I just went to have an HSG done, but the doctor was unable to enter the uterus. She says it is blocked and does not know why. What does this mean? Could it be a cyst? I am 29, have never had children, and have had no prior procedures.

-- Stacie

A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is an X-ray test to check for blockages in your tubes. As part of the test, the doctor needs to insert a narrow tube called a catheter into the uterus. Assuming you have a normal-appearing cervix, several factors might cause failure to catheterize the uterus. First and foremost is the experience of the physician involved. Alternatively, a polyp, fibroid tumor or scar tissue from past surgery can block the entrance, making it more difficult to proceed with this study.

Since you have not had previous surgeries or infection, I would consider performing a transvaginal ultrasound to see if your uterus and genital tract are formed normally. If that is unsuccessful, your physician may recommend an outpatient surgery called hysteroscopy to look into the cervical canal and uterus and determine whether a blockage is present.