Three-Dimensional Tubal Ultrasound Scanning-Hydrosalpingography
3-dimensional tubal ultrasound scanning, also known as Hydrosalpingography, examines the patency of the fallopian tubes. Inside the fallopian tubes, the female egg meets the sperm to form a baby. It’s important that your fallopian tubes are open, as a blockage can hinder pregnancy. The fallopian tubes can become blocked after pelvic infections or certain procedures.
Hydrosalpingography is a simple, minimally invasive procedure that is well tolerated by patients and has very few complications. It involves inserting the transducer into the vagina after you empty your bladder. Using a small tube inserted into the vagina and womb, a small amount of sterile contrast is injected into the cavity of the uterus. The lining of the uterus is then studied using the ultrasound transducer.
The examination is non-invasive.
Ultrasound is widely available, easy to use, and more affordable than other imaging methods.
Ultrasound is extremely safe and does not use ionizing radiation.
Hydrosonosalpingography provides a clear image of soft tissues that are not easily visible on x-ray images.
It is a relatively short procedure that offers an excellent view of the uterus and endometrial lining.
Many uterine abnormalities that may not be adequately seen with routine transvaginal ultrasound can be viewed in detail with hydrosonosalpingography.
Hydrosonosalpingography can help avoid unnecessary procedures and ensure that all polyps and fibroids are addressed.
The 3-dimensional tubal ultrasound provides accurate information about the condition of the fallopian tubes and the uterine cavity, which is important for assessing any issues that may affect future pregnancies.
There is a small risk of pelvic infection associated with this examination. To mitigate this risk, you may be prescribed antibiotics before or after the test. You might also experience pelvic pain during the examination, similar to mild menstrual cramps. Taking a painkiller before or after the test can help reduce this discomfort. At the end of the examination, you may experience slight bleeding, which typically stops within a day or two.
There is also a small possibility that the images obtained may not be clear enough for a conclusive assessment. If this occurs, additional tests may be necessary.
An alternative to hydrosonosalpingography is X-ray salpingography, which uses X-rays and is increasingly being replaced by the 3-dimensional tubal ultrasound examination. Another method to evaluate the fallopian tubes is laparoscopy, a procedure that involves general anesthesia. Laparoscopy is typically performed in cases of severe pelvic pain or when X-ray images are unclear.
Booking Your Appointment:
On the first day of your menstrual period, call +30 210 6468880 between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM to schedule your appointment.
If the first day of your period falls on a weekend, please call on Monday.
The examination can be performed 7 to 10 days after the first day of menstruation.
Precautions:
Once your appointment is booked, use precautions during sexual contact until the examination is completed.
Diet:
You can eat or drink anything you wish before and after the exam.
Post-Examination Care:
You may experience slight vaginal bleeding after the exam, so you may want to use a sanitary towel.
If you have any other questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!
Dr. Grigorios Derdelis Gynecologist/Obstetrician will perform your examination.
You can return home immediately after the examination. You can perform your daily activities and continue your sexual activity as usual.
Pelvic Ultrasound
Pelvic ultrasound is a non-invasive procedure used to evaluate organs and structures within the female pelvis. It provides a quick view of the uterus, cervix, vagina, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
The procedure uses a transducer that emits high-frequency ultrasound waves. When positioned at specific angles, these waves penetrate the skin and tissues, reaching the target organs. The waves bounce off the organs and return to the transducer, which captures the reflected waves and converts them into an electronic image.
Different tissues affect the speed at which sound waves travel. Sound travels faster through bone and slower through air. The speed and amount of returning sound waves are translated by the transducer into images of different tissue types. A gel is applied between the transducer and the skin to ensure smooth movement and eliminate air for better sound transmission.
Blood flow can also be assessed during the procedure. The Doppler transducer evaluates the speed and direction of blood flow through the vessels by converting sound waves into color images. The intensity of the sound waves indicates the degree of blood flow, while minimal signals may suggest an obstruction.
There are two methods for performing a pelvic ultrasound:
Transabdominal (through the abdomen):
A warm gel is applied to the lower abdomen to improve sound wave transmission.
The hand-held transducer is pressed against the abdomen and moved gently to capture images of the organs on a monitor.
Transvaginal (through the vagina):
A thin, lubricated transducer probe is gently inserted into the vagina.
The transducer is moved around to obtain a complete view, with images displayed on a video monitor.
Endometrium: The inner lining of the uterus.
Uterus: A concave, pear-shaped organ located in the lower abdomen between the bladder and the rectum. Its inner lining sheds every month during menstruation unless a fertilized egg is implanted.
Ovaries: Two reproductive organs located in the pelvis where eggs are developed and stored, and where the hormones estrogen and progesterone are produced.
Cervix: The lower, narrow part of the uterus that forms a canal between the uterus and the vagina, leading to the outside of the body.
Vagina: The passage through which menstrual fluid exits the body. It connects the cervix to the vulva.
Vulva: The external part of the female genitalia.
No Radiation: Ultrasound exams do not involve radiation.
Transabdominal Ultrasound: Generally, there is no discomfort from using the transducer on the skin. However, you might feel slight discomfort from a full bladder or your position on the examination bed.
Transvaginal Ultrasound: You may experience slight discomfort during the insertion of the transducer probe into the vagina. The probe is covered with a condom and lubricating gel. If you have latex allergies, ensure a latex-free cover is used.
Procedure Explanation: The healthcare provider will explain the procedure to you.
Latex Sensitivity: Inform the healthcare provider if you have any sensitivity or allergy to latex.
Anesthesia: Generally, anesthesia is not required for a pelvic ultrasound unless it is part of another procedure that requires anesthesia.
Gel Usage: The gel used during the procedure does not stain clothes, but some residue may remain on your skin after the procedure.
Transabdominal Ultrasound: You will be asked to drink several glasses of water or other liquids one to two hours before the procedure and to avoid emptying your bladder until the procedure is completed.
Transvaginal Ultrasound: You will be asked to empty your bladder just before the procedure.
During the Transabdominal Ultrasound
Preparation: You might be asked to remove your clothes and cover yourself with a cloth.
Positioning: You will lie on your back on the exam bed.
Gel Application: A warm gel will be applied to your abdomen.
Transducer Use: The transducer will be pressed onto your skin and moved around the test area.
Doppler Sound: If blood flow is being assessed, you may hear sounds from the Doppler.
Image Capture: Pictures of your pelvic organs will appear on the computer screen and be saved for medical records.
Post-Procedure: The gel will be removed from your skin, and you will be able to empty your bladder once the procedure is over.
During Transvaginal Ultrasound
Preparation: You may be asked to remove your clothes and cover yourself with a cloth.
Positioning: You will lie on the exam bed with your feet supported, similar to a pelvic exam.
Probe Insertion: The probe will be covered with a condom and lubricating gel to make it as comfortable as possible. This may cause some discomfort.
Probe Movement: The transducer probe will be gently rotated, and you might feel a little pressure as it moves.
Doppler Sound: If blood flow is being assessed, you may hear sounds from the Doppler.
Image Capture: The probe sends out sound waves that bounce off structures in your body and transmit the waves to a computer, creating pictures. These images will appear on the computer screen and be saved for medical records.
Completion: The transducer will be removed once the procedure is completed.
Post-Care: No special care is needed after an ultrasound. You can resume your regular diet and daily activities unless advised otherwise by your healthcare provider.
Important Note
The information provided here is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat health conditions. It does not replace professional medical advice you may receive from your healthcare provider.