Hysterosonogram (HSN) is a ultrasound study to evaluate the uterine cavity. Sterile saline is injected through the cervix with a small catheter. A vaginal ultrasound probe is used to evaluate the uterine cavity at the same time. The HSN is usually not used to evaluate the tubes. However tubal patency can be presumed if fluid is seen in the pelvis as the study progresses. If HSN shows abnormalities the physician may recommend Hysteroscopy to further evaluate and treat.
Hysterosonography, also known as sonohysterography or saline infusion sonography, is a special, minimally invasive ultrasound technique. It provides pictures of the inside of a woman's uterus. A Doppler ultrasound study may be part of a hysterosonography examination. Doppler ultrasound is a special ultrasound technique that evaluates blood as it flows through a blood vessel, including the body's major arteries and veins in the abdomen, arms, legs and neck.
What are some common uses of the procedure?
Hysterosonography is often used to investigate uterine abnormalities in women who experience infertility or multiple miscarriages. It is also a valuable technique for evaluating unexplained vaginal bleeding that may be the result of uterine abnormalities such as:
- congenital defects
- masses
- adhesions (or scarring)
- polyps
- fibroids
- atrophy
Doppler ultrasound images can help the physician to see and evaluate:
- blockages to blood flow (such as clots)
- narrowing of vessels (which may be caused by plaque)
- tumors and congenital malformation
How should I prepare for the procedure?
You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your ultrasound exam. You will need to remove all clothing and jewelry in the area to be examined. You may be asked to wear a gown during the procedure.
It is best to perform hysterosonography one week after menstruation to avoid the risk of infection. At this time in the menstrual cycle, the endometrium is at its thinnest, which is the best time to determine if the endometrium is normal. The timing of the exam may vary, however, depending on the symptoms and their suspected origins. Hysterosonography should not be performed if you are pregnant.
No special preparation is required prior to the exam. You may be advised to take an over-the-counter medication shortly before the procedure to minimize any potential discomfort.
What will I experience during and after the procedure?
Most ultrasound examinations are painless, fast and easy.
With transvaginal ultrasound, although the examination is often performed to look for a cause of pelvic pain, the sonogram itself should not be painful or significantly increase your discomfort. A vaginal sonogram is usually more comfortable than a manual gynecologic examination.
During the hysterosonogram, you may feel occasional cramping as a result of the introduction of the saline. Over-the-counter medication should be sufficient to minimize any discomfort associated with the procedure.
If a Doppler ultrasound study is performed, you may actually hear pulse-like sounds that change in pitch as the blood flow is monitored and measured.
After an ultrasound exam, you should be able to resume your normal activities.
Hysterosonography, also known as sonohysterography or saline infusion sonography, is a special, minimally invasive ultrasound technique. It provides pictures of the inside of a woman's uterus. A Doppler ultrasound study may be part of a hysterosonography examination. Doppler ultrasound is a special ultrasound technique that evaluates blood as it flows through a blood vessel, including the body's major arteries and veins in the abdomen, arms, legs and neck.
What are some common uses of the procedure?
Hysterosonography is often used to investigate uterine abnormalities in women who experience infertility or multiple miscarriages. It is also a valuable technique for evaluating unexplained vaginal bleeding that may be the result of uterine abnormalities such as:
- congenital defects
- masses
- adhesions (or scarring)
- polyps
- fibroids
- atrophy
Doppler ultrasound images can help the physician to see and evaluate:
- blockages to blood flow (such as clots)
- narrowing of vessels (which may be caused by plaque)
- tumors and congenital malformation
How should I prepare for the procedure?
You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your ultrasound exam. You will need to remove all clothing and jewelry in the area to be examined. You may be asked to wear a gown during the procedure.
It is best to perform hysterosonography one week after menstruation to avoid the risk of infection. At this time in the menstrual cycle, the endometrium is at its thinnest, which is the best time to determine if the endometrium is normal. The timing of the exam may vary, however, depending on the symptoms and their suspected origins. Hysterosonography should not be performed if you are pregnant.
No special preparation is required prior to the exam. You may be advised to take an over-the-counter medication shortly before the procedure to minimize any potential discomfort.
What will I experience during and after the procedure?
Most ultrasound examinations are painless, fast and easy.
With transvaginal ultrasound, although the examination is often performed to look for a cause of pelvic pain, the sonogram itself should not be painful or significantly increase your discomfort. A vaginal sonogram is usually more comfortable than a manual gynecologic examination.
During the hysterosonogram, you may feel occasional cramping as a result of the introduction of the saline. Over-the-counter medication should be sufficient to minimize any discomfort associated with the procedure.
If a Doppler ultrasound study is performed, you may actually hear pulse-like sounds that change in pitch as the blood flow is monitored and measured.
After an ultrasound exam, you should be able to resume your normal activities.