What is a sonohysterography test?
Sonohysterography (say "soh-noh-hiss-ter-AW-gruh-fee") is an ultrasound test. The doctor fills the uterus with fluid. Then sound waves are used to look at the inside of the uterus. If a contrast fluid is used, the sound waves can be used to see the fallopian tubes too. This is called hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography.
Why is a sonohysterography test done?
A sonohysterography test may be done if other tests don't show enough detail. A clearer view of the uterus can help to:
- Look for the cause of abnormal vaginal bleeding.
- Look for the cause of fertility problems or repeated miscarriages.
- Find problems in the uterus, such as an abnormal shape or structure.
- Look for an injury, polyps, fibroids, or scars.
A hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography test is a similar test. It can check the fallopian tubes for blockage.
How is a sonohysterography test done?
- You will lie on your back on an exam table with your feet and legs supported by footrests.
- The doctor will use a device called a speculum to gently open the vagina a little bit. This lets the doctor see the cervix.
- A thin, flexible tube (catheter) will be put through the cervix into the uterus. Then your doctor will take the speculum out.
- Your doctor will place an ultrasound wand (transducer) in your vagina. The pictures are shown on a screen during the test.
- Sterile saline solution will be slowly put into the uterus through the tube. If you're having a hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography test, a different fluid will be used to check the fallopian tubes.
How do you prepare for a sonohysterography test?
Schedule your test for when you won't be having your period. Your doctor may suggest that the test be done soon after your period ends and before your ovary releases an egg (ovulates). This timing allows your doctor to see the inside of your uterus better. It also avoids doing the test when you could be pregnant.
Your doctor may have you take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as ibuprofen, about an hour before your test. This can help with cramps you might get during or after the test.
You may want to bring a sanitary pad. Some of the fluid may leak out after the test. You also may have some slight bleeding.
What do the results of a sonohysterography test mean?
Normal: | The shape of the uterus is normal. |
|---|---|
| No objects (such as an intrauterine device, or IUD), or growths (such as fibroids or polyps) are seen in the uterus. | |
Abnormal: | The uterus may have an abnormal shape or structure. |
| The uterus may have abnormal growths or masses, such as scar tissue. | |
| The uterus may show tissue (called a septum) that divides the uterus. |
| Normal: | The fallopian tubes are not scarred or damaged. The contrast fluid flows freely from the uterus and through the fallopian tubes and then spills normally into the belly. |
| Abnormal: | Fallopian tubes may be scarred, malformed, or blocked so that the contrast fluid does not flow through the tubes and spill into the belly. Blocked fallopian tubes may be caused by pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), endometriosis, or a previous ectopic pregnancy. |
©2011-2026 Healthwise, Incorporated