Exploring the Needs and Expectations of Women Presenting for Hysterosalpingogram Examination Following a Period of Sub Fertility: - A Qualitative Study

Maggie Williams (1) , Lorna Green (2) , Karen Roberts (3)

1 Radiology
2 Radiology
3 Northern Gynaecological Oncology Centre

This qualitative study uses grounded theory methodology to explore women's experience of healthcare following referral for Hysterosalpingography (HSG) after a period of sub fertility. An HSG is an invasive procedure involving the administration of intra uterine contrast via a catheter inserted transvaginally. The demonstration of this contrast within and spilling out of the fallopian tubes determines patency. These otherwise healthy women enter the healthcare system failing to become pregnant. They find themselves trying to negotiate a system designed for sick people. Interviews with women were undertaken just prior to their HSG examination (n=10). Discussions centred on their expectations of the HSG examination, the importance of HSG and what methods were available to them to reduce any anxiety they may be experiencing. A literature review demonstrated an absence of nursing research in this field and medical research mainly looked at the procedure itself rather than the wider needs of women involved. HSG is seen by healthcare providers as a routine out patient examination at the start of sub fertility investigations. In contrast to this, interview data highlighted that HSG was seen by the women as a very important examination and a defining test that would signpost their future treatment options to become pregnant. The results showed that there was little psychological support from healthcare providers and that the written information given did not fulfil all of their needs. Women described written information often raised additional questions that remained unanswered. The literature review noted that anxiety can lead to mental health issues but that properly focussed and timely information can reduce anxiety. The implications of the findings are that if anxiety relating to treatment at this early stage can be managed effectively it could minimise the possible physical and emotional trauma to the women as her sub fertility journey continues.

Mots clés: Medicine

Maggie Williams, Lorna Green, Karen Roberts. Exploring the Needs and Expectations of Women Presenting for Hysterosalpingogram Examination Following a Period of Sub Fertility: - A Qualitative Study. International Journal of Clinical Practice, 2010, 64 (12), pp.1653. ⟨10.1111/j.1742-1241.2010.02431.x⟩. ⟨hal-00585810⟩