Objectives: Tubal factor infertility accounts for 30%–40% of all cases of female infertility. Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is used to screen for tubal occlusion. Pain felt during HSG might negatively affect patient cooperation, thereby limiting the use of HSG.This study aimed to evaluate the effect of visualization of instrument sets used in HSG on the pain perceived.
Patients and Methods: This is a prospective study included infertile women scheduled for HSG. The patients were randomised into 2 groups; group (I) women underwent HSG after education and counseling using visualisation of HSG instrument sets and group (II) women underwent HSG after receiving the usual care (verbal explanation of the procedure).
Results: The study included 56 patients in group (I) and 50 patients in group (II).Patients who received counseling before HSG aided by visualization of the instrument sets used experienced less pain than patients who received usual care. The VAS score means were 1.1±0.5 in group (I) and 6.8±1.45 in group (II) ( p=0.001). In group (I) a significant decrease in pain scores was reported after HSG compared to anticipated pain before the procedure (p=<0.001).
Conclusion: Visualization of instrument sets used in HSG potentially reduces pain perception and positively affects patients' compliance