Hycosy test and Saline Scans to check your fallopian tubes are working?
Using ultrasound imaging, we can test if your fallopian tubes are open.
The fallopian tubes play a vital role in natural conception. They are the place where sperm and egg meet and where the embryo is nurtured for the first five days of its existence. We test them using the HyCoSy diagnostic test.
This procedure involves placing a thin catheter into the uterus. A small balloon on the tip is then inflated to seal the uterus entrance. Once in place, a small amount of effervescent fluid is injected into the uterus.
With the use of ultrasound imaging the fluid can be tracked in real time as it passes from the uterus and through the fallopian tubes. If the fluid is seen spilling from the end of each tube, tubal patency is confirmed. If this fails to happen, the tubes may be damaged.
The procedure is similar to an internal examination such as a smear test and is available at both our centres. It is best carried out between day eight and day 15 of your cycle, although it can be done at any time after bleeding has stopped.
You do not need a referral for this procedure. Simply give us a call to book your appointment
Book an appointment
3d Saline Scan
This scan forms part of a basic fertility workup and is recommended for women who want to assess their uterine cavity. A detailed transvaginal pelvic scan is performed. This is followed by injecting saline into the uterine cavity to assess the cavity for the presence of polyps, fibroids, and adhesions. You will receive the results immediately.
Cyst Aspiration
Cyst Aspiration is a minimally invasive procedure that involves draining fluid-filled sacs from ovarian cysts. A cyst on ovary before IVF can affect a woman’s ability to get pregnant. Sometimes, when the cyst is tiny, your specialist may decide to continue with the IVF procedure without aspiration.
Who Should Undergo Ovarian Cyst Aspiration?
Ovarian cyst symptoms are not always apparent but, when you experience irregularities in your menstrual period, pain in your abdomen, heavy bleeding, and pain during intercourse, you should consider getting your ovaries checked for cysts. The cysts may disappear over time but, when a cyst ruptures, it can cause excruciating pain.
We understand that it can be worrying to undergo a procedure of this kind, however the Ovarian Cyst Aspiration Procedure is a safe & reliable procedure which is minimally invasive.
At your initial consultation, you will meet with a fertility specialist and discuss your health history, experience attempting to conceive, prior management of your ovarian cysts and goals for fertility treatment. Then, we will perform diagnostic tests to determine if your ovarian cysts — or other causes — are impacting your fertility. Depending on the type, size and number of ovarian cysts, your fertility specialist may recommend medical fertility treatments or surgery.
If you require an Ovarian Cyst Aspiration or you have some questions about the procedure that we may have missed above, please contact us on 01323410333. Our friendly & supportive staff will be more than happy to help.
Endometrial Scratch
An Endometrial Scratch (ES) is sometimes offer to patients who have experienced multiple failed IVF / ICSI cycles, despite having good quality embryos transferred. Several studies have shown that an ES may increase the chance of pregnancy for patients who have this done prior to their IVF / ICSI treatment.
When should an endometrial scratch be done?
This is performed in the cycle before you start any drugs as part of an IVF/ICSI treatment or a frozen embryo treatment and it is essential that you practice protected intercourse starting the first day of your period before the scratch is done. Preferably the procedure is done between day 17 and 22 of your menstrual cycle.
What happens during endometrial scratch?
The ES is a short out-patient procedure. The consultant will perform an internal ultrasound scan; this is to assess the shape and position of your womb. The procedure involves introducing a speculum into the vagina – the same instrument as used during a smear test. After wiping the cervix with saline, a small catheter (plastic tube) is inserted in your uterus (womb). The endometrial lining is then ‘scratched’ with the catheter. Once the catheter is inserted it usually takes less than a minute to complete the procedure. Occasionally it is not possible to introduce the catheter through the neck of the womb. If this happens, the procedure needs to be abandoned.
At the time of performing an ES, a small amount of endometrial tissue is usually removed within the Pipelle sampling device (the device used to perform the scratch). In women where we suspect an endometrial abnormality, this tissue can be submitted to the pathology laboratory for further analysis. However in the group of women where we recommend ES for fertility purposes, the likelihood of finding an endometrial abnormality is very low. Hence, unless there are specific reasons, we would not plan to submit this tissue for further analysis. However if you wish to take further advice on this, please discuss this with your doctor. Unless you tell us, we will assume that you are in agreement with the above policy and we would therefore discard the small amount of tissue removed at the time of the scratch. You may be given an antibiotic to prevent any infection. Be sure and tell us if you are allergic to any medication prior to your procedure.
It is not unusual to experience mild (period like) cramping and/or a small amount of vaginal spotting or bleeding after ES. Take over the counter pain relief if needed.
The procedure is performed in the cycle before your treatment. If your embryo transfer is cancelled or postponed, the procedure will need to be repeated in the cycle before your next planned treatment. Discuss this with your consultant.
Several studies have reported a significant improvement in the pregnancy rate following ES. The data is variable, but some studies claim ES may increase pregnancy rates by up to 50% compared to women who have not had a scratch procedure.
Larger studies are required before the safety and effectiveness of ES are proven beyond doubt, but early results are encouraging. Currently it is not known whether ES has any adverse effects on pregnancy
