A HyCoSy examination is to demonstrate the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. The radiologist will perform the examination with an ultrasound.
The examination should be undertaken within the first 10 days of my cycle. It is essential that I have stopped bleeding for at least 24 hours before the HyCoSy. It is also important that I am not pregnant during the HyCoSy as the dye used can affect the baby. Therefore they advise not to have sex from the start of your period until after your appointment. They also advise you to go for a wee to empty your bladder just before to make it more comfortable. The procedure can be uncomfortable and therefore it is also advisable to take painkillers one hour before the appointment time. I will certainly be doing this as my gynaecologist said it will be uncomfortable and I may find it sore because of my cervix but he would rather do it this way than a laparoscopy because of my history.
I am allowed to bring my husband in with me during the procedure thank God. And should expect to be in the department for at least 45 minutes.
Once I am called in I will be asked to change into a gown and a dressing gown. I am allowed to bring my own dressing gown and slippers if I wish. A HyCoSy is not unlike an internal examination that you have experienced in the clinic (in my case painful).
A small tube is inserted into the cervix and an injection of contrast medium (a dye that shows up on the ultrasound) is passed through the tube to fill the womb and fallopian tubes whilst the radiologist observes. However sometimes it is difficult to visualise the fallopian tubes in these cases the radiologist may proceed to an examination called a Hysterosalpinogram. This is where they take X-rays instead of using ultrasound.
After the examination I may feel a dull ache – rather like a period pain – and some slight blood loss. If the blood loss gets heavy or accompanied by severe prolonged abdominal pain they say to contact my GP. Trust me if it is that bad I will be straight back down to A&E. on very rare occasions you may feel faint or dizzy after the examination. If so they say not to leave the X-ray department and to inform a member of staff. If the radiologist has proceeded to a Hysterosalpinogram they advise not to leave the radiology department for at least 15 minutes following the last injection of contrast medium and within the hospital environment for a further 45 minutes (one hour in total).
Usually iodinated contrast media does not cause any problems. It can however cause unwanted effects in some people. The most frequent is a mile general sensation of warmth or a metallic taste in the mouth. I will get my results at my next appointment in 2 months’ time (22nd July 2013).
The main aim of this examination is to test to see if my fallopian tubes are working and if the sperm can get to the egg. Best case scenario is that they are and I have a better chance of getting pregnant naturally. Worst case scenario both are blocked and it is down the IVF route but obviously it is better if I can go down the natural route.
My consultant said that he will make it his aim to get me pregnant and to keep me healthy. Let’s keep fingers crossed that he will succeed in both. It does worry be about being of “high risk” surgery now because what happens if my endometriosis flares up again, if I get another cyst, or have an ectopic pregnancy or require a C-section? All of which would require surgery I know they would have to do it. Why can things not be simple? On the way home from the appointment it dawned on me that eventually my endometriosis could very easily lead me down the hysterectomy route. Let’s hope that if this is the case then it will be after we have our family.
The examination should be undertaken within the first 10 days of my cycle. It is essential that I have stopped bleeding for at least 24 hours before the HyCoSy. It is also important that I am not pregnant during the HyCoSy as the dye used can affect the baby. Therefore they advise not to have sex from the start of your period until after your appointment. They also advise you to go for a wee to empty your bladder just before to make it more comfortable. The procedure can be uncomfortable and therefore it is also advisable to take painkillers one hour before the appointment time. I will certainly be doing this as my gynaecologist said it will be uncomfortable and I may find it sore because of my cervix but he would rather do it this way than a laparoscopy because of my history.
I am allowed to bring my husband in with me during the procedure thank God. And should expect to be in the department for at least 45 minutes.
Once I am called in I will be asked to change into a gown and a dressing gown. I am allowed to bring my own dressing gown and slippers if I wish. A HyCoSy is not unlike an internal examination that you have experienced in the clinic (in my case painful).
A small tube is inserted into the cervix and an injection of contrast medium (a dye that shows up on the ultrasound) is passed through the tube to fill the womb and fallopian tubes whilst the radiologist observes. However sometimes it is difficult to visualise the fallopian tubes in these cases the radiologist may proceed to an examination called a Hysterosalpinogram. This is where they take X-rays instead of using ultrasound.
After the examination I may feel a dull ache – rather like a period pain – and some slight blood loss. If the blood loss gets heavy or accompanied by severe prolonged abdominal pain they say to contact my GP. Trust me if it is that bad I will be straight back down to A&E. on very rare occasions you may feel faint or dizzy after the examination. If so they say not to leave the X-ray department and to inform a member of staff. If the radiologist has proceeded to a Hysterosalpinogram they advise not to leave the radiology department for at least 15 minutes following the last injection of contrast medium and within the hospital environment for a further 45 minutes (one hour in total).
Usually iodinated contrast media does not cause any problems. It can however cause unwanted effects in some people. The most frequent is a mile general sensation of warmth or a metallic taste in the mouth. I will get my results at my next appointment in 2 months’ time (22nd July 2013).
The main aim of this examination is to test to see if my fallopian tubes are working and if the sperm can get to the egg. Best case scenario is that they are and I have a better chance of getting pregnant naturally. Worst case scenario both are blocked and it is down the IVF route but obviously it is better if I can go down the natural route.
My consultant said that he will make it his aim to get me pregnant and to keep me healthy. Let’s keep fingers crossed that he will succeed in both. It does worry be about being of “high risk” surgery now because what happens if my endometriosis flares up again, if I get another cyst, or have an ectopic pregnancy or require a C-section? All of which would require surgery I know they would have to do it. Why can things not be simple? On the way home from the appointment it dawned on me that eventually my endometriosis could very easily lead me down the hysterectomy route. Let’s hope that if this is the case then it will be after we have our family.