Simply put, a sonohysterogram, a saline infusion sonogram, or a sis ultrasound, is a medical procedure utilized to preview the condition within the uterus. As with other ultrasound-based procedures, this is a safe exam that uses sound waves and computer imaging without radiation exposure.
As we know, a uterus or a womb is a female reproductive organ, which is a space designated for the development and growth of a baby. The opening to the uterus is called a cervix, and the vagina is located below the cervix. When the womb is not healthy, various issues can develop, such as vaginal bleeding, infertility, miscarriages, etc., so using a saline sonogram makes prevention much easier.
It is usually recommended to perform a saline ultrasound right after the end of your period or ten days after the first day of your period to lower the exposure to potential infections and loss of early pregnancy. There are many different ultrasound specialists in Doral. Still, if you are looking for the best gynecology clinic in Doral, you will need to do more thorough research and look for positive previous experiences of patients. Clinics such as Doral Beach Gynecology are definitely worth visiting!
What is a Sonohysterogram, and How is It Performed?
As mentioned in the beginning, a saline ultrasound is considered a non-invasive approach to examining the uterus. This test helps medical professionals give proper diagnoses and create a treatment plan that is very specific to everyone’s needs and condition.
Sonography is a name for any type of ultrasound imaging. When it comes to the procedure itself, a doctor uses a small probe which is called a transducer, and after applying a gel, the transducer is put against the body, creating images that are shown on a computer. The picture shows the state of internal organs in real time so that the doctors can see everything right then and there.
When it comes to sonohysterography in particular, also known as saline infusion sonography, a salty fluid (saline) is additionally placed in the uterus using a catheter. The procedure is similar to any other sonography, but in this case, the fluid helps to form a sharper image of the internal organs. During the sis ultrasound, it is also possible to see whether the fallopian tubes are open, if there are any ovarian cysts, and what is the level of egg supply.
When it comes to the procedure itself regarding the patients, it is very similar to any other gynecological examination. There is no special preparation needed; just do not put on any jewelry and wear comfortable clothing. If you are more sensitive, your doctor might advise some over-the-counter pills to ease the potential discomfort.
The doctor might first discuss your medical history, and any previous issues with your reproductive system, so make sure you give them all the necessary information. Afterward, the patient lays down on the examination table with bent knees because the doctor needs to insert a speculum into the vagina to perform a baseline transvaginal examination first and see the status of the endometrium or potential ovarian issues. For this exam, your bladder needs to be empty.
Afterward, the doctor cleans the cervix and puts the catheter with saline fluid into the uterine cavity to investigate any irregularities and causes for certain conditions in more depth.
After the saline is in the organism, the medical professional will use the ultrasound transducer (a slim wand) and gel to see what is occurring within the womb and along the uterine lining. This examination does not last longer than 30 minutes, and afterward, the patient is free to go.
Ultrasound is a great option compared to x-ray technology because it does not cause any type of radiation, and the picture is much clearer when it comes to soft tissues.
The Aftermath
A saline sonogram is usually very tolerable for many women, except for cramping during the insertion of the saline fluid. Due to this, as mentioned, many doctors advise taking over-the-counter pain medication to ease discomfort and minimize stress.
Considering the non-invasive nature of the procedure itself, the following period should be more or less problem-free. You might experience occasional vaginal spotting for a few days, which is perfectly normal, so prepare a menstrual pad, just in case. Also, there might be light cramping and some fluid leakage from the vagina, but do not worry. If you notice any unusual symptoms, such as severe pain, bleeding, heavy cramping, etc., notify your chosen doctor immediately.
Reasons to Get a Sonohysterogram
A gynecologist might recommend doing a sis ultrasound to give a proper diagnosis for some of the following conditions:
- Uterine fibroids
- Scarring in the uterus (endometrial adhesions)
- Uterine polyps
- The irregular shape of the womb
- Uterine cancer
- Malignant lesions
- Congenital disabilities
- Multiple miscarriages
- Infertility cases
If you start experiencing the following symptoms, make sure you share the information with your doctor so they can evaluate if you need a saline sonogram:
- Infertility
- Abnormal menstrual bleeding
- Abnormal pelvic exam results
- Multiple miscarriages
Benefits and Risks of a Sis Ultrasound
There is a wide variety of benefits when it comes to undergoing a sonohysterography, including:
- It is non-invasive
- It is not painful (for the majority of women)
- It is available, easy to use, and it is cheaper than most other methods
- It is safe, and it does not use any radiation methods
- It gives a clear picture
- It is a short procedure
- It can prevent surgical procedures, but it also helps surgeons when removing fibroids and polyps
Risks are very low because there are no known damaging effects on humans. Infection rarely occurs during this procedure because doctors usually advise taking an antibiotic to prevent infections of this type.
Limitations
There are a few limitations to the saline sonogram procedure, including for patients who suffer from pelvic inflammatory disease and those with cervix stenosis. When patients suffer from an inadequate expansion of the uterine cavity and uterine scarring and fibroids, it might be more challenging to insert a catheter and perform the procedure in general.
Results of a Sonohysterogram
The exam results will be delivered to your chosen doctor by a specialized radiologist in most cases. The results should be talked about with your doctor because sometimes the results additionally confirm a previous suspicion, and a treatment plan needs to be created. Your doctor will advise you on future steps, so ensure you share any concerns with them.
Visit Our Clinic!
Sonohysterography and many other similar procedures are done on a very routine basis in our clinic. Call us, schedule an appointment, and ensure your reproductive health is checked. Nothing is more important than being healthy, so visit us and find out why our clinic is one of the best gynecological medical centers in the country. Contact us!