The Spire Alexandra Hospital provides excellent support and treatment for patients with fertility issues.
Hystero Contrast Sonography (HyCoSy) or Saline Infusion Sonography (SIS)
You'll be in safe hands at the Spire Alexandra Hospital
What is HyCoSy/SIS?
HyCoSy is an examination of your fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes are the place where the female egg meets with the male sperm to create a baby. it is important that your fallopian tubes are open so that this can happen - if there is a blockage, it might stop you from becoming pregnant. Fallopian tubes can become blocked following a pelvic infection or after surgery.
SIS is an examination of your uterine cavity to check if it is regular and to check for any abnormalities.
The examination will take approximately 30 mins.
What are the benefits of having a HyCoSy/SIS?
HyCoSy can show if your fallopian tubes are open or closed. The test also allows us to examine the cavity (Saline Infusion Sonography) of your uterus (womb) to check that there are no problems that might affect a pregnancy as it develops in your womb.
Are there any risks associated with HyCoSy/SIS?
There is a small risk of a pelvic (tummy) infection from the test. You might be given two types of antibiotics to take before or after the test - this makes the risk of infection very low.
You may also feel pelvic pain during HyCoSy/SIS (similar to mild period cramp). You might need a painkiller before or after the test, to reduce the amount of pain that you may experience.
Occasionally this test may cause you to bleed slightly once it has finished. The bleeding will not be heavy and should settle down in a day or two.
In about 5% of HyCoSy tests, the pictures produced are unclear. If this is the case then you may need further tests.
Are there any alternatives?
The fallopian tubes can also be assessed by a simple operation called a laparoscopy, which involves a general anaesthetic. This test is reserved for patients with severe pelvic pain, or as a further test when an ultrasound is unclear.
Hysterosalpingography (HSG) can be another alternative. This test involves an X-ray and is now usually replaced with HyCoSy.
For more information or to book an appointment please call our fertility nurse Claire Turner on 01634 662883.