A sonohysterogram is an imaging study of the uterus. Your doctor inserts fluid into the uterus via the cervix to examine the uterine lining. This approach allows them to identify more structures than if ultrasound with no fluid was used.
Your doctor will recommend a sonohysterogram when they need to examine the structure of your uterus and its lining. Test uses range from testing for infertility to diagnosing the cause of uterine bleeding.
Your doctor may recommend a sonohysterogram for a variety of symptoms and conditions including:
- determining if your fallopian tubes are blocked
- examining the uterus if you’ve had miscarriages or have been unable to get pregnant
- examining scar tissue, such as endometriosis
- identifying abnormal growths, which could include uterine fibroids or polyps
- identifying irregularities in the uterine lining
- visualizing the shape of the uterus
Your OB-GYN typically performs the sonohysterogram at their office.
Before undergoing a sonohysterogram, your doctor will have you take a pregnancy test. You shouldn’t have a sonohysterogram if you’re pregnant or experiencing an inflammatory pelvic disorder.
The sonohysterogram is usually scheduled when you’re not on your period or experiencing vaginal bleeding. Both can affect how well your doctor can see the uterine lining.
The test is usually done one week after you start your period as this reduces infection risk. It’s also when the uterine lining is at its thinnest, which helps doctors identify abnormalities more easily.
You’ll be asked to empty your bladder before the test. You’ll lie down on an examination table or bed. Your doctor may perform a pelvic exam first to check for pain or the possibility of infection.
There are three main parts of a sonohysterogram:
- Performing an initial transvaginal ultrasound. A transvaginal ultrasound involves inserting a special ultrasound probe into the vagina. The probe emits sound waves that recreate an image of the uterine lining. Your doctor will usually take an initial scan without any fluid in the uterus. The images are projected on the ultrasound screen.
- Inserting fluid into the uterus. After your doctor examines the uterus with the ultrasound probe, they’ll insert a speculum in the vagina. This is a special tool designed to keep the vagina open, making it easier to reach the cervix on the way to the uterus. Your doctor will use a special swab to clean the inside of the cervix. They will then insert a tube that can send fluid to the cervical opening. The fluid will cause your uterus to enlarge slightly. It also makes the uterine lining — or endometrium —easier to visualize.
- Performing the ultrasound. Your doctor will once again insert the transvaginal ultrasound probe and use the tube to send more fluid through the vagina and into the uterus. You may experience some cramping when this fluid goes through the uterus. Your doctor will use the ultrasound to examine the uterine lining and sometimes note the flow of fluid from the uterus and into the fallopian tubes. They may use a special feature of the ultrasound, known as the Doppler ultrasound. This method allows your doctor to identify blood flow or blood flow blockages. The Doppler is useful in identifying blood clots as well as blood supplies to polyps and tumors.
A sonohysterogram usually takes about a half hour, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
You should be able to return to your usual activities almost immediately after undergoing a sonohysterogram.
The procedure doesn’t usually cause serious side effects that would interfere with work or school. You may wish to abstain from intercourse for a day or so if you have any discomfort. Any light bleeding you experience should stop within a couple of days.
You may experience some light bleeding or cramping following the procedure. This is because the tissues can become irritated from using the transvaginal ultrasound and from having fluid inserted in the uterus.
Most doctors advise taking anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to relieve discomfort.
You may experience a pelvic tissue infection after a sonohysterogram. Symptoms of this condition can include fever, pain, and unusual discharge from the vagina. You should call your OB-GYN if you have these symptoms after a sonohysterogram.
Because ultrasound uses sound waves instead of radiation, there’s no radiation exposure during the test.
In contrast to the sonohysterogram, an HSG is a radiology test that involves using X-rays. Your doctor performs this procedure by injecting radioactive dye into the uterus. If the fallopian tubes are open, the contrast dye fills the tubes and shows up on an X-ray.
This test is often recommended if your doctor can’t identify if there’s an abnormality of the fallopian tubes by looking at a sonohysterogram or if fertility issues are being investigated.
A sonohysterogram is a short, minimally invasive procedure that allows Your doctor to visualize the uterine lining. Your doctor may recommend follow-up testing or treatments depending on what they see during the ultrasound.
If you’ve been having trouble getting pregnant, and your doctor sees that your fallopian tubes are blocked, surgical repair or in vitro fertilization (IVF) might be options to discuss.