In the field of gynecological medicine, hysterosonosalpingography is emerging as a fundamental examination for assessing female reproductive health.
Through this procedure, doctors obtain detailed information about the uterine cavity, fallopian tubes and adjacent structures, aiding in the diagnosis of various conditions, from uterine anomalies, such as uterine polyps and fibroids , and tubal obstructions to infertility.
But what exactly is this procedure and how does it contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of gynecological conditions? Let’s cover some important aspects of this exam and its importance to women’s health and well-being. Check it out!
What is hysterosonosalpingography?
Hysterosonosalpingography , also known as HyCoSy , is an imaging test used to assess the health of the female reproductive system, specifically the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes.
In this procedure, a saline solution with a specific contrast for ultrasound (without iodine) is injected into the uterus, through a thin catheter, while ultrasound images are captured in real time.
This allows doctors to visualize possible abnormalities, such as polyps, fibroids, uterine adhesions or blockages in the fallopian tubes. In addition to helping diagnose gynecological conditions, hysterosonosalpingography can also be used to investigate infertility and guide treatments related to assisted reproduction.
Pathologies that can be identified by the exam
Hysterosonosalpingography is an examination capable of identifying various pathologies and conditions of the female reproductive system, see some of them:
- endometrial polyps: benign growths on the inner wall of the uterus;
- endometrial hyperplasia: the abnormal thickness of the uterine lining;
- endometrial cancer: Cancer that develops in the uterine lining, called endometrial cancer, can be detected during hysterosonosalpingography, although other tests are often needed to confirm the diagnosis;
- uterine leiomyomas (fibroids): benign tumors that develop in the uterus, known as leiomyomas or fibroids, can be seen during the examination, as well as uterine adhesions that can occur due to previous surgeries or infections;
- abnormal uterine bleeding: this condition, characterized by bleeding outside the normal menstrual period, can be evaluated through hysterosonosalpingography to identify possible causes, such as polyps, fibroids or other uterine abnormalities;
- assessment of infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss: hysterosonosalpingography is frequently used in the investigation of infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss, allowing the identification of blockages in the fallopian tubes, uterine malformations or other conditions that may affect the woman’s reproductive capacity.
Hysterosonosalpingography and female infertility
Infertility can have several causes, involving different aspects of the female reproductive system. In this scenario, hysterosonosalpingography has gained ground as a method for investigating female fertility.
This is because in a single moment and examination, it becomes possible to evaluate several causes of infertility, such as:
Tubal patency
Blockages or damage to the fallopian tubes can prevent fertilized eggs from traveling properly to the uterus, resulting in infertility.
Endometriosis
This condition occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, often in the fallopian tubes, ovaries, or other pelvic organs, which can interfere with fertility.
Decreased ovarian reserve
A low ovarian reserve, indicated by a reduced antral follicle count in the ovaries, can affect the quality and quantity of eggs available for fertilization.
Endometrial diseases
Conditions such as endometrial polyps (benign growths in the lining of the uterus) and synechiae (intrauterine adhesions) can interfere with embryo implantation or pregnancy.
Myometrial diseases
Uterine fibroids (benign tumors in the uterus) and adenomyosis (growth of endometrial tissue into the uterine muscle) can affect fertility by interfering with embryo implantation or fetal development.
Mullerian malformations
Congenital abnormalities in the development of female reproductive organs, such as uterine septa, can increase the risk of infertility.
Hydrosalpinx
This condition occurs when the fallopian tubes are blocked or dilated due to fluid buildup, which can interfere with fertilization or embryo implantation.
Are there any restrictions for the exam?
Yes. Although it has low rates of complications or side effects, there are some contraindications, such as:
- pregnant women;
- suspected pregnancy;
- women who are using IUDs;
- active pelvic infections or vaginal discharge;
- active and undiagnosed heavy bleeding.
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