Difference btwn HSG and saline u/s?

surfergirl28

My doctor said she wanted to check my uterus to see if it's mishapped or has fibroids, etc., and she said it'd be a fairly easy procedure where they fill up your uterus with saline and do an ultrasound.

But I've read other people talking about what sounds like the same "test" who say they got the HSG with dye. Nothing about saline.

Are these two different tests? Do they show/find different things? If they're different, is there a benefit to doing one over the other?

Thanks!

traceandrob

Do you mean fill up your bladder with saline to see your uterus? Thats what they had to do for me in the ER when i miscarried.

waitingforbaby#2

I think the HSG checks your tubes as well.

luvsbunny

A water sonogram (hysterosonogram) is a specialized ultrasound examination performed using a transvaginal ultrasound probe. A small catheter is placed within the uterine cavity, and sterile saline is then introduced into the cavity during the sonogram to allow the physician to visualize any uterine polyps or fibroids. Usually, this kind of examination does not provide any information about the status of the fallopian tubes. Nevertheless, hysterosonograms are helpful in identifying the presence of an endometrialpolyp seen on routine sonogram or the location of a fibroid. They have limited benefit in evaluating uterine scar tissue and are only diagnostic (not therapeutic).

 

A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is similar to a hysterosonogram in that fluid is introduced into the uterine cavity?but that is where the similarity ends. During an HSG, a radioopaque dye is first introduced into the uterus; x-rays are then taken of the area. The HSG can be used to diagnose polyps and fibroids and is superior to hysterosonogram in evaluating the presence of uterine scar tissue. This type of imaging also provides information on the status of the fallopian tubes, unlike either a hysteroscopy or a hysterosonogram. Because it employs traditional x-rays, an HSG is usually performed at a hospital?s radiology department or at a radiologist?s office, as few REs have this equipment in their offices.

surfergirl28

Good info, luvsbunny! But neither say which is better for detecting uterus shape.