Private HyCoSy test in London

HyCoSy gives highly accurate results and could be right for you if: 

• You have been struggling to get pregnant and your doctor thinks that there may be a blockage or abnormalities in your fallopian tube
• You have endometriosis, a pelvic infection, or appendicitis and a fallopian tube blockage is suspected
• You are about to undergo fertility treatment

HyCoSy is a relatively quick procedure and usually takes around 10-15 minutes. It doesn’t require any anaesthesia or a hospital stay, allowing you to get on with your day afterwards. 

First we carry out a pelvic ultrasound scan and take measurements of your uterus and ovaries. Then we place a speculum in your vagina – similar to a smear test – before inserting a thin catheter into your womb. Guided by ultrasound, we inject a foam contrast through the catheter, which allows us to see any blockages or abnormalities in the fallopian tube.

During the HyCoSy test you may feel some mild discomfort, but this usually passes quickly. We recommend that you take some form of pain relief such as ibuprofen or paracetamol an hour or so before the procedure.

This procedure allows a detailed and accurate view of the fallopian tubes and uterus, helping identify potential causes of infertility, such as:

• Blocked fallopian tubes
• Scarring on the tubes
• Fallopian tube abnormalities
• Uterine polyps
• Fibroids
• Abnormalities in the shape of the womb

 The procedure is carried out by Mr Venkatesh Subramanian, a highly experienced fertility consultant, who is a leading specialist in fallopian tube patency. His expertise will enable you to have a clear understanding of the condition of your fallopian tubes, uterus and ovaries. 

If you have been experiencing infertility, this information is vital in making sure you have the most effective treatment that is right for your individual needs, whether that is medication, IVF, IUI or surgical intervention.

We offer the latest version of HyCosy, using a foam contrast agent to view the fallopian tubes. This cutting-edge technology has significant advantages over traditional methods of investigating blocked fallopian tubes – such as saline-based HyCoSy, HSG (X-ray investigation), or laparoscopy. 

The advantages of foam-based HyCoSy include:

• A much higher rate of success in diagnosing blockages or abnormalities in the fallopian tubes, compared to older forms of HyCoSy
• Less discomfort than HSG x-ray examination as it doesn’t involve the injection of iodine
• No radiation involved or iodine allergy risk
• An ultrasound that allows for the assessment of other pelvic structures
• A minimally invasive procedure that requires no surgery, unlike laparoscopy, which involves keyhole surgery, with anaesthesia
• A 10-15 minute procedure that allows you to get on with your day
• Immediate visualisation of the fallopian tubes enables prompt treatment plans to be made, so that your fertility journey is not delayed

There is evidence that the flushing action of HyCoSy can improve your chances of getting pregnant afterwards, over the following 3-4 months. This can be particularly useful if you have unexplained fertility, have had a comprehensive range of tests and investigations, and you wish to wait before going on to more invasive treatment options, such as IVF.

Our specialists are dedicated to clinical excellence and offer you the most advanced technology for investigating fallopian tube conditions and for fertility assessments. 

It’s also reassuring to know that your HyCoSy will be carried out by our fertility expert Mr Venkatesh Subramanian, a senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, specialising in reproductive medicine at King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, one of the UK’s centres of excellence for the treatment of infertility. 

Mr Subramanian is a renowned clinician in the investigation, diagnosis and management of infertility, and highly trained and experienced in the use of gynaecological ultrasound. He works alongside a team of women’s health specialists and will use the results of the HyCoSy, alongside other assessments, to identify any potential causes of infertility, and create a treatment plan that is personalised to your specific needs.