Hysterosonography/Sonohysterography

Hysterosonography, also called sonohysterography, uses sound waves to produce images of the inside of a woman's uterus and to help diagnose vaginal bleeding for no apparent reason. Hysterosonography is performed similar to a gynecological exam and involves inserting a transducer into the vagina after you have emptied your bladder. Using a small tube inserted into the vagina, your doctor will inject a small amount of sterile saline into the cavity of your uterus and study the lining of the uterus using the ultrasound transducer. Ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation, has no harmful effects, and allows a clear view of soft tissues that cannot be seen well on X-ray images.

It is best to perform hysterosonography one week after menstruation to avoid the risk of infection. Little or no preparation is needed for this procedure. Talk to your doctor if there is any chance that you are pregnant.

It is a valuable technique for evaluating unexplained vaginal bleeding, which may be the result of uterine abnormalities such as:
- Polyps
- Fibroids
- Endometrial atrophy
- Endometrial adhesions (or fibrosis)
- Malignant lesions / masses
- Congenital defects

Hysterosonography is also used to investigate uterine abnormalities in women experiencing infertility or multiple miscarriages.

Doppler ultrasound images can help the doctor see and evaluate:
- Blockages in blood flow (such as clots).
- Blood flow in polyps, tumors or congenital malformations.
- Varicose veins and pelvic aneurysms.