Sonohysterogram (SHG) is an ultrasound procedure that uses a combination of sound waves and saline (sterile water) to diagnose problems inside the uterus.
Why is a sonohysterogram done?
SHG is used to identify abnormalities in the uterus and the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) such as polyps or fibroids.
SHG can also help to determine the cause of abnormal bleeding.
SHG is another tool that can be used to help find the cause of infertility (the inability to get pregnant).
Is there anything I should do before the procedure?
You should not be pregnant at the time of the SHG.
All patients will be asked to abstain from unprotected intercourse for 2 weeks before the appointment (use condoms or take birth control as prescribed by your doctor).
The SHG should be scheduled within 10 days of the start of your period (to help ensure you are not pregnant at the time of the study).
You should not be on your period during the SHG.
In special cases, your doctor may say it is okay to have the SHG done even if you are bleeding, but unless you've been told that it is okay we will need to reschedule your appointment if you are on your period.
You should take 800mg Ibuprofen about 1 hour prior to your appointment.
It is common to have some mild cramping pain and the Ibuprofen will help minimize that.
If you are unable to take Ibuprofen, you can use Tylenol instead.
What will happen during the procedure?
You will be taken to a special exam room with an ultrasound machine.
A special probe will be inserted into your vagina that will allow the ultrasound technician to take pictures of your uterus.
Your doctor will come into the exam room and put a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) into your uterus and saline (sterile water) will be injected into your uterus.
More pictures will be taken of your uterus with the fluid inside, then the catheter will be removed.
The entire process should take approximately 30 minutes.
What can I expect after the procedure?
You will probably have some mild cramping for the rest of the day, which you can control with over-the-counter medicine like Ibuprofen or Tylenol.
Some women will have spotting or light bleeding after the study.
A watery vaginal discharge can be common for 1-2 weeks after the study.
You will have a follow-up appointment with your doctor on the same day as your SHG study to review the results and to formulate a follow-up plan.
You should call the office if...
You develop a fever (a temperature of 100.4° Fahrenheit or higher)
You have heavy vaginal bleeding (changing a maxi-pad every 1-2 hours or more)
You notice a strong odor to your vaginal discharge or if the discharge causes itching or irritation
You have sharp, severe pelvic pain in the first week after your SHG
