Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Introduction
We have given you this factsheet because you have an appointment for HyCoSy (Hysterosalpingo-Contrast-Sonography) ultrasound (US) scan. Please make sure you read this information and follow the instructions carefully before your procedure. If you have any further questions, please speak to a member of your healthcare team who will be able to advise you.
The Procedure
HyCoSy is an examination to demonstrate the uterus (womb), ovaries and fallopian tubes.
The Radiologist (a Doctor specialising in diagnosis by X-ray) will perform the examination using a technique called ultrasound. Ultrasound consists of very high frequency sound waves. These waves are emitted and travel harmlessly through the body. There are no known risks at diagnostic levels. The ultrasound waves are converted into a picture which can be seen on a TV screen.
Before your appointment
The examination needs to be timed to your menstrual cycle. It is important that there is absolutely no possibility of your being pregnant and that you have stopped bleeding for at least 24 hours at the time of your HyCoSy. If this is not the case the procedure will not be performed.
We ask that you telephone the X-ray bookings team on the first working day after your period starts (contact details are displayed on the main Radiology page of our website). We aim to give you an appointment within the first 10 days of that cycle but this is a small window.
If you do not have unprotected intercourse from the first day of your period we can offer you an appointment further into your cycle. If we are unable to offer an appointment for the first cycle we will try to offer you an appointment based on when you are likely to have your next period. We aim to offer you an appointment within 2 cycles.
If you do not phone the Radiology Department within 3 months of your request we will return it to the referring Doctor.
If you do not have regular periods, please phone the Appointments Office for advice.
An up-to-date Chlamydia test is required prior to booking. If a result is not available, the HyCoSy request will not be processed and will be returned to the referrer.
Please let us know if:
- you have limited mobility and will require assistance to get on and off a couch.
- you will need an interpreter. We are not able to use family members or friends to interpret.
On the day of procedure
You can eat and drink as normal
On Arrival
Please arrive 10 minutes before your appointment time. The examination may be more comfortable if you empty your bladder prior to the procedure.
On arrival in the department you should check in at the reception desk. Bring this letter with you and be prepared to confirm your details with the receptionist.
The procedure
The examination requires a transvaginal, or an internal, examination. We want to involve you in decisions about your care and treatment and an internal examination will only be performed if you consent to it. The radiologist will ask you if you are happy for the procedure to go ahead - this is called verbal consent. If you do not wish to have the scan or are undecided, please tell the radiologist. It is your decision and you can change your mind at any time. Please note that the examination could be observed / performed by either a male or a female Radiologist.
The first part of a HyCoSy is similar to a smear test. If you consent to the examination you will be given a hospital gown and asked to undress from the waist down. You will be given privacy to do this. You will be asked to lie on the examination couch and a vaginal speculum is gently inserted into your vagina to allow visualisation of the cervix. A small tube is then passed through the cervix into the uterus. So that this catheter stays in place a small balloon at the end of the tube is inflated within the uterus. This can be uncomfortable, similar to a period pain. It is advisable to take some simple pain killers (e.g. paracetamol or ibuprofen) prior to the HyCoSy to minimise the discomfort.
Once the catheter is in place, the speculum is removed and replaced with an internal
ultrasound probe. Ultrasound images are taken of the uterus and ovaries and ultrasound dye is then instilled though the catheter to visualise the tubes.
Sometimes the tubes are difficult to see with ultrasound and if there is any uncertainty as to whether they are open we will proceed to a HSG (hysterosalpingogram) examination. This involves X-rays being taken whilst iodine containing X-ray dye is instilled through the catheter in the womb.
Once the examination is over you will be free to dress.
How long will it take?
The procedure takes around 30 minutes, but please expect to be with us for an hour or so in total.
After the Examination
You may experience a dull ache, rather like a period pain. This pain will settle with simple analgesics / pain killers and will usually have gone by the following day. On rare occasions you may feel faint or dizzy after the examination. If so, please let us know before you leave the department.
If the Radiologist has proceeded to an HSG, you will be advised to stay within the Radiology Department for at least 15 minutes following the last injection of contrast media and within the hospital environment for a further 45 minutes (1 hour in total). This is because of rare delayed reactions to the dye.
Due to the placement of a catheter within the uterus light bleeding or spotting for a couple of days after the procedure is to be expected. This is normal and you should not be alarmed.
Please use panty liners or pads, not tampons, as they increase the risk of infection. This should settle within a couple of days of the procedure. There is no reason to abstain from sexual intercourse after the examination.
Results
The Radiologist performing the procedure will tell you the results at the time of the
procedure. In almost all cases the imaging report will be written the same day or within 24 hours. This will be sent to your referring clinician who will discuss this with you in due course.
Are there any risks?
Ultrasound is a very safe procedure for all patients undergoing a diagnostic test. This type of scan is not associated or known to have any side effects
Infection
Whilst every care is taken to prevent infection, there is always a small chance that infection may occur. If prolonged heavy bleeding occurs, or if you experience a vaginal discharge that is profuse or smelly, then please contact your GP or seek medical advice.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Radiology service.
About this information
Service:
Radiology
Reference:
PILS-US.13
Approval date:
22 October 2024
Review date:
22 October 2027
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.