SIS (saline U/S) - please explain!

[blueyezz4]

So I kinda get the gist of this Ultrasound, but can someone kind of explain it a little more to me? I know they are looking at your uterus cavity, right? What exactly is it going to show and has anyone had one where they found anything wrong in there?????? Does it hurt at all? Thanks!!

[lifeguard]

The one I had they inserted a chatheter into my cervix & then while watching with u/s they injected saline through the catheter. The goal was to watch the bubbles of the fluid moving through the uterus & out the fallopian tubes to ensure they are clear. They injected several times 'cause they couldn't seem to get a clear shot of one of my fallopian tubes & finally gave up with the knowledge that one is definitely clear which is enough to get pregnant.

As for does it hurt, the procedure itself doesn't hurt but it causes cramping. For me the cramping was pretty intense & immediate. If I had to do it again I would proactively take tylenol, I was pretty uncomfortable which was the main reason they didn't continue to try to see the second tube.

[goldfinches]

Yes, it's mostly to look for blockages along your tubes.
Mine have always been okay, not too painful. I think you will probably be advised to take an ibuprofin before the test. It's mostly just the uncomfortable feeling of the fluid leaking out as you lay on the table.
Nowhere near as bad as the contrast dye x-ray!

[Phantaja]

Originally Posted by goldfinches

Yes, it's mostly to look for blockages along your tubes.
Mine have always been okay, not too painful. I think you will probably be advised to take an ibuprofin before the test. It's mostly just the uncomfortable feeling of the fluid leaking out as you lay on the table.
Nowhere near as bad as the contrast dye x-ray!

I don't think that anything is as bad as the contraat dye x-ray. I honestly felt that in my soul.

[poetgirl]

It will also pick up anything in the uterus that may be hindering implantation, healthy growth like polyps or fibroids.

As to whether it hurts, it seems to be a v. individual thing likely based on the make-up of your own body. Some women find the sal. u/s and the dye test v. painful and others say no big deal. I was in the pain group so I say a pre-emptive tylenol etc. is not a bad idea. GL!

[blueyezz4]

When you both say the "contrast dye x-ray" do you mean the HSG test where they are looking to make sure your tubes are open?? I had that one done and I didn't really have much troubles with it at all just some cramping.... my tubes weren't blocked so that might have made a difference. I also took like 3 ibuprofen before it too and have a pretty high pain tolerance as well.

Can this SIS U/S show endometriosis does anyone know?????

[Phantaja]

Yep that's what I'm talking about. My tubes were open, but I didn't take anything. I have zero tolerence for pain, though. I feel papercuts for days after.

From what I gather, it's hard to visualize endometriosis with ultrasound, but not impossible.

[goldfinches]

Originally Posted by blueyezz4

When you both say the "contrast dye x-ray" do you mean the HSG test where they are looking to make sure your tubes are open?? I had that one done and I didn't really have much troubles with it at all just some cramping.... my tubes weren't blocked so that might have made a difference. I also took like 3 ibuprofen before it too and have a pretty high pain tolerance as well.

Can this SIS U/S show endometriosis does anyone know?????

Yes, that's it. I also have unblocked tubes, but it was a killer test for me. I fainted when it was over. Probably had something to do with how long my doctor left me on the table - 45 minutes, then had me stand up and go get dressed all alone.

About the SHG and and endo, I guess it could show some signs of it, but I would think the best way they would look would be a regular ultrasound? I say that because it often is found outside of the uterus...I've never had any testing for it, sorry.