Infertility Tests
Tubal Patency Scan – HYCOSY
If you are undergoing a fertility evaluation, your doctor will order an ultrasound to assess the overall condition of your uterus, fallopian tubes and ovary.
Hysterosalpingo-contrast-sonography (HYCOSY) is a transvaginal ultrasound technique. This procedure is part of the work up for infertility in conjunction with other tests for both you and your partner. This test checks for fallopian tube blockage or patency (being open).
It is advisable to book for this procedure within the first 10 days of your menstrual cycle.
It is not uncommon for patients with problems of infertility to fall pregnant while you are under investigations hence a urinary pregnancy test is recommended on the day of the test. Pain killers eg Naprogesic, Ponstan or Panadol (taken in the prescribed dosage) are recommended at least an hour before as the procedure can cause abdominal cramps.
You will be asked to empty your bladder before the procedure and will put on a gown.
This procedure involves transvaginal scanning, insertion of speculum, exposure of cervix and passage of small catheter with a small balloon into the womb. Through this small catheter, a clear solution is injected into the womb which enables its outline to be demonstrated in both 2D and 3D. This is followed by the injection of a contrast solution. While the contrast solution is flowing through the womb and fallopian tubes, ultrasound images are taken simultaneously to check on tubal patency.
The procedure takes a few minutes, but we do advise that you allow for at least an hour from the time you come in to the time you leave. You can drive yourself home but preferably having someone to drive you back is advisable. The contrast will continue leaking for a while, hence wearing a pad after the procedure is recommended.
HYCOSY is safe and well tolerated, but like all medical procedures, it has risks eg pelvic infection. Symptoms such as unusual vaginal discharge, severe lower abdominal pain, fever and feeling unwell following the procedure need to be reported to your doctor.