Center for Reproductive and Fetal Medicine

ULTRASOUND HYSTEROSALPIGORAPHIA

ULTRASOUND HYSTEROSALPIGORAPHIA

According to medical data, fallopian tube abnormalities account for up to 40% of female infertility. Thus, fallopian tube tests are considered essential in the investigation of infertility, as they provide valuable information about a woman's fertility. The most common methods for investigating tubal patency include X-ray hysterosalpingography (HSG) and contrast-enhanced hysterosalpingography (HyCoSy). Until recently, our knowledge was limited to the classic hysterosalpingography (HSG or YSG), which is performed in a radiology laboratory using X-rays and a contrast medium administered through the cervix. Despite the useful information it offers, this particular method is accompanied by increased exposure to radiation and the risk of an allergic reaction to the contrast agent. In addition, it is characterized as "unpleasant" by women and often causes a feeling of discomfort during and shortly after the examination.

HyCoSy and, later, HyFoSy (using gel foam as contrast) were introduced as an alternative to HSG, thus avoiding exposure to the risks of iodine allergy or x-ray radiation. These are ultrasound-based techniques that allow the detection of fallopian tube abnormalities in real time and are safer for the patient. THE Ultrasound salpingography, is the most modern technique for checking the patency of the fallopian tubes, using foam contrast agent (HYFOSY) which is easily detected during intravaginal ultrasound.

What are the advantages of HyFoSy?

  • No radiation or iodinated contrast material is involved.
  • It is painless, with little to no discomfort during the exam, as the injected fluid causes less irritation than the dye used in HSG.
  • It does not require hospitalization or the use of a general anesthetic,
  • Ultrasound examination allows evaluation of other pelvic structures

 

How exactly is HyFoSy done?

First, a transvaginal scan is performed to assess the pelvic anatomy. After that, a speculum is placed in the vagina and the cervix is cleaned with an antiseptic solution. A thin sterile plastic catheter (2mm) is then passed through the cervix. Once the tip of this catheter is in the uterine cavity, the small balloon on the tip inflates to hold the catheter in place. The vaginal probe is inserted again by taking the speculum out. The scan is performed as foam gel is injected through the catheter, allowing the fallopian tubes and surrounding pelvic areas to be visualized.

How long does the process take?

It usually takes about 10-15 minutes to complete the process.

When is the best time to do HyFoSy?

It is best done between days 5 and 10 of the menstrual cycle, taking the first day of your period as day 1.

Will I need pain relief for the procedure?

A single dose of 2 Nurofen tablets, or similar, is recommended – 1 hour before the test. If you cannot tolerate anti-inflammatory drugs, 2 Panadol tablets can be taken as an alternative. Some women find the procedure slightly more uncomfortable than others.

Will I need to take antibiotics before the procedure?

It is generally not necessary. However, it may need to be considered in some cases and should be discussed with your doctor. The prescription is given by your doctor and the antibiotics must be taken 2 hours before the test.

What other information should I know about the procedure?

You may experience vaginal discharge for about 24 hours after the procedure. Most women tolerate the procedure well, although some have more severe cramping. For this reason, you may consider having a support person with you who can drive you home.

summarizing

Hyaluronic Foam Ultrasound, (HYFOSY) is generally considered a safe and effective procedure for evaluating female fertility. It is a non-invasive technique that combines ultrasound imaging with the use of a foam contrast agent to evaluate the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes.

  • Security: HYFOSY is considered safe and complications are rare. The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis, and the use of ultrasound and contrast foam reduces the risks associated with radiation exposure compared to traditional X-ray procedures such as hysterosalpingography (HSG).
  • Effectiveness: HYFOSY is effective in providing real-time images of the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes. It can help identify issues such as blockages, abnormalities or other factors that may affect fertility. The use of foam contrast agent enhances visibility and improves the accuracy of the examination.
  • Patient comfort: Compared to some other fertility tests, many women find HYFOSY more comfortable. It is generally considered less invasive and less uncomfortable than procedures such as hysterosalpingography.
  • Diagnostic value: HYFOSY provides valuable diagnostic information for healthcare providers. By imaging the reproductive organs and detecting any abnormalities, it can help diagnose fertility-related problems, allowing more informed decisions about appropriate treatment options.

 

While HYFOSY is generally well tolerated and safe, it is essential to discuss any concerns or questions with your healthcare provider before undergoing the procedure. Each person's situation is unique, and your doctor can provide personalized information based on your medical history and specific fertility concerns.

 

 

Center for Reproductive and Fetal Medicine

Effective doctor-patient communication is vital to providing high-quality health care. Any communication regarding your medical profile (getting results, instructions, answering questions, concerns) will be done directly with the doctor. This means no midwife or secretary will interrupt your conversations. Instead, if you call with any concerns, they will be there right away to address your needs. Contact us by calling 694 649 8771 or by completing the relevant Contact Form.

Dr. Alexandros Traianos

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FREQUENT QUESTIONS

The association of IVF drugs with cancer risk is a major concern for women enrolled in these programs. But the plethora of bibliographic reports collected from credible scientific studies and published in reputable medical journals worldwide are reassuring and do not confirm this concern.

Of course not. In about a third of cases, infertility is due to the woman (female factor), while in a third of cases, it is due to the man (male factor). The remaining one-third is due to both (both men and women) or even to unknown factors.

The quantity and quality of a man's sperm can be affected by his health and lifestyle. Some factors that can reduce the quantity and / or quality of sperm are:

  • the alcohol
  • drugs
  • environmental toxins, including pesticides and lead
  • smoking
  • health problems
  • medicines
  • radiotherapy and chemotherapy
  • the age

Success rates vary at each IVF Center. Very important factors are also the age of the woman, the levels of her hormones and of course the sperm of the husband. Rates generally range from 45% or slightly higher for women up to 35 years old.

Infertility is defined as the failure to conceive after one year (or 6 months, if it is a woman over 35) with normal, regular sexual intercourse. In other words, when a year passes without the woman becoming pregnant, the couple should consult their doctor to determine the cause of the pregnancy and then treat it. We must all, however, be aware and not forget that the age factor is the most critical for female fertility and that the individualized approach of each couple is the "golden key" that solves the problem.

The number of treatment cycles a woman can undergo is not specified. It is certain that in our country there are high level obstetricians-gynecologists and organized infertility treatment centers, which offer impeccable medical services at this level. If there are correct indications (eg ovaries that respond to stimulation therapy, good quality endometrium, etc.) the success rate -especially with the use of newer techniques and biotechnological drugs, which show increased bioactivity compared to conventional drugs from urine- totals approximately 65%-70% after 4 cycles of treatment.

At the Center for Reproductive Medicine of Dr. Traianos we offer egg / sperm cryopreservation services for those who have a personal or medical reason and need this service. We use the most modern vitrification technique in the freezing of sperm and eggs.

The collection of eggs takes 10-15 minutes, it is not painful, it is done under intoxication and after the end of the process you return to your activities.

In general, experts agree that the fact that a couple has already had a child can be considered evidence that there is no infertility problem in the first place. It is like a small test that has been done and proves that they "succeeded" at least once. On the other hand, we need to know that in the meantime things may have changed and a problem may have arisen (eg the man may have had some inflammation that affects the quality of his sperm or has mediated something that affects female fertility: an inflammation, a gynecological surgery, an abortion, etc.). In any case, if a reasonable period of time (one year) passes and a couple can not achieve a pregnancy, then he should with the help of his doctor investigate if there has been a problem that causes infertility.