Hysterosonography is a minimally invasive ultrasound technique.  It provides images of the inside of the uterus.

Hysterosonography is often used to evaluate for uterine abnormalities in women who experience infertility or multiple miscarriages.  It is also valuable for evaluating unexplained vaginal bleeding which may be due to such abnormalities as:  congenital defects, masses, adhesions (scarring), polyps, fibroids, and atrophy.

Preparation for the Exam

If the patient has not have a full pelvic ultrasound exam performed at Inland Imaging, one will be done prior to the Hysterosonogram.

The pelvic ultrasound requires a full bladder prior to the study. One hour before the exam, your patient should drink 32oz of water and not empty their bladder. The patient will be allowed to empty their bladder as soon as the technologist has completed the test.

If the patient has a recent pelvic ultrasound at Inland Imaging, there is no prep for the Hysterosonogram.

Procedure

The patient will be asked to change into a gown provided by Inland Imaging and to lie on a table.  A baseline transvaginal pelvic ultrasound is performed if there is not a recent study on record.

A sterile speculum is inserted into the vagina.  The cervix will be cleansed and a catheter inserted into the uterine cavity.  Once the catheter is in place, the speculum is removed and the transvaginal probe is reinserted into the vaginal canal.

Sterile saline is injected into the uterus, distending or enlarging the uterine cavity.   The saline allows for easy visualization and measurement of any lesions.  Saline and air may also be injected into the uterus so that the radiologist can look for air bubbles passing through the fallopian tubes, which would indicate the fallopian tubes are open and not blocked.

The radiologist monitors the ultrasound examination during the injection(s).  After imaging the catheter is removed under realtime ultrasound observation by the radiologist with images as needed.

The probe is removed and the procedure is completed. Some patients experience cramping/pain during the procedure and may last up to two hours post exam.

Time of Exam

90 minutes

After the Exam

The radiologist will review the images and send the results.

Hysterosonography Locations

Holy Family Center
South Cowley Center
Spokane Valley Center