Exploring methods for diagnosing infertility by comparing hysteroscopy to HyCoSy, HSG and SHG
When you first start working with a fertility doctor, you’ll discover that a lot goes into diagnosing infertility. Our goal at The Fertility Center of Las Vegas is to accurately diagnose what’s causing your fertility issues. Doing so allows our Las Vegas infertility specialists to create the best treatment plan for you. To help you understand the different fertility tests, we’re comparing hysteroscopy to HyCoSy, HSG and SHG.
The differences between an HyCoSy, HSG and an SHG
We believe that an informed patient is an empowered patient. As a result, our Las Vegas infertility specialists work hard to make sure all our patients know the subtle differences between a HyCoSy, an HSG and an SHG.
A hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography, or HyCoSy, involves injecting saline and air bubbles into the uterus (womb). Your doctor will introduce the liquid through the vagina and cervix using a catheter (thin, flexible tube). Doing so allows your doctor to see your uterine cavity and visualize the liquid moving through your fallopian tubes by ultrasound to see if they are open.
A hysterosalpingogram, or HSG uses radio-opaque dye and an X-ray machine. Your doctor will introduce the dye into the uterus through the vagina. He or she will then use the X-ray machine to view your uterine cavity and see if the fallopian tubes are open.
Both an HSG and a HyCoSy can help diagnose tubal infertility, polyps, fibroids and uterine scar tissue. We typically perform HyCoSy instead of HSG because there is zero radiation exposure with HyCoSy. Additionally, patients have less discomfort with this procedure.
A sonohysterogram, also known as SHG or SIS, is like an HSG. However, it involves sterile, saline water rather than radio-opaque dye. Additionally, it requires an ultrasound instead of X-ray imaging. After introducing saline into the uterus using a catheter, you will have a transvaginal ultrasound. This procedure allows your doctor to determine whether you have polyps or fibroids. However, it can’t help them identify issues in the fallopian tubes.
Comparing hysteroscopy to HyCoSy, HSG and SHG
Once our Las Vegas infertility specialists explain the difference between a hysterosalpingogram and a sonohysterogram, they start comparing hysteroscopy to HyCoSy, HSG and SHG.
A hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that our doctors perform to diagnose and treat issues in the uterus. Every patient who visits our doctors will receive a diagnostic hysteroscopy. This procedure doesn’t require general anesthesia. The doctor will simply place a small camera through the vagina and cervix to view the inside of the uterus.
If this test reveals any issues, our doctors will order another hysteroscopy with general anesthesia to treat the problem. The doctor will place a small camera and surgical tools through the vagina and cervix to reach the uterus. Once inside, our doctors can treat everything from fibroids and polyps to a uterine septum.
If you have more questions after comparing hysteroscopy to HyCoSy, HSG and SHG, contact us to schedule an appointment. Not only can we help you understand these procedures for diagnosing infertility, but our team can also help you welcome a baby.
