HyCoSy

If you've been struggling to conceive naturally for longer than a year, the HyCoSy procedure may be recommended to check the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes for any blockages, polyps, fibroids and other abnormalities that may affect your fertility.

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Person in blue gloves holding a transvaginal ultrasound probe near a patient, with an ultrasound machine in the background.

What is a HyCoSy?

A HyCoSy (Hysterosalpingo contrast sonography) is an internal ultrasound scan used to assess the health of the ovaries and uterine lining, and to check whether the fallopian tubes are damaged or blocked.

It's a safe and non-invasive procedure.

Why would I need a HyCoSy?

During natural conception, the egg meets the sperm in the fallopian tubes where it gets fertilised – it's important that the fallopian tubes are open and not blocked for this to happen.

If you’ve experienced difficult conceiving, a HyCoSy can provide a better view of the fallopian tubes to check for any blockages and help diagnose the cause of your fertility challenges.

It is difficult to see the fallopian tubes (unless they are very swollen) with normal ultrasound, so the specialist HyCoSy procedure is required.

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Why would I need a HyCoSy?

During natural conception, the egg meets the sperm in the fallopian tubes where it gets fertilised – it's important that the fallopian tubes are open and not blocked for this to happen.

If you’ve experienced difficult conceiving, a HyCoSy can provide a better view of the fallopian tubes to check for any blockages and help diagnose the cause of your fertility challenges.

It is difficult to see the fallopian tubes (unless they are very swollen) with normal ultrasound, so the specialist HyCoSy procedure is required.

Treatment

What to expect at your HyCoSy procedure

For the HyCoSy to be carried out, it’s important that you are not pregnant. This means in the lead up to your appointment you will need to avoid getting pregnant and stop taking any fertility medication you’ve been prescribed.

woman-looks-outside-holds-coffee-cup-breakfast-sits-out-on-table

Step one

On the day of the procedure

You’ll need to arrive with a full bladder so that we can carry out a pregnancy test

You can eat and drink as normal before the procedure

You may wish to take some mild pain relief, for example, Ibuprofen, one hour prior to the procedure as you may experience some period-like cramps.

Step two

Examining the uterus and ovaries with a transvaginal ultrasound

The HyCoSy is an outpatient procedure that doesn’t require general anaesthetic and takes around half an hour to complete.

First, a transvaginal (internal) ultrasound probe is used to take measurements of your uterus and ovaries.

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Smiling woman lying on a medical examination bed, hands on her stomach, with ultrasound equipment in the foreground.

Step three

Examining the womb and fallopian tubes with a catheter

A catheter (thin tube) is then passed into your womb and a small amount of saline is injected to help highlight any abnormalities such as polyps or fibroids.

Finally, a dye is injected through the catheter into the womb and the fallopian tubes to examine them.

Step four

Immediately after your HyCoSy

When the procedure is finished, you’ll need to wait for a few minutes to ensure you haven’t had a reaction to the dye.

Someone will need to drive you home afterwards in case you feel unwell. We recommend you rest for a few hours once you’re home.

Step five

What to expect when you get home

It is normal to experience some light spotting – you'll need to use a sanitary towel rather than a tampon as it may increase your risk of infection.

It’s safe to resume having unprotected intercourse following the procedure.

Are there are risks with a HyCoSy?

It’s important to know that there is a chance of miscarriage if you are pregnant when the procedure is carried out. This is why we carry out a pregnancy test prior to the HyCoSy to avoid this happening.

There is a small risk of pelvic infection following the procedure. If you experience a high temperature, bleeding or vaginal discharge with a strong odour you should contact your GP as you may need a course of antibiotics.