HyCoSy & Saline Sonogram

A closer look at your fertility health.

If you're at the start of your fertility journey, we may recommend a HyCoSy or saline sonogram scan. These ultrasound-based procedures help us understand more about your womb and fallopian tubes—giving us a clearer picture of anything that might be affecting your ability to conceive.

These scans are carried out as standalone investigations prior to any treatment.

What is a HyCoSy?

A HyCoSy (Hysterosalpingo Contrast Sonography) is a simple ultrasound scan that checks if your fallopian tubes are open. It’s carried out before you ovulate, usually between days 8 and 12 of your cycle. If you have a longer cycle, we might adjust the timing slightly.

We pass a small catheter into your womb and slowly release a special fluid that shows up bright on an ultrasound. Using ultrasound, we follow the fluids path to check if it flows freely through the fallopian tubes—this helps us see if there are any blockages that could be affecting your fertility.

You don’t need anaesthetic for this test, and it usually takes around 20 minutes. Most people feel fine afterwards, but some mild cramping or spotting is completely normal.

HyCoSy helps us check:

If your fallopian tubes are open and the dye flows freely through your uterus and tubes, it helps us identify any blockages that could be preventing eggs and sperm from meeting.

What is a saline sonogram?

Also known as a saline infusion sonogram (SIS), this scan gives us a more detailed look at the lining of your womb and its shape. We use a soft, straw-like catheter to gently introduce sterile saline into your womb, while performing a vaginal scan, which makes it easier to spot any irregularities such as polyps, fibroids, or scar tissue.

This scan also takes about 20–30 minutes and is usually done between days 6 and 12 of your cycle, after your period has finished but before ovulation.

We’ll talk you through what we see straight after the scan—so you’ll leave knowing what’s next.

Saline sonogram can detect:

Irregularities in the shape or contour of the womb

Uterine polyps or fibroids affecting the womb cavity

Scar tissue (adhesions) or signs of Asherman’s syndrome (scarring of the uterine lining)

Thickened womb lining or other changes that may affect implantation

What are the benefits of HyCoSy and saline sonogram scans?

These scans are a key part of understanding your fertility health. They offer several advantages:

Non-invasive: No surgery, no sedation—just a quick ultrasound scan in clinic.

Immediate results: You'll usually find out what we see before you leave your appointment.

More detail than a standard ultrasound: The use of contrast dye or saline gives a clearer picture of the womb and fallopian tubes.

Minimal recovery time: Most people feel fine to go about their day afterwards.
Helps guide treatment: These scans give us the insight we need to recommend the most suitable fertility treatment for you.

What to expect

Before your scan/procedure

There are a few simple steps to get ready:

Please take two 500mg paracetamol tablets about an hour before your appointment.

You’ll need to have a negative chlamydia test within the last 12 months.

Avoid unprotected sex from the start of your cycle until after the scan.

If your period hasn’t fully stopped by the day of your scan, please let us know—we may need to rearrange your appointment.

On the day

Your appointment will last about 20–30 minutes. We’ll ask you to arrive 15 minutes early so we can settle you in.

During the scan, we’ll insert a speculum (like in a smear test), then place a small catheter into your womb. This is how we introduce the dye or saline, depending on which scan you’re having.

You might feel some mild cramping, similar to period pain, but this usually eases quickly. If you feel unwell or faint at any point, we’ll pause and give you time to recover. Most people are fine to go home and get on with their day afterwards, though you might prefer to take it easy for a few hours.

After your scan

We’ll share your results with you before you leave. You may notice some light spotting or watery discharge from the saline—this is totally normal, but you might want to wear a liner just in case.

In rare cases, a pelvic infection can occur—this is usually linked to existing tubal issues. If needed, we’ll prescribe antibiotics during your appointment.

Please contact us if you notice:

- A fever or persistent pain

- An unusual or offensive discharge

- Feeling generally unwell within 48 hours of the scan

Your next steps

You’ll already have an idea of what comes next in your journey with us. If this scan was part of your initial investigations, we’ll review the results together during a consultation with your fertility doctor. We’ll then guide you through the next steps, including planning your medication and treatment timeline.

And remember, our patient services team is always here for you. You can message them anytime through your treatment companion app or call your clinic directly if you’ve got questions or need support.

HYCOSY