If your doctor recommends you undergo a sonohysterogram, you may not be fully aware of what that entails. This exam has several benefits, but also requires certain steps to ensure you are prepared ahead of time.
A sonohysterogram is an ultrasound exam of the uterus and fallopian tubes that can be used to investigate the cause of problems such as infertility, abnormal menstrual bleeding or cramping, or pelvic pain. It may also be done prior to IVF treatment to rule out issues that could interfere with embryo implantation. If your doctor has ordered a sonohysterogram, it’s likely that you have questions about what to expect. In general, the procedure is minimally invasive, typically causes only mild discomfort, and carries a low risk of complications.[1]
First, your doctor or imaging provider will advise you about the best time to schedule your appointment. For women with regular menstrual cycles lasting approximately 28 days, this is usually about one week after menstrual flow ends. If your cycle is different, then you may receive different instructions. However, in order to minimize infection risk as well as get the highest possible image quality sonohysterography is not performed during menstruation.[2]
If there is any chance that you are pregnant, inform your doctor. Sonohysterography is contraindicated during pregnancy. It is also contraindicated if you have a current pelvic infection or STI, so be sure to report any symptoms that might indicate one of this issues to your doctor before scheduling your exam.[3]
On the day of the exam, wear clothing that is easy to remove and put back on. A two-piece outfit may allow you to remain dressed from the waist up. Sonohysterography is performed with an empty bladder, so you’ll be asked to use the restroom before going into the exam room. If you experience pain or discomfort during your regular pap smear or other minimally invasive gynecological procedures, you may want to take an over-the-counter pain reliever 30–60 minutes before you arrive.[4]
First, you will lie on your back on the exam table, and the technologist will use a wand-shaped ultrasound transducer covered with a plastic sheath (like a condom) to perform a transvaginal (TV) ultrasound. Basically, it’s an ultrasound performed with the transducer placed inside the vagina rather than on the surface of the skin. This tends to be more comfortable than a regular pelvic exam. However, if you experience any discomfort during this part of the exam, be sure to let your technologist know so they can make you as comfortable as possible.
After the initial TV ultrasound, the technologist will remove the transducer and insert a speculum, just as your doctor does during a regular gynecologic exam. With the speculum in place, the cervix will be cleaned with a swap, and then a thin tube will be passed into the cervix. Through this tube, sterile saline solution will be passed into the uterine cavity in order to expand it for clearer visualization.
With the saline solution in place, the technologist will reinsert the transducer to take additional ultrasound images. The entire exam takes about 60 minutes.
While personal experience varies, most women do not experience significant pain and are able to resume their regular activities the same day. The introduction of saline solution can cause a sensation of pressure, and some women report mild to intense cramping during this phase as well as after the exam. However, this is typically controllable with over-the-counter medications. If you experience intense pain, notify your doctor.
There is a rare risk of pelvic infection associated with sonohysterography. To ensure your safety, notify your doctor if you experience severe or intensifying pain, a change in vaginal discharge, or a general feeling of unwellness following the procedure.[5] Sonohysterography is a safe, minimally invasive procedure that can help your doctor to pinpoint the cause of infertility or other gynecological symptoms.
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[1] "Sonohysterography." Radiologyinfo.org. Radiological Society of North America, Inc. 8 June 2016. Web. 27 July 2017.
[2] "Sonohysterography FAQ." ACOG.org. American Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Dec 2016. Web. 27 July 2017.
[3] "Sonohysterogram." WebMD.com., WebMD LLC. 9 May 2013. Web. 27 July 2017
[4] "Sonohysterography FAQ." ACOG.org. American Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Dec 2016. Web. 27 July 2017.
[5] Ibid.
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