The tubal patency (HyCoSy) ultrasound examination shows whether a patient can conceive spontaneously or by insemination. We map the condition of the uterus and fallopian tubes. The big advantage of this examination is that it can eliminate small blockages in the fallopian tubes, as we are effectively clearing the fallopian tubes, hence spontaneous conception can occur in the months following the test.
Tubal patency ultrasound examination
When is a tubal patency examination carried out?
A tubal patency examination is basically carried out as part of an infertility investigation. It is necessary if someone has not been able to become pregnant for a year, but in many cases, we will conduct the procedure after six months. The examination is to see how unblocked the fallopian tubes are for spontaneous conception or insemination. This test can assess the condition of the fallopian tubes and can also be used to detect intrauterine lesions. Such abnormalities may include fibroid nodules in the uterus, and uterine malformations such as the detection of uterine fibroids and the mapping of polyps.
The tubal patency ultrasound test procedure
During the examination, the specialist inserts a small catheter through the vagina and cervix into the uterine cavity to inject contrast dye in the form of a liquid through one of the catheter's channels. This fluid is incompressible, therefore when its backflow is prevented by a small balloon, the fluid starts moving forward. The inflowing fluid outlines the uterine cavity and then the interstitial portion where the fallopian tubes connect to the uterus, and the flowing fluid causes the fallopian tubes, which are a few millimeters in diameter, to open, allowing the ultrasound to show the path of the fluid all the way to the ovaries.
How do we time the examination and what preparation is needed?
Optimally, the examination is timed between 8 and 12 days after the start of menstruation. The ultrasound scan is performed in an outpatient setting and general anesthesia is not required. The test does not require any preparation on the part of the patient.
The patient is informed about the result of the examination immediately after the scan.