The pattern of hysterosalpingographic findings in women being investigated for intertility in Nnewi, Nigeria

Background: Tubal occlusion is the commonest cause of female infertility in the developing societies. Hysterosalpingography remains a vital method of assessing tubal patency especially in resource limited settings such as ours. Objective: To review the pattern of hysterosalpingographic findings among women being investigated for infertility in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Nigeria over a period of five years (2001-2005). Method: The data obtained from the request forms and radiologists' reports were analyzed using SPSS version 11. The level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Of the 320 studied, 230 were found suitable for analysis. Their ages ranged from 20 to 44years (mean 32.8±5.8years). The indications were primary infertilityin 103 (44.8%), secondary infertility in 88(38.3%), while in 39( 16.9%)patients the type of infertility was not specified. The reports revealed that 67(29.1 %) had normal HSG Cervical abnormalities were found in 34 (14.8%), uterine cavity abnormalities in 108(47.0%). Tubal pathologies were seen in 100(43.5%) with bilateral tubal occlusion in 43(18.7%) and bilateral hydrosalpinges in 6(2.6%) patients. Conclusion: Tubal pathology remains a major contributor to female infertility in this part of the world.