- Reference Number: HEY0160/2025
- Departments: Radiology
- Last Updated: 31 July 2025
Introduction
This leaflet has been produced to give you general information about your procedure. Most of your questions should have been answered by this leaflet. It is not intended to replace the discussion between you and your sonographer or doctor. If after reading it you have any concerns or require further explanation, please discuss this with a member of the health care team who has been caring for you.
What is a HyCoSy
HyCoSy stands for Hysterosalpingo Contrast Sonography.
It is an investigation of the fallopian tubes. It is not possible to see these tubes with normal x-rays or ultrasound. This test involves the use of a dye [contrast agent] specially designed for use with this type of test. It is performed to check to see if the fallopian tubes are patent (not blocked). The dye is safe and does not affect future fertility or have any effect on the tubes.
The HyCoSy test is performed by a sonographer, who has undertaken additional training, to be able to perform and make a diagnosis from this type of procedure.
Why do I need a HyCoSy
The fallopian tubes carry the egg from the ovaries, to the uterus. If the tubes are damaged or blocked it may be difficult to become pregnant. You will have been sent for this test if you are having difficulty getting pregnant. Your doctor will want more information about your fallopian tubes and whether they may be blocked or damaged. This test can help give the doctor this information and help to plan any future care you may need.
Can there be any complications or risks?
There is a small chance that you may acquire a uterine infection after this procedure. The infection risk is very small – approximately 1 in 100 cases.
If, in the 7 days following your HyCoSy you experience any of the following:
- High temperature
- Aching limbs
- Flu like symptoms
- Offensive smelling vaginal discharge
You must inform your GP as soon as possible.
Tell the GP the examination you have had a Hysterosalpingo Contrast Sonography examination (HyCoSy) and your GP will prescribe appropriate antibiotic treatment. Vaginal swabs do not need to be taken. It is important that antibiotic treatment should begin as soon as possible as uterine infections have the potential to block the fallopian tubes.
In order to maintain our records please inform us if you do acquire a uterine infection on (01482) 607848.
If you have any concerns regarding pain or bleeding which is not settling phone your consultant’s secretary for advice.
Booking your appointment
You will be asked to contact the Ultrasound Department on the first day of your menstrual cycle. The first day of your menstrual cycle is the first day that you start your period. We will try and make an appointment for you to have the procedure performed around 7 – 14 days from the start of your period.
The appointment is made at a time when you will have finished menstruating, but before the 14th day of your cycle, which is the average time in a women’s cycle that ovulation occurs.
It is important to do this test before the 14th day. If the HyCoSy scan is carried out after 14 days into your cycle and you have conceived that month, the procedure would ‘flush’ the embryo out of the uterus.
If it is not possible to book your procedure that month, due to a lack of available appointments, then we will try to offer you a scan date during your next monthly cycle.
Please inform the Ultrasound department if you have had an allergic reaction in the past to the dye used (ExEm foam) or any other ultrasound contrast agents.
What will happen?
You need to make your way to the Ultrasound department that is stated on your appointment letter and check in at the reception desk.
The examination will take approximately half an hour. This does not include waiting time prior to your appointment. The department aims to run to appointment times. However, this is a department that also deals with emergencies and occasionally appointments may be delayed due to this.
A member of the ultrasound team will call you in to the scan room. The sonographer will discuss the procedure with you and gain your verbal consent to continue. Prior to the test commencing you will be asked to empty your bladder and will then be shown into the examination room. You will be made comfortable on the examination couch and a transvaginal ultrasound will be carried out. This is a routine procedure and should not hurt.
A speculum is then placed into the vagina [like a cervical smear examination] and a catheter [tube] is inserted into the uterus. Dye is then injected down the catheter and if the fallopian tubes are open, the dye will be seen on the ultrasound scan within the tubes. Not seeing dye in the tubes does not always mean the tubes are blocked but this information is useful for your doctor to help in plan your care and future treatment.
Sometimes, during the scan, it may be evident that you have already ovulated. If this has happened, we will terminate the procedure. Whilst we understand that this is very frustrating for you, your safety is of the upmost importance to us. Performing this test when you have already ovulated could put you at risk of an ectopic pregnancy. If this happens, we will re-arrange the procedure.
What happens afterwards?
The sonographer performing the examination will verbally give you the results immediately following the procedure. A written report will be sent to your specialist doctor who referred you. You will be able to discuss the results at your next outpatient appointment.
Providing you do not have any post-procedures complications, which are extremely rare, you will then be able to leave the department immediately following completion of the test.
For the HyCoSy test you will be given both verbal and written information and after having time to ask questions, you will be asked to give verbal consent for the procedure and you should be satisfied that you have received enough information before going ahead.
What is important is that your consent is genuine or valid. That means:
- you must be able to give your consent
- you must be given enough information to enable you to make a decision
- you must be acting under your own free will and not under the strong influence of another person
How much do I need to know?
Some people want to know as much as possible about their diagnostic tests others prefer to leave decisions to the experts. No one providing healthcare will force information on you, for example, about the risks of treatment if you don’t want to know. But remember, the person in the best position to know what matters most is you. Only you can know what is most important.
Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this leaflet, please do not hesitate to contact the Ultrasound Department on tel: 01482 607848.
This leaflet was produced by the Radiology Department, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and will be reviewed in 3 years from publication.
