Have you ever had problems with sudden bleeding during your period, or bleeding more than usual? Maybe you've had problems trying to conceive? At times like these, your doctor may have asked you to do a "Sonohysterogram" to take a closer look at the inside of your uterus. The name may sound a little scary, but it's actually a very simple, very important test. So let's talk about it all in a very simple way today.
What is a Sonohysterogram?
Simply put, a sonohysterogram is a special ultrasound scan that is done to clearly see the inside of your uterus. What makes it different from a regular scan is that a small amount of saline solution is injected into the uterus.
Imagine, instead of looking inside an uninflated balloon to see if there's anything inside, you can see clearly by blowing a little air into it, right? That's how it is with this one. When saline solution (a sterile saltwater-like solution) is injected into the uterus, the two walls of the uterus are slightly apart, allowing the doctor to see the inner lining (called the endometrium ) and any abnormalities (like tumors) very clearly. This test is also called Saline Infusion Sonography (SIS) .
In what cases should this test be performed?
There are several reasons why a doctor might recommend this test. See if you have any of these symptoms.
| Symptom or condition | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Abnormal bleeding | If you have spotting or a little extra bleeding between periods. |
| Bleeding after menopause | If bleeding occurs again after your period has completely stopped, it's definitely something to look into. |
| Fibroids | A type of non-cancerous growth that forms in the uterus. These can also cause abnormal bleeding. |
| Infertility or frequent miscarriages | This test helps to see if there is a problem with the shape of the uterus, such as a tumor, that is preventing the embryo from implanting properly. |
| Heavy or prolonged menstruation | If your period lasts longer than usual or if you bleed heavily. |
How do you prepare before the test?
Preparing for this test is very easy, but you need to be careful about a few things.
Best time to take the test
This is the most important thing. The best time to have a sonohysterogram is after your period has ended, but before ovulation. Simply put, it's between day 6 and day 11 of your menstrual cycle. Why is that? Because the lining of the uterus (endometrium) is very thin at that time. Then the doctor can see the inside very clearly.
However, if you are going through menopause, or are taking continuous birth control pills, or have a hormonal IUD, you can have this test done any day.
What should you do on the day of the test?
- Eat and drink normally, and take your medications if you have them.
- It is a good idea to take a pain reliever (e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen, or Paracetamol) about an hour before the test. This will help reduce any minor discomfort you may experience during the test.
- Be prepared to use a sanitary pad , as there may be some saline solution and some bleeding after the test.
Before the test
- You need to empty your bladder ( urinate ).
- When you urinate , you will need to give a small sample for a pregnancy test , as this test cannot be done if you are pregnant.
- Your doctor may also perform an abdominal ultrasound scan before emptying your bladder.
- Then, a pelvic exam is performed to check for any vaginal infections. This test is not recommended when there is an infection.
What is a sonohysterogram like?
The entire test takes about 30-45 minutes, but it actually takes about 5-10 minutes to get the saline solution in and then the scan.
1. You will be made to lie down on a bed, usually like for a gynecological examination.
2. The doctor will then insert a thin, lubricated instrument (called an ultrasound transducer ) through your vagina and take several pictures of your uterus. Then, he will remove it.
3. Next, a device called a speculum is used to open the vagina and clean the cervix.
4. Then a very thin tube (called a catheter ) is passed through the cervix and into the uterus. At this time, you may feel a slight cramping in your back, similar to your period.
5. Now the speculum is removed and the ultrasound device is reinserted. During this time, saline solution is slowly injected into the uterus through the thin tube. You may feel some pressure or cramping at this time.
6. After the desired number of clear images of the inside of the uterus have been taken, both the ultrasound device and the thin tube are removed. That's it.
Does this hurt? Is there any risk?
The biggest question many people have about this test is whether it hurts. In fact, it's normal to feel some mild pain or discomfort. You may experience some cramping, especially when the catheter is inserted and the saline solution is instilled.
But the best part is, the pain will subside significantly once the test is over. You can get relief with things like taking a painkiller and applying a hot water bottle.
Remember, not everyone experiences pain the same way. For some, it may be just a minor inconvenience, for others it may be quite painful. If you feel unbearable pain, tell your doctor. You don't have to endure the pain.
As for risks, a sonohysterogram is a very safe test. Very rarely, a pelvic infection can occur. If you experience any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor immediately:
- Change in vaginal discharge (bad odor, change in color)
- Fever
- Severe pain
What happens after the test?
As soon as the test is over, you can go home and do your normal activities.
- A watery fluid may come out of your vagina for a few hours. Don't worry, that's the saline solution that was inserted.
- You may experience some minor pain or aches for about a day. Use a pain reliever.
- For a day or two, you may notice small drops of red or brown blood. That is also normal.
What can you learn from the results?
This test can identify many problems within the uterus that could be causing your symptoms.
- Abnormalities in the shape of the uterus
- Excessive thickening of the inner lining of the uterus (Endometrium)
- Fibroids ( non-cancerous tumors)
- Polyps ( small growths that form on the wall of the uterus)
- Symptoms of endometrial cancer
- Symptoms of Adenomyosis (growth of endometrial tissue into the uterine wall)
Your doctor will explain these results to you and talk to you about what to do next (treatment, surgery, or more tests).
Differences with other types of scans
The difference between a sonohysterogram and a regular ultrasound
The main difference is the use of saline. While a normal scan can show the outer shape of the uterus and the thickness of its walls, the cavity and its lining inside are not clearly visible. When saline is inserted, the cavity opens up well, and even a very small tumor inside can be clearly identified.
Difference between Sonohysterogram and Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) does not use ultrasound and saline. It uses X-rays and a special dye. The HSG is mainly used to check for infertility. HSG is especially useful for checking for blocked fallopian tubes. However, a sonohysterogram is also useful for diagnosing many other problems inside the uterus.
It's normal to feel a little nervous and anxious about having a test like this. This is because it involves a very sensitive and private part of our body. But remember, this test is a very important one that can help you find the exact cause of many of the symptoms that are bothering you. Talk openly with your doctor about any fears or concerns you have before the test. They can then explain everything to you and help make the experience as easy as possible.
Take-Home Message
- A sonohysterogram is a very safe and important ultrasound scan performed to detect problems inside the uterus.
- It is normal to experience some mild pain or menstrual-like cramping during and after the test. You can get relief by taking a painkiller.
- The best time to take this test is after the end of menstruation and before ovulation (between days 6-11 of the menstrual cycle).
- If you have any fears or questions about the test, never hesitate to talk to your doctor about it.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න