Saline Infusion Sonohysterogram (SIS), Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)

Your doctor will let you know which test is appropriate for you.

Please call 717-544-0107 on cycle 1 of your menses (first day of full flow) to schedule an SIS.

Please call 717-544-5941 on cycle 1 of your menses (first day of full flow) to schedule an HSG.

These tests will be performed between days 5-10 of your menstrual cycle.

If you do not have regular menstrual cycles, your doctor will order bloodwork and/or an ultrasound to determine when it is most appropriate to schedule these tests.

The purpose of the HSG is to determine whether the fallopian tubes are open and the uterine contour is normal. The SIS evaluates the inside layer of the uterine cavity. These tests are important because a routine transvaginal or abdominal ultrasound cannot visualize the inside of the uterine cavity or the fallopian tubes.

In the case of the HSG, an X-ray is used to evaluate the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes. This will be performed at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health’s Radiology Department. An SIS uses saline (salt water) during a transvaginal ultrasound and is performed at Penn Fertility Care – Lancaster General Health.

What to Expect During SIS and HSG Procedures

• The tests are performed after your menstrual period, but before ovulation occurs (cycle days 5-10).
• Take 600 mg of ibuprofen, or 1,000 mg of acetaminophen if you are allergic to ibuprofen, 30 minutes prior to the procedure.
• A urine pregnancy test is performed (it needs to be confirmed negative prior to the procedure).
• A speculum is introduced in the vagina and a narrow catheter is placed in the cervix.
• Either sterile contrast liquid (HSG) or sterile saline (SIS) is infused into the uterus to help outline abnormalities in the uterine cavity and/or to visualize the fallopian tubes.
• Either an X-ray (HSG) or ultrasound (SIS) is used to image the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes.
• You may resume normal activities after the procedure and intercourse the following day.

These procedures are considered very safe, but there are some risks that you should be aware of:

• Uterine cramping: Can range from mild to severe, typically lasting only a few minutes. Some patients may experience cramping for several hours after the procedure. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen are helpful. Infection: There is a low risk of pelvic infection which usually occurs when a woman has tubal disease. In these cases, the provider may recommend antibiotics before or after the procedure.
• Fainting: Rarely patients may feel light-headed during or immediately after the procedure.
• Spotting: Mild spotting, bleeding and/or discharge may occur. Please call the office if you are experiencing heavy bleeding.
• Radiation exposure (Only with HSG): Exposure is extremely low. All patients will have a pregnancy test prior to the procedure. It is safe to conceive during the same month.