Hystero-salpingo Contrast Sonography (HyCoSy)
Information for Patients

WHAT IS HyCoSy?

It is a technique we use to check if your fallopian tubes are blocked. About 30% of cases of infertility are due to the woman’s tubes being blocked. This can occur from previous pelvic infections, previous ectopic pregnancy or previous surgery. Tubal blockage prevents the egg from meeting the sperm, so conception cannot take place.

HOW IS HyCoSy DONE

It must not be undertaken when you are or could be pregnant, so it is best planned for the first half of your cycle, before day 14 when ovulation usually takes place. Our doctors are all fully trained gynaecologists.

The doctor introduces a speculum into the vagina. It feels like a smear. Then the doctor will slip a thin tube into the cervical canal and inflate a tiny balloon on the end to hold it in place. The speculum is removed and replaced by the trans-vaginal cavity and then the special contrast agent is injected. This shows up as bright white sparkly fluid on ultrasound examination.

Its path is followed up into the uterus and then (hopefully) out through the fallopian tubes on each side. We can also use colour Doppler imaging to demonstrate the presence of the contrast agent in the fallopian tubes and spilling out over the ovaries on each side. If one or both tubes are not patent then this becomes obvious during the examination.

WILL IT BE PAINFUL?

HyCoSy is carried out under sedation so you should not feel any significant pain. Some women have some period-like pain during or shortly after the procedure.

ARE THERE ANY RISKS?

Some women feel a bit faint after the procedure but after a rest they recover. There is a risk of introducing infection, though this is extremely rare. If there is a chance that you already have a pelvic infection, the procedure should be avoided because of the risk of it being exacerbated. Please talk to the doctor about your history before the procedure.

AFTER THE PROCEDURE

We will explain the results to you. The doctor will plan whether or not you need further treatment. You will remain in the hospital under observation for 2-3 hours to recover from sedation. You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours.

Sedation can temporarily affect your co-ordination and reasoning skills, so you should not drive, drink alcohol, operate machinery or sign legal documents for 48 hours afterwards. If you are in any doubt about driving, please contact your motor insurer so that you are aware of their recommendations, and always follow the doctor’s advice.

As the anaesthetic wears off, you may have period-like cramps, and may need painkillers.