Fallopian tube obstruction is diagnosed in 3% of all women coming to the clinic
Sono HSG
Sono-HSG examination, or ultrasound hysterosalpingography, is used to assess the condition of the fallopian tubes and uterine cavity. The examination allows to detect obstruction of the fallopian tubes and abnormalities in the morphology or shape of the uterus, which may cause difficulties in getting pregnant or maintaining pregnancy. Sono-HSG is an effective and safe diagnostic method.
When is Sono HSG indicated?
The examination is performed out in order to detect any abnormalities in the shape or morphology of the uterus and obstruction of the fallopian tubes. In infertility diagnostics, it is an important step to detect its causes. Atypical morphology of the uterine cavity and blocked fallopian tubes may be the major barrier to getting pregnant.
Preparation for the SONO-HSG examination
Before the procedure it is necessary to perform a Pap test and cervical culture, as well as virological tests (Anti-HIV 1,2, HbsAg, VDRL, Anti-HBc, Anti-HCV).
At InviMed clinics the procedure is performed under anaesthesia at the patient’s request.
If this procedure is performed under general anesthesia, the patient should be after overnight fasting. If the patient does not choose anaesthesia, she can have a light breakfast in the morning. The urinary bladder must be filled.
What is this Sono-HSG examination like?
The procedure is performed at the physician’s practice. With the patient seated on a gynaecological examination chair, the physician dilates the walls of vagina with a speculum and introduces a cervical catheter ending with a balloon. After the balloon has been inflated, the gynaecologist injects special contrast agent, which gets into the uterus and the fallopian tubes via the cervix. While injecting the solution, the physician introduces the ultrasound probe. At the same time the physician observes on the screen of the apparatus the shape and size of the uterine cavity and the flow of the contrast medium through the fallopian tubes.
The test lasts for approximately 15 – 20 minutes. The result is available immediately. Sometimes it happens that the fluid administered during the procedure helps to clear the obstructed fallopian tubes, which enables a woman to get pregnant - this is a therapeutic function of Sono HSG.
Sono HSG examination is performed in the first phase of the cycle, when bleeding and spotting has stopped entirely, but before ovulation.
Obstruction of the fallopian tubes- symptoms
There are no symptoms that might suggest an obstruction of the fallopian tubes. Only checking the patency of the fallopian tubes can rule out their obstruction.