What is a Transvaginal Ultrasound?

A transvaginal ultrasound is an internal pelvic examination that your doctor does in the office.

What is it used for?

It is a diagnostic tool that allows the doctor to examine a woman’s reproductive organs, including the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix and vagina. It can also help determine your ovarian reserve (the number eggs you have in your ovaries).

What is involved?

This procedure is performed by inserting an ultrasound probe internally through the vagina, allowing the doctor to see problems like cysts on the ovaries and fibroids in the uterus. In addition, your doctor may perform an antral follicle count to assess your ovarian reserve, by counting the small bubbles in the ovaries that contain the immature eggs.

Transvaginal ultrasounds are preformed at Oceanview Fertility Clinic. They take about 15-30 minutes.

What is it an HSG?

Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is a medical procedure performed in the radiology department at the hospital that is used to evaluate the female reproductive system. During the procedure your doctor will insert a vaginal speculum and then insert a small catheter into the cervix where a dye is injected into the uterus and X-rays are taken to visualize the uterus and fallopian tubes. While most women tolerate the procedure without too much discomfort, some may find it uncomfortable.  We recommend taking 400 mg of ibuprofen 1 hour before the procedure to help reduce any discomfort. The office will organize the timing of this test which need to be done during day 8- 12 of your menstrual cycle.

What is it used for?

HSG is commonly used to diagnose blockages or other abnormalities in the fallopian tubes, which can cause infertility. The procedure can also help identify other conditions such as fibroids, polyps, or adhesions.

What are the benefits?

Some of the benefits of HSG include providing valuable diagnostic information to help identify the cause of infertility, as well as being a relatively non-invasive and quick procedure. Additionally, the procedure can sometimes have a therapeutic effect by flushing out any debris or blockages in the fallopian tubes, meaning some patients will get pregnant after this procedure.

What are the risks?

While the risk factor is low you may experience discomfort or pain during the procedure. In rare cases a patient may experience an allergic reaction to the dye, infection, or damage to the uterus or fallopian tubes.

Alternative tests

Alternatives to HSG include other imaging tests, such as Hy-Co-Sy or laparoscopy, can also be used to evaluate the reproductive system and see if the fallopian tubes are open. Your doctor will discuss with you which option is best for your specific situation based on your individual health needs and circumstances.

HSG is covered by MSP.

What is Hy-Co-Sy?

A Hy-Co-Sy is an ultrasound procedure used to examine the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvis. During the procedure the doctor looks for fibroids and polyps and checks to see if your fallopian tubes are open.

Hy-Co-Sy involves injecting a small amount of saline through the vagina into the uterus. A vaginal ultrasound probe is then inserted into the vagina to give a clear image of the uterus.

A contrast fluid is then passed into the uterus and fallopian tubes allowing the doctor to see if your tubes are open.

What are the benefits?

HyCoSy is a minimally invasive procedure that provides valuable diagnostic information to help identify the cause of infertility. It cannot detect scarring around the fallopian tubes or endometriosis.

Risks

The procedure can cause cramping or period type pain which can be controlled by taking Ibuprofen beforehand. There is a very minimal risk of allergy or infection.

Booking

This test is done at Ocean View Fertility. The fee for HyCoSY is not covered by MSP.

What is a sonohysterography?

A sonohysterography is a medical procedure used to evaluate the female reproductive system. During the procedure, a small amount of saline solution is injected into the uterus through the cervix, and ultrasound images are taken to visualize the uterus and fallopian tubes.

What is it used for?

It is commonly used to diagnose conditions such as uterine fibroids, polyps, adhesions, or scarring, which can cause infertility or other gynecological problems.

What are the benefits?

Some of the benefits of sonohysterography include providing valuable diagnostic information to help identify the cause of infertility or other gynecological problems, as well as being a relatively non-invasive and quick procedure. Studies have shown it to be more sensitive, specific, and accurate in the evaluation of the uterine cavity.

Risks

There some risks involved, such as discomfort or pain during the procedure. In rare cases there can be allergic reactions to the saline solution, infection, or damage to the uterus or fallopian tubes.

Alternative tests

Alternatives to sonohysterography include other imaging tests, such as hysterosalpingography (HSG), which uses X-rays instead of ultrasound to visualize the uterus and fallopian tubes, or hysteroscopy, which is a surgical procedure that allows doctors to directly visualize the inside of the uterus.

Your doctor will discuss with the option is best for your specific situation based on your individual health needs and circumstances.

What is a hysteroscopy?

A hysteroscopy is a procedure that is done in hospital to examine the inside of your uterus. It involves passing the hysteroscope–a narrow telescope-like instrument with a light and camera at the end–through the vagina and cervix and into the uterus to see if there are any fibroid tumours, polyps, scar tissue, or other problem with your uterus. This procedure is typically done at the hospital and can be done with an anaesthetic or sedation/freezing.

What is it used for?

It is a simple diagnostic procedure that typically takes about takes about 10 min. If there are polyps, fibroids, or a uterine septum the procedure will take longer.

What are the benefits?

A hysteroscopy is a relatively simple and minimally invasive procedure that treat conditions like polyps or a uterine septum and can alleviate symptoms and improve the chances of a successful pregnancy. Some of the benefits include improved fertility, relief from heavy menstrual bleeding, and a reduction in the risk of miscarriage.

Polyps are growths that can form on the lining of the uterus, and they can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, irregular periods, or infertility.

A uterine septum is a condition in which the inside of the uterus is divided by a wall or membrane. This condition can cause infertility or recurrent miscarriages.

Risks

You may experience cramping or some discomfort which can be minimized by taking Ibuprofen or Tylenol before the procedure which will be given to you to take once you are at the hospital. Excessive bleeding, infection and injury to the uterus are rare.

A hysteroscopy is covered by MSP.

What is a laparoscopy?

Laparoscopy is a surgical procedure preformed in the hospital under a general anaesthetic that is commonly used to diagnose and treat infertility in women. During a laparoscopy, a small incision is made in the abdomen, and a thin, lighted tube called a laparoscope is inserted. The laparoscope transmits images to a monitor, which allows the doctor to see inside the pelvis and abdomen.

What is it used for?

Laparoscopy can be used to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions that can cause infertility, including endometriosis, adhesions, ovarian cysts, and fibroids. Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, and it can cause pain and infertility.

What are the benefits?

Some of the benefits of laparoscopy for infertility and endometriosis include improved fertility, reduced pain and discomfort, and a quicker recovery time compared to traditional open surgery.

Risks

The risks include bleeding, infection, damage to organs, and complications from anesthesia.

Alternatives

Alternatives to laparoscopy include medication therapy or observation, depending on the condition being treated. In some cases, open surgery may be necessary if the condition is severe or cannot be treated with laparoscopy.

It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of laparoscopy with your doctor, and to make an informed decision about whether it is right for you based on your individual health needs and circumstances.

Laparoscopy is covered by MSP.

What is a D&C?

Dilation and curettage (D&C) are a surgical procedure performed the hospital that involves dilating or opening the cervix and scraping or suctioning the uterine lining.

What is it used for?

A D&C can be performed for several reasons, including to remove tissue after a miscarriage, to diagnose and treat abnormal bleeding, or to remove polyps or fibroids from the uterus. It is often down in conjunction with a hysteroscopy.

What are the benefits?

Some of the benefits include improved fertility, relief from heavy menstrual bleeding, and a reduction in the risk of miscarriage.

Risks

The risks include infection, bleeding, damage to the cervix or uterus, and complications from anesthesia.

A D&C is covered by MSP.