6 things you need to know about a Hycosy
Dysfunction of the female reproductive organs is apparent in around 40% of infertile couples. Here at Complete Fertility Centre, we offer patients a Hycosy screening test to look at a patient’s uterine cavity and fallopian tubes. If either is damaged then it may be difficult to get pregnant.
Our price list details the latest price of a Hycosy at Complete Fertility Centre Southampton.
1. What is a Hycosy procedure?
Hysterosalpingo-contrast-sonography (usually shortened to HyCoSy) is a safe and reliable outpatient ultrasound procedure.
A Hycosy is used to investigate infertility looking at the cavity of the uterus and the fallopian tubes. If either the cavity or the tubes are damaged, it may be difficult to become pregnant. The uterine cavity shape will be measured first. A contrast agent will then be injected into your uterus. If your tubes are not blocked then the agent can be seen passing through the fallopian tubes using ultrasound.
2. What do I need to do to prepare?
It is important that there is no possibility of your being pregnant before the HyCoSy scan. Please do not have intercourse from the first day of your period until after the examination. This procedure could disturb the implantation of an embryo. If you have intercourse in your cycle (whether protected or unprotected) we will not be able to proceed with the hycosy and a charge will be incurred. The procedure will need to be postponed until your next menstrual cycle.
Patients need to have the results of an up to date Chlamydia test within the last year. Patients who have this test outside the Trust will need to contact their GP or sexual health clinic for a copy of their Chlamydia test results for our records.
The best time to perform a HyCoSy is approximately day 8 to day 18 of a regular 28-day (monthly) menstrual cycle (the first day of your period is counted as day 1). If you do not have regular periods please phone the Centre for advice. We are not able to do the examination if you are still bleeding from your period.
Patients should not wear perfume or strong deodorant on the day of their Hycosy.
When you are due to have the procedure you will be asked to partially undress and put an examination gown on.
3. Do I need pain relief?
The level of pain experienced during the HyCoSy is variable. During the examination, you may experience some discomfort and have a cramping sensation like period pain. It is wise to take two paracetamol about 30 minutes before your Hycosy procedure. No anaesthetic is required for this procedure.
4. Where will it be?
At Complete Fertility Centre Hycosy’s are performed in our theatre. A doctor and nurse will be in the theatre with you.
5. How is Hycosy performed?
It is not possible to see the tubes with normal x-rays or ultrasound, so a specialised examination must be done.
A hycosy procedure takes approximately half an hour. The first part of a hycosy is similar to a smear test. A vaginal speculum is gently inserted into your vagina to allow your doctor to visualise and take measurements of your uterus (womb), endometrium (lining of the womb) and ovaries.
Under ultrasound guidance, a thin tube (catheter) is then passed into the uterus through the neck of the womb (cervix). A small amount of saline is injected into the womb to distend the endometrial cavity and the contour and shape of the uterine cavity are assessed and any abnormalities, such as polyps, fibroids, in the lining of the womb are also observed.
A contrast agent is then passed into the uterus and the fallopian tubes to assess the tubes. If the tubes are open, the fluid will be seen passing through the tubes on the ultrasound screen.
You can see a video of the hycosy procedure on our website.
6. When do I get the results?
Your doctor or nurse performing the scan will be able to tell you the results of the examination once complete. For any other tests you may have had performed, you will need to see the consultant to obtain these results.
We will provide you with a prescription for antibiotics that will prevent infection following your hycosy.
