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What does dye spilling into the abdominal cavity show during hysterosalpingography?

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Diagram showing the female reproductive system with labeled ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina, alongside hormone pathways and the process from ovulation to fertilization and early embryo development. — infertility Major structures and hormones involved in the initiation of pregnancy. Also seen, at right, is the development of an egg cell (ovum) from follicle to embryo.

During a hysterosalpingography, a radiopaque dye is injected through the cervix into the uterus and fallopian tubes to evaluate their condition. When this dye is observed spilling into the abdominal cavity during the X-ray examination, it serves as a clinical indication of tubal patency, meaning the fallopian tubes are open and unobstructed.1

This test is a standard diagnostic tool used to identify potential infertility issues caused by blockage or scarring of the fallopian tubes, which can result from conditions such as pelvic inflammatory disease.1