To help discover what may be contributing to your difficulty in becoming pregnant, you have been advised to have a HyCoSy test which will enable us to assess your fallopian tubes and uterus (womb). This information sheet is designed to explain what the examination involves. However, it may not answer all of your questions, so please do not hesitate to ask Mr. Aquilina or his personal assistant if you have any queries.
What is a HyCoSy?
A HyCoSy is a procedure in which a special dye is injected through the cervix (neck of the womb) and into the fallopian tubes and the passage of this dye is monitored on an ultrasound screen. The test enables the womb to be examined for abnormalities which may prevent a pregnancy from implanting and also allows us to check whether the fallopian tubes are open. .
What should I expect?
You may eat and drink as normal before your HyCoSy. When you arrive for your test you will be asked to change into a hospital gown and remove your lower undergarments. You will also be asked to go to the toilet to empty your bladder. Once in the examination room you will be made comfortable on a couch and placed in a position that allows an internal (vaginal) examination to be performed easily. The examination begins with a transvaginal ultrasound scan. A vaginal probe will be gently inserted into the vagina allowing the womb and ovaries to be seen on the ultrasound screen. This takes only a few minutes and you may experience some discomfort and or cramp like pains.
The second part of the procedure begins similar to a smear test. The doctor will insert a speculum into your vagina so that the neck of the womb can be seen. A fine plastic tube is then introduced through the cervix and into the womb. Once in place a special contrast dye can be injected through this tube. If the fallopian tubes are open, this dye can be seen on the screen to be flowing along and spilling out at the end of the tubes. A small amount of sterile water will then be injected enabling the lining of the womb to be viewed on the ultrasound screen. Mr. Aquilina will be able to tell you tell you the results straightaway after procedure. .
After the test?
The HyCoSy procedure takes approximately 15 minutes. After the examination is completed you may get dressed and Mr. Aquilina may request that you remain in clinic for approximately 30 minutes afterwards, or until you feel fully recovered. .
Complications
The test can sometimes cause you to have discomfort similar to period cramps. Therefore we strongly recommend that you take a painkiller such as Neurofen approximately 30-60 minutes before your appointment time.
Following the procedure you may experience a small amount of vaginal blood loss and some of the dye used may also cause you to have a slight vaginal discharge immediately following the procedure. We therefore recommend that you bring a sanitary towel with you.
· Very rarely, pelvic inflammation can be caused or recur after a HyCoSy. If you experience abdominal or pelvic pain. Vaginal discharge or fever within a couple of days following the procedure you should contact Mr. Aquilina’s secretary as a course of antibiotics will need to be prescribed.
· The dye used in this test is made of a natural sugar (galactose) so there is no possibility of an allergic reaction.
Booking Procedure
The test should be carried at the end of your period so in the first few days of your period you need to call Mr. Aquilina’s personal assistant to book an appointment. You will need to tell us the day your period started, ie the first day you started bleeding. It is important that there is no chance that you could be pregnant when the HyCoSy is carried out therefore the test needs to be done within 10 days of you starting your period, before your body has released the egg. If we are unable to offer you an appointment within the first 10 days, the test may still be carried out providing that you either do not have sexual intercourse from when your period starts or you use condoms during this time. .