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Hystero Contrast Sonography (HyCoSy)
Hystero Contrast Sonography (HyCoSy) test
What is a hystero contrast sonography (HyCoSy)?
It’s a test to find out if your fallopian tubes are open (patent).
It can also help detect some problems with your womb (uterus) and its lining (endometrium).
Why do I need a HyCoSy?
It’s one of the tests offered to some couples having difficulty conceiving. Having open fallopian tubes is necessary for natural conception as it allows the sperm and egg to meet. A HyCoSy is required if you’re thinking of having Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) treatment.
What does the procedure involve?
You will be sent an appointment to attend the ACS department.
We’ll do an internal (transvaginal) ultrasound test first. A speculum is then placed in your vagina while you’re awake and lying on your back. A thin plastic catheter tube is passed through the neck of your womb (cervix).
We’ll do another internal ultrasound and flush a dye through the catheter at the same time.
The procedure lasts about 20 minutes.
A diagram showing how a thin plastic catheter is passed through the neck of the womb, Picture
When can I have the HyCoSy?
Usually between day 6 and 12 of your menstrual cycle. The first day of any blood loss is labelled as day 1 of your cycle. However, one of the secretaries may contact you to obtain more information about your cycle before issuing an appointment.
If you have irregular periods
The secretary booking your appointment may contact you for further information before booking the appointment.
What happens if you’re bleeding on the day of your test?
Please call the phone number on your appointment letter as the HyCoSy may have to be re-arranged.
How should I prepare for the procedure?
You should avoid pregnancy by using condoms or avoiding intercourse on the month of your HyCoSy.
You should do a home pregnancy test on the morning of the procedure. Do not attend if the test is positive and phone the secretary to cancel the appointment.
On the day of the procedure
You can:
take pain relief one hour before the procedure as you may have some period-like cramps during the HyCoSy.
bring a partner or friend, but they will not be able to come into the procedure room.
You should:
eat and drink as normal before your procedure
not bring any children under the age of 18 with you.
After the procedure
We will give you an oral antibiotic to take before you go home. Please advise staff of any allergies.
You can go about your day as normal.
It’s normal to have a white/pink discharge following the procedure for a couple of days.
It’s safe to have unprotected sex intercourse after the HyCoSy.
What are the risks of HyCoSy?
The procedure is considered safe, well tolerated and rarely causes any complications.
Possible side effects include:
pelvic infection (0 to 3%). If you get an offensive vaginal discharge or high temperature, contact your GP as you may need antibiotics
an inconclusive procedure due to discomfort or technical difficulties
perforation of the womb (less than one in a 1,000)
allergic reaction to the dye (less than one in 100).
When will I find out the result of the HyCoSy?
You’ll see a clinician during the procedure. They’ll tell you the results before you leave and agree a plan of care with you.
Are there any alternative tests?
Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is an alternative to HyCoSy. Instead of ultrasound, it uses X- rays to assess your fallopian tubes and uterus. HSG has the downside of exposing you to radiation and is not available in ACS.
Laparoscopy and dye test is another alternative, but this is a surgical operation that requires a general anaesthetic and is not available in ACS.
Where can I get further information?
Fertility Network UK are a UK support network for anyone with fertility problems.