What is Sonohysterography?
Hysterosonography, also known as sonohysterography, uses sound waves to create images of the inside of the uterus that can assist in observing a variety of issues, including unexplained vaginal bleeding, infertility, and recurring miscarriages. Hysterosonography is extremely similar to a gynecologic exam. Your doctor will introduce a speculum into your vagina and a catheter into the uterine cavity. Your doctor will introduce a tiny tube into the vagina and inject a small amount of sterile saline into the uterine cavity before studying the uterine lining with an ultrasound transducer. Ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation, has no known side effects, and provides a clear image of soft tissues that are not visible on x-rays.
Why Might I Need Sonohysterography?
It is a useful procedure for examining unexplained vaginal bleeding that may be caused by uterine anomalies such as
- Polyps and fibroids
- Endometrial adhesions
- Cancerous tumors
- Congenital abnormalities
Sonohysterography is also used to detect uterine anomalies in patients suffering from infertility or multiple miscarriages.
Doppler ultrasound images can assist the clinician in seeing and evaluating:
- Blockages in blood flow (such as clots)
- Blood flow in polyps, tumors, and abnormalities
- Pelvic varicose veins and aneurysms
Who Should Avoid Sonohysterography?
Individuals should avoid sonohysterography in the following conditions:
Pregnancy: Sonohysterography is not recommended in pregnant women due to the potential dangers to the developing fetus.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): To avoid difficulties during sonohysterography, patients with active pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) should postpone the operation until the infection resolves.
Timing of the Cycle: The treatment is often conducted after menstrual flow has ended but before ovulation to avoid interfering with a prospective pregnancy.
Abnormal Bleeding: If you have intermittent or chronic abnormal uterine bleeding, a brief course of progestin may be recommended to make way for the correct timing of the surgery.
Latex Allergy: If you have a latex allergy, notify your doctor before getting the treatment.
Cervical Stenosis: In patients with cervix stenosis, it may be difficult to introduce the catheter into the cervical canal and inject saline.
Also Read: Adenomyosis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
How to Prepare for Sonohysterography
Here are some tips on how to prepare for a sonohysterography:
- The treatment is best performed the week after your period ends. This will make the test more accurate. It will also reduce your chance of getting an infection.
- You may eat and drink as per usual on the day of your surgery. You will most likely be able to continue taking your medications normally as well.
- Your doctor may urge you to take over-the-counter pain relievers ahead of time to assist you in preventing discomfort.
- You may be advised to take an antibiotic before the test to help avoid infection.
- You might choose to wear an absorbent pad on your underwear on the day of the surgery. This is because saline fluid will flow from the uterus following the surgery.
- Your doctor may offer you additional instructions on how to prepare.
Sonohysterography and IVF: Why It’s Important
Sonohysterography, also known as saline infusion sonography or SIS test, is significant in IVF because it allows for the visualization of the uterine cavity, aiding in the diagnosis of problems such as polyps, fibroids, or adhesions that could prevent successful implantation, and is a less intrusive alteative to hysteroscopy. Here's why it's necessary for IVF in more details:
Detecting Uterine Issues: Sonohysterography can detect any issues within the uterus that could affect IVF success, such as polyps, fibroids, or adhesions.
Improving Implantation: By recognizing and resolving these difficulties, sonohysterography can increase the odds of embryo implantation.
Less Invasive than Hysteroscopy: Sonohysterography is less intrusive than hysteroscopy, making it a better choice for early screening.
Cost-Effective: Sonohysterography is less expensive and faster than other diagnostic procedures.
Also Read: Signs and Symptoms of Fibroids
Conclusion
During the sonohysterogram, you may experience cramping due to the administration of saline. Over-the-counter pain relievers should alleviate any discomfort from the treatment. You may experience vaginal spotting for many days following the operation. This is normal.
If your doctor does a Doppler ultrasound test, you may hear pulse-like noises that vary in pitch while they monitor and measure blood flow. After an ultrasound exam, you should be able to resume your routine activities right away.
