Sonohysterogram

What Is a Sonohysterogram?

A sonohysterogram is a procedure that gives your provider the opportunity to get a detailed look at the inside of your uterus. This procedure is brief and can be completed in the Northwestern Women’s Health Associates office.

Why Do I Need a Sonohysterogram?

A provider will order a sonohysterogram for a variety of reasons. Some of the more common reasons for the procedure include:

• Abnormal menstrual bleeding
• Suspicion of polyps or fibroids in the uterus
• Thickened uterine lining

How Do I Prepare For a Sonohysterogram?

If your doctor believes they need to get a better view of your uterus they will recommend a sonohysterogram. This is a simple outpatient ultrasound procedure. In advance of the procedure you can eat and drink normally. It is recommended that you take Motrin, Advil, or Aleve in advance of the sonohysterogram in anticipation of the potential for minor discomfort.

It is important that there is no chance of pregnancy in a patient who will be having a sonohysterogram. This procedure can put the embryo at risk. If there is even a slight chance of pregnancy then the sonohysterogram will need to be postponed until the patient’s next menstrual cycle. The ideal time to perform the procedure is right after a period has finished.

What to Expect During a Sonohysterogram:

During a sonohysterogram a catheter is placed sterilely into the uterus through a speculum. Then using ultrasound observation, saline is infused to see if there are any fibroids or polyps on the inside of the uterus. Most people experience minor discomfort during the procedure but feel relief once the saline is removed from the uterus.

Post Procedure:

Once the procedure is complete most patients can return to normal activities. There is a chance that some patients will experience minor discomfort and cramping. It is recommended that the patient wear a sanitary pad in anticipation of discharge caused by the procedure.

The risk of infection is rare after a sonohysterogram, however if you experience any bad smelling discharge, continuous and increasing stomach pain and cramping or fever make sure to call your provider right away.

Performing a sonohysterogram gives us the opportunity to get a better view of the patient’s uterus. If your provider has recommended this procedure and you have additional questions that are not answered here, feel free to contact our office. Our staff is committed to providing exceptional care while making sure our patients feel confident and comfortable with the care they receive at Northwestern Women’s Health Associates.