detect polyps and fibroids, the former is better for visualizing these abnormalities.

    Procedure

    • In an SHG, saline is injected into a woman's uterus while an ultrasound in performed. In an HSG, a dye is injected into the uterus using a catheter or a balloon catheter while a doctor or radiologist does an X-ray to watch the dye's progression.

    Costs

    • An HSG is typically less expensive --- it can cost as little as $200 --- but the fee is not fixed and the procedure can cost upwards of $700. The fee scale for an SHG starts higher, typically around $400, and the test may end up costing upwards of $600. Insurance coverage for the procedures varies greatly, so be sure to check with your provider before having either test done.

    Complications

    • Both tests are completed relatively quickly, in about five minutes. However, patients who undergo HSG may experience some spotting or cramping similar to menstrual cramping. This can be relieved with ibuprofen as directed by the patient's doctor.

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