Women’s specialist in Atlanta and Alpharetta, GA: what is a saline-infused sonogram?

Top women’s specialist uses a saline-infused sonogram?

A women’s specialist in Atlanta and Alpharetta GA uses a saline sonogram to perform a detailed assessment of your uterine cavity. It can provide a lot of information about your uterine wall and ovaries. A saline sonogram is used to quickly identify ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, and normal ovarian follicles. The uterine cavity is composed of fleshy tissue that is hormonally sensitive and is buried centrally within your uterus; it can also easily hide polyps unless a saline sonogram is used to find them. The exact location of a fibroid can also be found through a saline sonogram and determine whether the fibroid is an innocent bystander that is fully contained within your uterine wall or may interfere with early pregnancy.

How does the procedure work?

To receive a saline sonogram, you must not be in the middle of your menstrual period or pregnant.

Your doctor will begin by placing a probe inside your vagina then a speculum is used to place a catheter into your vagina through the cervix and into the uterine cavity. Sterile saline is then placed in your uterus through the catheter and fills up the uterus. This saline solution shows your uterus cavity and walls, showing anything unusual, such as scar tissue or fibroids.

How can you prepare for a saline sonogram?

Your doctor can get the best information when the examination is timed to your menstrual cycle. It is best to have the procedure performed when the bleeding stops and before ovulation. It is best to take pain medications such as Advil, Motrin, or Ketorolac as the exam can cause some cramping; this will help manage any discomfort.

Why have a saline-infused sonogram?

There are many reasons to have a saline-infused sonogram, including:

Abnormal menstrual cramps
Abnormal menstrual bleeding
Mid-cycle spotting
Infertility
Before an IVF treatment to confirm no uterine problems is present
Pelvic pressure or pain
Recurrent pregnancy loss
Post-menopausal bleeding

A saline-infused sonogram can look for and find congenital uterine and uterine shape abnormalities, polyps on the uterine lining, and fibroids. This test can also evaluate any scar tissues, abnormal endometrial tissue growth, and the overall thinness or thickness of the endometrium and uterine wall. The procedure is also an excellent way for your doctor to see if your uterus was developed improperly.

Women’s specialist in Atlanta and Alpharetta, GA: Are there any risks?

A women’s specialist can perform this examination with no risks involved at all. The risk of infection is very low, only occurring less than 1% of the time. If you believe you might be pregnant, you should tell your doctor to reschedule. You also should not have this examination done if you have a vaginal or pelvic infection.

Contact your top Alpharetta and Atlanta OBGYN for your obstetrics and gynecology care.