Hysterosonogram

Hysterosonogram is a procedure for evaluating the lining of the uterus (endometrium), usually in patients with abnormal uterine bleeding or infertility.  The images are made with high frequency sound waves, above the hearing range, known as ultrasound.  Preliminary ultrasound images of the uterus and ovaries are made.  After this, a small, flexible catheter (tube) is introduced into the uterus through the opening in the cervix.  A small balloon on the catheter tip is inflated to help hold the catheter in place.  A thin ultrasound probe is then placed in the vagina, and a sterile saline (salt water) solution is injected into the catheter.  Ultrasound images are made during the injection, allowing evaluation of the uterine cavity for polyps, fibroids, endometrial thickness, etc.  Unlike the conventional hysterosalpingogram or HSG, this test will not determine if the fallopian tubes are open or blocked.

If you are pre-menopausal, you should have this test within the first 10 days of your menstrual cycle (begin counting on the first day of your period) to minimize the chance that you have ovulated or are already pregnant.  You will be required to have a pregnancy test beforehand as a safety precaution.  The procedure may cause mild temporary cramping, for which Advil or Tylenol is recommended.  Our staff will do everything possible to put you at ease during this procedure.

Hysterosalpingogram

A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is a procedure for evaluating the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes. The most common indication for HSG is female infertility. A small, flexible catheter (tube) is passed into the uterus through the opening in the cervix. A small balloon is inflated to help hold the catheter in place. Water soluble contrast or dye is injected through the catheter, and x-ray images are made. This allows evaluation of the uterine (endometrial) cavity for congenital variations in shape of the uterus, polyps, fibroids, etc. In a normal situation, the fallopian tubes, which are attached to the uterus, also fill, and then the contrast will spill into the pelvis, showing that the tubes are open. In an abnormal circumstance, blockage of the tubes can be documented.

Another indication for HSG is to evaluate the fallopian tubes following nonsurgical sterilization using devices such as Essure tubal microinserts or Adiana. If the sterilization is successful, then the tubes will not fill. If the Essure devices are displaced, this can also be determined. This is typically performed 3 months after the sterilization procedure.

HSG should be performed during the first 10 days of your menstrual cycle (begin counting on the day you begin your period) to decrease the possibility that you might have ovulated or be pregnant when the test is performed. You will be required to have a pregnancy test beforehand as a safety precaution. Also, if you have ever had a reaction to x-ray dye, you might need to be pretreated with certain medications to reduce the likelihood of a serious reaction.

The test may cause mild temporary cramping, for which Advil or Tylenol is recommended.