If you have been unable to get pregnant after a year of trying – or 6 months of trying if you’re over 35 – schedule an appointment at Contemporary Obstetrics & Gynecology for a FemVue ultrasound. FemVue Sono HSG is a simple, well-tolerated ultrasound procedure used to evaluate the fallopian tubes, as well as detect abnormalities of the uterus.
This ultrasound procedure requires the use of saline and air to see if the fallopian tubes are open because a fallopian tube cannot be seen with regular ultrasound and saline alone. The FemVue device is used to instill a consistent alternating pattern of saline and AIR in a continuous stream. This helps your doctor visualize your fallopian tubes and evaluate whether or not they are open.
FemVue Sono HSG, which only uses saline, air and ultrasound is a safe and reliable alternative to the conventional hysterosalpingogram (HSG) which uses x-rays and x-ray contrast dye. The procedure usually takes between 10 and 30 minutes to complete and the results are available immediately.
FemVue Ultrasound for Fertility Evaluation
The FemVue Sono HSG Procedure
A Sono HSG begins like the first part of a pap smear, with a vaginal speculum gently inserted into the vagina to visualize the cervix. The cervix is then cleansed with antiseptic solution to decrease the risk of infection. A thin flexible balloon catheter is inserted through the opening of the cervix, so that the catheter lies within the uterine cavity. A balloon at the tip of the catheter is slowly inflated – this is necessary to stop fluid from leaking back out through the cervix during the test. The vaginal speculum is then removed, with the catheter remaining inside the uterus. A transvaginal ultrasound probe is inserted to conduct the internal scan through the vagina.
When the uterine cavity is being evaluated, sterile saline is introduced into the uterus through the catheter, distending the cavity and allowing the contour and shape to be assessed under ultrasound. The doctor will be looking for problems such as endometrial polyps, submucous fibroids and congenital uterine abnormalities (such as uterine septum). When the fallopian tubes are being evaluated, the FemVue device is used to introduce a saline and air mixture through the catheter, allowing the tubes to be evaluated for patency (whether open).
If you have been unable to get pregnant after a year of trying – or 6 months of trying if you’re over 35 – schedule an appointment at Contemporary Obstetrics & Gynecology. We can conduct a complete fertility workup, including state-of-the-art FemVue ultrasound.