HyCoSy

HyCoSy is a minimally invasive ultrasound procedure that allows us to investigate the possibility of blockages or abnormalities in your fallopian tubes, and also examine your uterus and ovaries. Your fallopian tubes play a vital role in fertility, allowing the eggs from the ovaries to travel to the uterus, and up to a quarter of women having difficulties getting pregnant will have a fallopian tube disorder. Therefore, a HyCoSy test can form a crucial aspect of fertility assessments. 

What is HyCoSy?

HyCoSy, short for Hysterosalpingo-Contrast Sonography, is a safe and quick procedure, with minimal discomfort. It involves passing a contrast agent into your uterus with a very fine catheter, and we use a pelvic ultrasound to check for any blockages or damage to your fallopian tubes and the surrounding pelvic structures. 

We offer the most advanced form of HyCoSy, using a foam contrast agent, rather than traditional saline, which allows a greater level of accuracy. This type of HyCoSy is also known as a HyFoSy and is the gold standard for investigating fallopian tube blockages. 

Is HyCoSy Right for Me?

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. 

What Happens During a HyCoSy?

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 use a pelvic ultrasound scan so we can 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 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. 

Why is HyCoSy important in fertility assessments and treatment?

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 investigations. 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. 

What Are the Benefits of HyCoSy?

We offer the most advanced version of HyCosy, using a foam contrast agent, rather than saline, 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. 

Can Having a HyCoSy Help Me Get Pregnant?

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. 

Why Choose the Medical Chambers Kensington for a HyCoSy?

Here at the Medical Chambers Kensington we 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. 

Visit Our Clinic in London

To find out more or if you wish to book an appointment for a HyCoSy or a consultant-led fertility assessment please call 020 7244 4200 or make an appointment online.