Sono-HSG Patient Info

SonoHysterosalpingogram (Sono-HSG)

A sonoHysterosalpingogram, also known as Sono-HSG, is one of several fertility tests aimed at assessing the state of the female reproductive system and identifying any abnormalities. More specifically, a Sono-HSG is an ultrasound that screens for any uterine abnormalities involving the shape of the uterus that may be hindering fertility. Occasionally, a Sono-HSG will also be used to determine the patency of the tubes. (Whether the fallopian tubes are open or blocked).

A Sono-HSG is considered to be safer and more accurate detector of uterine abnormalities than a regular ultrasound. It utilizes a sterile saline solution to fill the uterus, moving the upper and lower walls apart and allowing even subtle abnormalities to become more apparent. A Sono-HSG is less intrusive than its alternative, the hysteroscopy (direct viewing of the uterine cavity using telescope inserted through the cervix), which is performed in the operating room and requires anesthesia.

The Sono-HSG procedure: How is it done?

The Sono HSG procedure will be performed in the office by a clinician in the first or second week following the last day of the menstrual cycle, but prior to ovulation. Scheduling the procedure in the early part of the cycle avoids the potential disruption of an early pregnancy, which may be developing in the uterus. In addition, the uterine lining early in the cycle is thin and allows for a better assessment. A Sono-HSG should never be performed if there is a chance that the woman is pregnant.

The Sono-HSG procedure begins when a soft, flexible catheter or tube is inserted into the cervix. An ultrasound probe is then placed into the vagina, followed by an injection of saline (salt water) solution into the uterus. This saline fluid will allow your clinician to comprehensive review the shape of the uterus.

During the procedure, the ultrasound probe can be rotated inside the body to view all angles of the uterus.

Sono-HSG: What to expect

Upon checking is at the front desk the medical assistant will greet you and verify your identity. You will be given a bracelet and asked to fill in your name and indicate any allergies that you might have.
The medical assistant will then escort you to the exam room.
You will be asked to empty your bladder and to provide a urine sample for a pregnancy test.
The procedure takes approximately 10 minutes and is generally tolerated quite well.
Some women report that experiencing mild cramping when undergoing a Sono-HSG. It may be appropriate to take Tylenol, Motrin, or Advil approximately 1 hour prior to the procedure in order to minimize this discomfort.
Other symptoms and potential risks or side effects of this procedure include the following:

Slight leakage of saline solution following the procedure. It is recommended that a patient where her panty liner or tampon for the rest of the day following this Sono-HSG to minimize the inconvenience.

Sono-HSG: How accurate is it and what conditions can be diagnosed?

Fertility diagnosis studies have shown that a Sono-HSG can detect over 90% of uterine abnormalities. This reason, Sono-HSG are often used in the process of diagnosing fertility problems in women trying to conceive. A Sono-HSG can detect many medical conditions that may be the cause of infertility in women including the following:

Polyps
Fibroids
Scarring
Congenital conditions (originating before birth)

Uterine septum ( a division of the uterus)
BiCornuate uterus

A Sono-HSG may be recommended for women experiencing multiple miscarriages or abnormal vaginal bleeding. If uterine abnormalities are found following a Sono-HSG fertility test, a doctor may recommend further testing or fertility treatments such as hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, or tubal surgery.

Test results

The results of the tests will be discussed with you immediately following its completion. Further testing may be recommended before final and assessment and recommendations are made.

Scheduling the procedure:

The Sono-HSG procedures are in the office. You can schedule the procedure in one of the three offices at your convenience. Please indicate to the scheduler which location is more convenient to you. The Sono-HSG is scheduled during the first half of you cycle (after day 5 and before day 12). This will insure that we maximize the information obtained from this test. The exact date of the exam will be determined when you call to schedule.

Please note: A urine pregnancy test is required prior to the procedure. You will therefore be asked to provide a urine sample just prior to having the Sono-HSG.