What is sonohysterography?
Sonohysterography is a technique in which fluid is injected through the cervix into the uterus, and ultrasound is used to make images of the uterine cavity. The fluid shows more detail of the inside of the uterus than when ultrasound is used alone.
This procedure is offered in our Practice and usually takes about 15 minutes.
Why is sonohysterography done?
Sonohysterography can find the underlying cause of many problems, including abnormal uterine bleeding, infertility, and repeated miscarriages. Additionally, a sonohysterogram may be useful when a woman has had a normal ultrasound exam but is still having symptoms. This procedure can detect the following conditions:
- Abnormal growths inside the uterus, such as fibroids or polyps
- Scarring inside the uterus, including adhesions
- Abnormal uterine shape
- Sonohysterography also is done before and after some surgical procedures.
When is sonohysterography done?
The procedure will be scheduled when you are not having your menstual period. If you are bleeding, the results may not be as clear. The test may be postponed until the bleeding stops. The procedure is not done if you are or could be pregnant, or if you have a pelvic infection or pelvic inflammatory disease. If you are in doubt about being pregnant, you can have a urine test to rule out pregnancy before the procedure.
What preparation is involved before the procedure?
Sonohysterography is done when your bladder is empty. Therefore, you will have to urinate before the test. Subsequently, you will be asked to undress from the waist down and lie on an exam table. If needed, we may do a pelvic exam (and also an ultrasound) to check if you have any tenderness or pain.
How is sonohysterography performed?
Sonohysterography is performed in two parts. A transvaginal ultrasound exam is done first. After the first transvaginal ultrasound exam, the transducer is removed. A speculum is placed in the vagina in order to hold the vagina open. Then, we will pass a swab through the speculum to clean the cervix. Next, a thin tube called a catheter is inserted through the vagina. It is placed in the opening of the cervix or in the uterine cavity. The speculum then is removed. The transducer is placed in the vagina again. A sterile fluid is slowly passed through the catheter and the ultrasound is performed again. When the cavity is filled with fluid, ultrasound images are made of the inside of the uterus and the uterine lining.
You may watch a video of how the pictures look like from a case we have dealt with in our Office, by clicking >HERE<
What can I expect after the procedure?
Most women are able to go home right away and return to their normal level of activity that day. Some of the following symptoms may occur after the procedure:
- Cramping
- Spotting
- Watery discharge
What are the risks associated with sonohysterography?
This procedure is safe, but there is a rare risk of pelvic infection. Call us if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Pain or fever in the day or two after you go home
- A change in the type or amount of discharge
What are some alternatives to sonohysterography?
Sonohysterogram can replace (completely or partially) the following procedures:
Hysterosalpingography
This X-ray procedure is used to view the inside of the uterus and fallopian tubes and can show whether the tubes are blocked. Radiation is used and a fluid that contains a dye. Some women may be allergic to the dye that is used.
Hysteroscopy
A slender, light-transmitting device with a small camera attached—the hysteroscope —is inserted into the vagina and through the cervix to look inside the uterus. Unlike sonohysterography, this test requires mild general anesthesia.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
This imaging test is used to view the internal organs, but it does not show the inside of the uterus as clearly as sonohysterography. An additional limitation of this study is the high cost and the difficulty to repeat the procedure if needed.
In conclusion, sonohysterogram is an easy to perform test, radiation- free, that can easily be done in the office, with low cost and a high usefulness in diagnosing medical conditions of the inner lining of the womb. Feel free to contact us for further details.