What a Sonohysterogram Can Reveal—and Why It Matters

Discover how a sonohysterogram (saline infusion sonography) offers clearer insights into uterine health—polyps, fibroids, scar tissue—with minimal discomfort and high accuracy.

Ever wondered why your doctor might recommend a saline infusion ultrasound over a standard pelvic scan or X‑ray? Let me share a story that explains it better than any medical jargon—and helps you feel confident about what’s next.

What Is a Sonohysterogram and When Might You Need One?

A sonohysterogram—often called saline infusion sonography (SIS) or sonohysterogram—is a procedure where sterile saline is gently infused into your uterus while a transvaginal ultrasound captures real-time images ScienceDirect+15Hopkins Medicine+15Cleveland Clinic+15.

Doctors use it to investigate symptoms like irregular bleeding, repeated miscarriages, or infertility. It’s particularly effective for spotting endometrial polyps, fibroids, scar tissue, congenital anomalies, or an unusual uterine shape.

Why This Procedure Feels Different—and Better

• Minimal invasiveness: No incisions, no radiation, and typically no sedation needed. Just a brief moment of mild discomfort during insertion and saline flow Hopkins MedicineRadiologyinfo.org.
• Higher precision than routine ultrasound: The saline acts like a natural contrast, expanding the uterine cavity and revealing abnormalities that otherwise remain hidden Radiologyinfo.orgHopkins Medicine.
• More cost-effective and less invasive than hysteroscopy: Though hysteroscopy allows for removal of abnormalities, SIS often helps avoid unnecessary surgery altogether Progyny+13Radiologyinfo.org+13Oxford Academic+13.

How Accurate Is It?

• For diagnosing uterine septum—it achieves nearly perfect results, with sensitivity up to 94% and specificity of 100% in 2D SIS scans MDPI.
• When detecting endometrial polyps, research shows pooled sensitivity of ~86–90% and specificity around 80–90% Obstetrics & Gynecology+1PubMed+1.
• 3D sonohysterography (less common) shows even higher accuracy—up to 100% specificity in some studies PMC+15FertSterT+15ScienceDirect+15.

Step-by-Step: What to Expect

1. Scheduled ideally between cycle days 5–12, post‑menses when the uterine lining is thinnest.
2. You lie down, and a transvaginal ultrasound is performed.
3. A speculum is used, the cervix cleaned, and a small catheter is gently inserted.
4. Sterile saline fills the uterus while imaging is captured.
5. The saline drains naturally; you may feel light cramping or spotting for a few hours afterward MDPI+11Hopkins Medicine+11Cleveland Clinic+11WikipediaProgyny.

Overall, the procedure takes under 30 minutes, with minimal side effects and quick recovery.

Real-Life Impact: Stories That Matter

Imagine a woman undergoing this test for infertility. If a small polyp or fibroid is discovered early, it can be removed or treated—dramatically improving the odds of conception. One study found that women who had polyps removed after detection via SIS were four times more likely to conceive spontaneously PMC.

Comparing Your Options

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is a sonohysterogram painful?
Some mild cramping is common during saline infusion. Most people tolerate it well—similar to menstrual cramps. Pain is temporary.

Q2: When should the test be scheduled?
Best done early in the menstrual cycle—after bleeding ends but before ovulation (usually cycle days 5–12) for optimal clarity and safety Cleveland ClinicProgyny.

Q3: Are there risks?
Rarely (<1%), infection can occur. That's why providers often give a pregnancy test prior and avoid the test if pelvic infection is present Radiologyinfo.orgHopkins Medicine.

Q4: How accurate is it?
Very accurate: ~94–100% sensitivity and specificity for structural problems like septate uterus; ~86–90% for polyps and submucosal fibroids Wikipedia+15MDPI+15Oxford Academic+15.

Q5: Can this test evaluate fallopian tubes?
No. If your doctor suspects a tube issue, they might recommend a hysterosalpingogram (HSG) instead, which uses X‑ray and dye to evaluate tubal patency Progyny.

Final Thoughts

If you're navigating unexplained bleeding, infertility, or recurring miscarriage, a sonohysterogram is a low-risk, high-clarity diagnostic tool. It offers sharper internal views than regular ultrasound—without radiation or surgery. That clarity is powerful. It helps doctors make better choices and helps you feel empowered with answers.

And in a journey where every bit of insight matters, that's something to celebrate.

Take forward steps in your health with confidence—and don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider if a sonohysterogram might be right for you.

This article provides educational information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about personal medical decisions.