Sonohysterography is a technique in which a fluid is injected through the cervix into the uterus, and ultrasound is used to make images of the uterine cavity. The fluid shows more detail of the inside of the uterus than when ultrasound is used alone. The procedure can be done in a health care provider’s office, hospital, or clinic. It usually takes about 15 minutes. This page explains

Reasons for Sonohysterography

Sonohysterography can find the underlying cause of many problems, including abnormal uterine bleeding, infertility, and repeated miscarriage. A sonohysterogram may be ordered when a woman has had a normal ultrasound exam but is still having symptoms. This procedure can detect the following conditions:

Sonohysterography also is done before and after some surgical procedures.

Before the Procedure

The procedure will be scheduled when you are not having your period. If you are bleeding, the results may not be as clear. The test may be postponed until the bleeding stops. The procedure is not done if you are or could be pregnant, or if you have a pelvic infection or pelvic inflammatory disease. You may be given a urine test to rule out pregnancy.

Sonohysterography is done when your bladder is empty. You will be asked to undress from the waist down and lie on an exam table. Your health care provider may do a pelvic exam to check if you have any tenderness or pain. In some situations, you may be given antibiotics.

During the Procedure

Sonohysterography has two parts. A transvaginal ultrasound exam is done first. Next, a fluid is injected through the cervix into the uterus, and an ultrasound exam is done again.

In this procedure, a transvaginal ultrasound exam is done after fluid is put into the uterus through a narrow tube called a catheter.

After the Procedure

Most women are able to go home right away and return to their normal level of activity that day. Some of the following symptoms may occur after the procedure:

Risks

This procedure is very safe, but there is a rare risk of pelvic infection. Call your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms:

Alternatives

There are alternatives to sonohysterography that also can be used to diagnose problems of the uterus:

Finally…

Sonohysterography is a safe way to find problems related to the uterus. Results can guide your health care provider in finding problems inside the uterus so the best treatment can be recommended for you.

Glossary

Antibiotics: Drugs that treat infections.

Cervix: The opening of the uterus at the top of the vagina.

Fallopian Tubes: Tubes through which an egg travels from the ovary to the uterus.

Fibroids: Benign growths that form in the muscle of the uterus.

General Anesthesia: The use of drugs that produce a sleep-like state to prevent pain during surgery.

Hysteroscopy: A surgical procedure in which a slender, light-transmitting device, the hysteroscope, is used to view the inside of the uterus or perform surgery.

Hysterosalpingography: A special X-ray procedure in which a small amount of fluid is placed into the uterus and fallopian tubes to detect abnormal changes in their size and shape or to determine whether the tubes are blocked.

Local Anesthesia: The use of drugs that prevent pain in a part of the body.

Pelvic Exam: A manual examination of a woman’s reproductive organs.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: An infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and nearby pelvic structures.

Polyps: Benign (noncancerous) growths that develop from tissue lining an organ, such as that lining the inside of the uterus.

Speculum: An instrument used to hold open the walls of the vagina.

Transabdominal Ultrasound: A type of ultrasound in which a transducer is moved across the abdomen.

Transvaginal Ultrasound: A type of ultrasound in which a transducer specially designed to be placed in the vagina is used.

Ultrasound: A test in which sound waves are used to examine internal structures.

Uterus: A muscular organ located in the female pelvis that contains and nourishes the developing fetus during pregnancy.