Sonohysterogram / Saline Ultrasound

 

 

What is a sonohysterogram and why is it needed?

The sonohysterogram, or saline ultrasound, is a procesdure where saline is injected into the uterus while an ultrasound is performed. It is used to look for polyps, fibroids, and other uterine abnormalities that may get in the way of fertility.

What is the difference between this sonohysterogram and a hysterosalpingogram?

The sonohysterogram is generally better tolerated than the HSG. It is not as useful for checking if tubes are patent (open), but it usually gives a better look at polyps and fibroids.

What should I expect when I have a sonohysterogram How will it feel? Will it help?

This procedure was a piece of cake. I am usually a wimp about any procedures but this one was not at all what I expected. The RE inserted a speculum (probably the worst part of the procedure!), swabbed the cervix clean, inserted a thin catheter through the cervix, removed the speculum, and inserted a transvaginal wand to use for the ultrasound.

The RE then slowly allowed saline water to move through the catheter and into the uterus so the uterus would expand. He then moved around the transvaginal wand to see the uterus and ovaries from different angles. There was some mild pressure when the saline water flowed into the uterus. I took 600 mg. of Motrin 1 hour prior to the procedure and I felt very little discomfort.

This was a very easy procedure for me - I have had an endometrial biopsy, hystersalpingogram, and 2 laparoscopies. I took one aleve before going to the radiologists office just incase I experienced cramping - they did a full pelvic ultrasound (which Ihad to drink 32oz of water prior to arriving) and a vaginal ultrasound which was to be used as a baseline for the study. After these two procedures were completed I was instructed by the radiologist as to what would happen next. A doctor came into the room he placed a speculum in vaginal area, swabbed the area with an iodine solution to prevent infection and then a very thin catheter was placed in the uterus, I experienced very mild cramping at this point,the catheter is used to dispense the saline solution, once that was in place the speculum was removed and a vaginal probe was inserted, on the other end of the catheter was a syringe filled with the saline solution, the radiologist placed the probe in position and thephysician injected the solution and the physician indicated to the radiologist the areas to mark and post so that a picture could be taken. The procedure took about 5 minutes. Once it was over I dressed and drove myself home. I experienced very light cramping for 4 days and light bleeding for the same length of time. All in all this was a very simple procedure with very light cramping at the time of the procedure, if you have had HSG or EMB you will think nothing of this and if you have not this will be the easiest test you have!

I had a SHG done in July. It wasn't bad at all. The procedure only took about 20 minutes and I watched it on the sonogram screen. My doctor prescribed Naproxen and told me to take one an hour before the SHG and every six hours after that if I needed it. I only took one more after the procedure and only because it felt like my insides were a little sore. I had some pretty bad cramps while the were injecting my uterus with the saline. My doctor told me it is because your uterus contracts as it's being filled up. As soon as they were through I quit cramping. I went home and took it easy for the rest of the day and I was back at work the next day. There's really nothing to worry about and it's over before you know it.

I felt some moderate cramping during my sonohysterogram. The radiologist was very concerned about my comfort and injected the saline slowly to minimize the cramping. I believe that helped. The test took only about 5-10 minutes. I felt fine afterward. Just a little bit of spotting.

I thought I would be having a HSG, so I was nervous & took some Ibuprofen beforehand for pain (I had heard that they are painful). But there wasn't any pain involved in the SHG. It was uncomfortable but not a big deal. My Dr. injected the saline as the ultrasound technician did a vaginal ultrasound. When it was over, I stood up and felt a gush of liquid leak out. I went on to resume my normal activities after the SHG without a problem.

Had both this and an HSG done within one month of each other. Found this one worse b/c I was not told to take a pain killer. Not taking pain killer however allowed them to notice that my uterus was very sensitive and seemed to contract more than it should.