Sonohysterogram

Saline Ultrasound in Chicago, IL

We Offer Saline Sonohysterogram Services
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At Reproductive Medical Institute, we can deliver saline ultrasounds in the comfort of our renowned Chicago, IL fertility center. Our goal is to provide safe and advanced procedures that cater to each patient’s unique needs throughout their fertility journey. A saline sonohysterogram (SHG) allows us to get a detailed look at the condition of your uterus. This test is minimally invasive and can be performed in under 30 minutes within the comfort of our center. Keep reading to learn more about saline ultrasounds.

How Is SHG Done?

When you visit our fertility center in Chicago, IL for a saline ultrasound, we will place a sterile speculum into the vagina to better visualize and clean the cervix. A small catheter is then placed into the outermost opening of the cervix, and sterile saline (water) is instilled through the catheter. As the fluid enters the uterus, we will simultaneously perform a vaginal ultrasound to assess for any cavitary abnormalities, such as endometrial polyps, uterine fibroids, malignant lesions, congenital defects, or scar tissue. This procedure can be performed in our offices or surgical center and does not typically require anesthesia, though local anesthesia is an option if desired.

What Are the Risks of Saline Ultrasounds?

Risks of the SHG may include bleeding and infection. Typically, bleeding lasts for about one to two days after the procedure. If bleeding lasts longer or is heavier than it would be for an average period, contact our professionals right away. The risk for infection is less than one percent, but you may be given antibiotics before or after the procedure to help further minimize this risk. The test itself would not harm a pregnancy if conception occurs later in the cycle; however, pregnancy tests are routinely done before the procedure to ensure that the test is not performed during pregnancy.

The Benefits

Since saline infusion sonography is minimally invasive, there are many benefits to getting a good look inside the uterus. This gives us a better chance of efficiently investigating even the most complex uterine abnormalities. The most significant benefits of a saline ultrasound include the following:

  • No needles, injections, or surgery required
  • More cost-effective than other imaging methods
  • Does not use any ionizing radiation
  • Simple and safe procedure
  • Provides an unrivaled view of the uterus and endometrial lining
  • More reliable than routine transvaginal ultrasound

Are You a Candidate?

If you are a woman of child-bearing age and cannot become pregnant, a saline ultrasound is a great place to start. This is a viable option for any patient looking to receive better insight surrounding their fertility. You are likely a candidate for a saline sonogram if:

  • You prefer a minimally invasive fertility evaluation
  • You would like to have the option to receive anesthesia
  • You struggle with infertility
  • You experience unexplainable pelvic pain
  • You have unusual menstrual cramps
  • You plan to undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment in the future
Fertility-testing

How SHG Can Help You

This procedure can be more useful in detecting intrauterine abnormalities, such as fibroids, endometrial polyps, and Asherman’s Syndrome (a condition involving an excess buildup of scar tissue). Many uterine abnormalities cannot be picked up on a routine transvaginal ultrasound but may be viewed in detail through a saline ultrasound. SHG is also a highly reliable option for those wanting to prevent unnecessary surgery. For those who must go through surgery, this procedure will ensure all polyps and fibroids are removed at the time of operation. Our professionals will use this state-of-the-art method to evaluate any blockages and clots in blood flow, aneurysms, pelvic varicose veins, etc. We look forward to helping you overcome any uterine issues you may be experiencing.

Schedule Your Saline Sonogram Today!

If you’re looking for reliable saline ultrasound services in the Chicago, IL area, Reproductive Medicine Institute is here to lend a helping hand. We have helped countless women throughout the region address uterine abnormalities and fertility compassionately and professionally. Women of all ages can visit us to receive a clearer picture of the condition of their uterus. It is best to perform a saline sonohysterogram one week after menstruation to avoid the risk of infection. During this time of the menstrual cycle, the endometrium is at its thinnest, making it the best time to determine if the endometrium is normal. Find out for yourself what a saline ultrasound can do for you by scheduling an appointment with us today. Call now!

Have more questions? Speak with an RMI team member.

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