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Hysterosalpingo-contrast-sonography (usually shortened to HyCoSy) is a safe and reliable outpatient ultrasound procedure.
HyCoSy may be used to ascertain whether Exem foam can pass through the fallopian tubes into the pelvis to confirm tubal patency (that one or both are not blocked).
These procedures can occasionally have a therapeutic effect. It is not fully understood why but these procedures known as ‘tubal flushing’ have been documented with increasing pregnancy rates.
These procedures are carried out after your menstrual bleed finishes, between day 5 and day 10 of your cycle or at any time during your cycle if you are taking the contraceptive pill.
They are conducted before ovulation has occurred so as not to interfere with a potential early pregnancy.
You will be asked to take a pregnancy test on the day of the procedure, which will be provided by the clinic.
These procedures can cause some mild discomfort, cramping and(occasionally) feeling faint. Notify the sonographer before the procedure if you are prone to fainting.
It is recommended that you eat a light meal an hour before your procedure.
Patients should not wear perfume or strong deodorant on the day of their Hycosy.
When you are due to have the procedure you will be asked to partially undress and put an examination gown on.
If you are still bleeding the day of your test, please call to reschedule your appointment for a later date.
It is advised that you take an NSAID pain killer such as Ibuprofen 600mg in order to reduce cramping and discomfort before the procedure.
Your partner is welcome to be present for the test.
Our Dublin clinic is located at 3 Brewery Rd, Stillorgan, Dublin, A94 W8C3
It is not possible to see the tubes with normal x-rays or ultrasound, so a specialised examination must be done.
A hycosy procedure takes approximately half an hour. The first part of a hycosy is similar to a smear test.
A vaginal speculum is gently inserted into your vagina to allow your doctor to visualise and take measurements of your uterus (womb), endometrium (lining of the womb) and ovaries.
Under ultrasound guidance, a thin tube (catheter) is then passed into the uterus through the neck of the womb (cervix).
A small amount of saline is injected into the womb to distend the endometrial cavity and the contour and shape of the uterine cavity are assessed and any abnormalities, such as polyps, fibroids, in the lining of the womb are also observed.
A contrast agent is then passed into the uterus and the fallopian tubes to assess the tubes.
If the tubes are open, the fluid will be seen passing through the tubes on the ultrasound screen.
HyCoSy may be used to ascertain whether Exem foam can pass through the fallopian tubes into the pelvis to confirm tubal patency (that one or both are not blocked).
These procedures can occasionally have a therapeutic effect. It is not fully understood why but these procedures known as ‘tubal flushing’ have been documented with increasing pregnancy rates.
Like all medical procedures, there are limitations. Sometimes when performing these procedures, abnormalities are missed (false negative) or could falsely indicate an abnormality (false positive).
Occasionally the tests cannot provide all of the required information and the findings may need to be further evaluated, possibly with laparoscopy or hysteroscopy.
Your GP, fertility consultant, or alternative therapy consultant will receive a copy of your results within 24 hours of your appointment.
We will provide you with a prescription for antibiotics that will prevent infection following your hycosy.