What is Saline Infusion Sonohysterography (SHG)?

Saline infusion sonohysterography, or SHG or SIS, gives your fertility doctor a clear view of the uterus and uterine cavity using ultrasound.  Fertility specialist, Dr. Beshay, takes ultrasound images while infusing sterile saline into the uterine cavity. This fertility evaluation test at DFW Center for Fertility & IVF is designed to help find the cause of abnormal bleeding, or any other factors contributing to pregnancy complications.

Saline Infusion Sonohysterography

Dr. Beshay may recommend the SHG because:

  • It does not use radiation.
  • It is cost-effective.
  • It can easily be done in his office, rather than at a radiology center or hospital.

A Sonohysterography does not show how well the fallopian tubes are working, however, so if there is a question about your tubes, a hysterosalpingogram may be ordered.  Unlike a hysterosalpingogram, the SHG doesn’t use X-rays or an iodine dye.  The SHG detects abnormalities of the uterus and endometrial (uterine lining) cavity, but it may also be more accurate for finding fibroids and polyps than some other tests.

Why Use SHG?

  • infertility
  • abnormal uterine bleeding
  • recurrent spontaneous miscarriage
  • congenital abnormalities
  • preoperative and postoperative evaluation of the uterine cavity
  • suspected intrauterine adhesions (scar tissue)
  • further evaluation of uterine abnormalities found during routine ultrasonography

Women who are not eligible for SHG may be pregnant, suspected to be pregnant, or may have an active pelvic infection.

Are Saline Infusion Sonohysterography Effective?

SHG is usually performed in the first part of the cycle after menstruation. First there is a transvaginal ultrasound examination. The doctor inserts the gel-tip of a thin ultrasound wand and a narrow catheter goes through the cervix into the uterine cavity. The ultrasound examination takes place while sterile saline is injected. The saline solution helps outline the cavity and show abnormalities such as endometrial polyps or intracavitary fibroids.  Ultrasound images are captured throughout the procedure.

For more information about fertility tests and SHG, contact us online of call 469-854-0305 to schedule an appointment.