A saline infusion sonogram can provide helpful information about a woman’s fertility

Some patients at our Tennessee fertility center undergo a saline infusion sonogram, or SIS, for infertility diagnosis. This effective fertility evaluation is an alternative to a hysterosalpingogram, or HSG. It consists of an ultrasound that helps doctors assess any abnormalities in the uterus and see the shape of the uterine cavity. The doctor can also evaluate the ovaries during this exam.

Why fertility specialists use a saline infusion sonogram

There are various factors that could make a woman a good candidate for a saline infusion sonogram, as it can provide in-depth information about certain fertility issues.

• Abnormal uterine bleeding
• Recurrent pregnancy loss
• Congenital abnormalities of the uterus
• Suspected fibroids, polyps or scar tissue inside the uterus
• Uterine abnormalities

After the patient receives initial testing, such as bloodwork and a transvaginal ultrasound, a doctor at our Tennessee fertility center helps them determine whether they can benefit from a SIS.

What happens during a SIS fertility evaluation?

Doctors at our Tennessee fertility center perform the SIS between day five and 11 of the woman’s menstrual cycle. First, the doctor inserts a speculum into the vagina and cleans the cervix. They then pass a catheter through the cervix and into the uterus before replacing the speculum with an ultrasound probe.

Then, the doctor fills the uterus with a sterile saline solution and takes ultrasound images to assess the size, shape and contour of the uterus.

To minimize the mild cramping that might occur as the saline solution enters the body, many women take over-the-counter pain medication about 30 minutes before this fertility evaluation.

Following the saline infusion sonogram, some women have a small amount of watery discharge and need to wear a pad. Some also experience light spotting for a day or two after a SIS. Most patients are fine to drive themselves home after the procedure.

The fertility specialist performing the exam will review the results with the patient after the SIS. If they discover an issue, we will schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss the next steps.

This effective form of infertility diagnosis and testing helps many patients at our clinic discover why they’re having trouble conceiving and move forward on the path to parenthood. Contact us for more information about infertility diagnosis and testing.