Sonohysterogram or SIS is a minimally-invasive procedure your doctor performs to get a detailed view of your uterus’s internal structure. It’s simple, causes less discomfort and is less invasive as compared to Hysteroscopy.
During this procedure, saline is infused into your uterus while ultrasound equipment analyzes and develops a detailed view of your uterus’s internal structure.
Who qualifies for a surgery/procedure?
Any woman who is having difficulty getting pregnant, dealing with chronic pelvic pain or experiencing abnormal bleeding might qualify for the procedure. In addition, if the doctor feels the patient has an aneurysm or varicose veins, he/she can also recommend SIS.
Why is the procedure conducted?
Sonohysterogram helps your doctors to identify any underlying cause that's impacting your fertility, periods or causing you pain.
A doctor conducts this procedure:
- If you are dealing with infertility and the test of your partner has shown no cause of infertility in him
- If you are experiencing heavy and long-lasting periods
- If you have gone through more than 1 miscarriage during the pregnancy.
- If you are dealing with chronic pelvic pain that’s not subsiding with medication
- If the doctor feels you have blocked Fallopian tubes, Polyps or Fibroids in your uterus.
Preparing for the procedure
Preparation for the Sonohystogram begins with the following:
- Consultation: Your doctor will consult with you to walk you through the procedure, complexities and results.
- Pregnancy test: Doctors do not perform Sonohystogram if you are pregnant. So you will have to take a Pregnancy test first.
- Controlling bleeding: If you are experiencing heavy bleeding, the doctor will first provide medications to ensure the bleeding stops. This is necessary to get a clear view of your uterus.
- Pelvic Examination: The next step is your pelvic examination. It’s important that you do not have any infection if you want to undergo Sonohystogram. To ensure this, your doctor might perform a pelvic examination.
The Procedure
The Sonohysterogram procedure involves 3 Steps:
Step 1: Initial Transvaginal Ultrasound
In this initial step, the doctor will take an ultrasound image of your uterus without any fluid. For this, the doctor will insert an ultrasound probe in the vagina to take the initial scan.
Step 2: Infusing Fluid into the Uterus
In the next step, the doctor will insert a speculum that widens the opening a bit. After cleaning the cervix and uterine cavity, the doctor will insert a tube inside it. Fluid will enter the vagina through this fluid.
Step 3: Ultrasound testing
Once the uterus is filled with fluid, the doctor will insert an ultrasound probe into the opening. At the same time, a fluid will also be inserted into the uterus to analyze its flow. A doctor will also analyze the uterine lining for a detailed examination.
Benefits of a surgery/procedure
Sonohystogram is a valuable procedure that can help determine the causes of multiple problems. It can be very beneficial in the:
- Analyzing the blood flow through polyps and fibroids
- Understanding your uterus’s structure
- Identifying underlying causes of multiple miscarriages
- Identifying any scarring or injury inside the uterus
- Diagnosing the Uterine Cancer
Risks or Complications
Sonohysterogram is a minimally invasive, safe and effective procedure. Although there are very few chances or complications and minimal risks, it's critical to have a good idea about them.
Here are some common risks related to the procedure:
- Discomfort during or after the procedure
- The procedure might cause a fever
- The patient might experience Intense pain in some cases
- Infection
At Apollo Hospitals, we have a team of professionals who specialize in performing this Sonohyseterogram. We will ensure you do not feel any discomfort and get the best results.
No, if you are pregnant, the doctor will not perform Sonohysterogram. That’s why the doctor will perform a pregnancy test before the procedure.
A physician performs the procedure along with the ultrasound technician. Once the procedure is complete, a gynaecologist will analyze the test results and will communicate them with you.
The right time to perform Sonohysterogram is between the 5 and 11th day of your menstrual cycle. Performing the procedure during this time will ensure the best results.
Generally, you should not feel anything more than a bit of discomfort. But if you feel more pain, you must let the doctor know about it.
