Hysterosonography: what é, what it is for and how é done

2023 Author: Benjamin Dyson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 01:37

Hysterosonography is an exam that allows the gynecologist to observe the inside of the uterus, facilitating the identification of possible lesions, such as fibroids, endometriosis or polyps, for example.

In the sonography exam it is also possible to observe whether the uterine tubes are obstructed or not, which can happen in cases of infertility.

This exam is performed by the gynecologist in hospitals, imaging clinics or in the gynecological office, and can be performed by SUS, some he alth plans or in a private way.

What is it for

Sound hysterograph indications include:

• Suspicion or identification of lesions in the uterus, especially fibroids that are small benign tumors that develop slowly and can cause large bleeding and consequently anemia;
• Differentiation of uterine polyps;
• Investigation of abnormal uterine bleeding;
• Evaluation of women with unexplained infertility;
• Repeated abortions.

This exam is only indicated for women who have already had intimate contacts and the ideal period to perform the exam is in the first fortnight of the menstrual cycle, when you are no longer menstruating.

However, hysterosonography is contraindicated in pregnancy or in case of suspected pregnancy and in the presence of vaginal infections.

How it's done

The hysterosonography exam is performed with the woman in the gynecological position, similar to the Pap smear test and according to the following steps:

• Insertion of a sterile speculum into the vagina;
• Cleaning the cervix with an antiseptic solution;
• Introduction of a catheter to the bottom of the uterus, as shown in the image;
• Sterile saline solution injection;
• Speculum removal;
• Insertion of the ultrasound device, the transducer, into the vagina that emits the image of the uterus on the monitor, as shown in the image.

In addition, in women with a dilated or incompetent cervix, a balloon catheter can also be used to prevent the saline solution from backing up into the vagina. After carrying out this exam, the gynecologist will be able to indicate the best form of treatment to combat the lesion of the uterus identified in the exam.

Hysterosalpingography is an exam that, in addition to the uterus, can better observe the tubes and ovaries, and is done with the injection of a contrast through the uterine cervix hole to then be made several rays -X in order to observe the route that this liquid takes inside the uterus, towards the fallopian tubes, being very suitable for researching fertility problems. Learn more about what hysterosalpingography is used for and how it is performed.

Does sonography hurt?

Hysterosonography can be painful, and it can also cause discomfort and cramps during the exam.

However, this exam is well tolerated and the doctor may recommend some analgesic or anti-inflammatory medication before and after the exam.

It is also possible that after hysterosonography there is irritation of the vagina in people with more sensitive mucous membranes, which may progress to infection and increased menstrual bleeding.