Private HyCoSy Tubal Patency Check

Check whether your fallopian tubes are open with Consultant Gynaecologist Miss Poonam Pradhan

HyCoSy Tubal Patency Test – £595

If you are trying to conceive and pregnancy isn't happening as expected, checking whether your fallopian tubes are open can be an important part of understanding why.

At MUMS Solihull, Consultant Gynaecologist Miss Poonam Pradhan performs private HyCoSy examinations to assess the fallopian tubes and uterus as part of a fertility investigation.

A HyCoSy is performed using specialist ultrasound and does not require surgery, a general anaesthetic or X-ray radiation.

What is a HyCoSy?

HyCoSy – Hysterosalpingo-Contrast Sonography – is a specialist ultrasound examination used to assess whether the fallopian tubes are open (patent).

For natural conception to occur, an egg released from the ovary needs to travel through a fallopian tube, where it may meet sperm and become fertilised.

If one or both fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged, this can make becoming pregnant more difficult.

During HyCoSy, a small amount of ultrasound contrast foam is introduced into the uterus through a fine catheter. Miss Pradhan observes the movement of the foam using ultrasound to assess whether it passes through the fallopian tubes.

The examination also allows the uterus, ovaries, and uterine cavity to be assessed.

Why might I need a HyCoSy?

A HyCoSy may be recommended as part of fertility investigations if:

• You have been trying to conceive without success
• Tubal blockage is suspected
• You have experienced a previous pelvic infection
• You have a history of pelvic or abdominal surgery
• You have endometriosis or suspected endometriosis
• Your fertility specialist wants to assess your fallopian tubes before planning treatment
• You are undergoing a wider fertility assessment

Your results can help your fertility specialist determine the most appropriate next steps.

IMPORTANT: DL12 URINE INFECTION SCREENING BEFORE YOUR HYCOSY

Before your HyCoSy, MUMS requires you to complete our DL12 infection screen at least 10 days before the procedure.

DL12 First-Catch Urine Infection Screen – £210

The DL12 is normally performed using a first-catch urine sample. This means collecting the first part of your urine stream, rather than providing a midstream urine sample.

If you would prefer not to provide a urine sample, please let our team know, as the infection screen can alternatively be performed using an appropriate swab.

This screening is important because HyCoSy involves passing a fine catheter through the cervix and introducing contrast into the uterus. We therefore need to identify any infection that may require assessment or treatment before proceeding.

Why does my DL12 urine test need to be completed 10 days beforehand?

Completing your DL12 at least 10 days before your HyCoSy allows sufficient time for:

• Your urine sample to be processed by the laboratory
• Your results to be received and reviewed
• Any positive findings to be clinically assessed
• Treatment to be prescribed where required
• Appropriate treatment to take place before the HyCoSy

If your infection-screening results have not been received and reviewed before your appointment, or if an infection requiring treatment is identified, your HyCoSy may need to be postponed.

What does the DL12 urine test screen for?

The MUMS DL12 profile includes testing for:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhoea
• Mycoplasma genitalium
• Ureaplasma
• Trichomonas
• Gardnerella
• Herpes Simplex Type 2

Our team will arrange your DL12 urine test appointment at least 10 days before your HyCoSy to allow sufficient time for the results to be received and reviewed and, where necessary, for any treatment to be arranged.

When during my cycle should I have a HyCoSy?

Timing is important.

HyCoSy is normally performed after your period has finished but before ovulation.

For a woman with a regular 28-day menstrual cycle, this is usually approximately Day 5–11, with Day 1 being the first day of your period.

When you contact MUMS, we will ask you for:

• The first day of your last period
• Your usual cycle length
• Whether your cycles are regular
• Whether there is any possibility you could be pregnant

This helps us arrange both your DL12 urine screening and HyCoSy at the appropriate times.

If your periods are irregular, please let our team know when booking so that we can advise you about appropriate timing.

What happens during a HyCoSy?

Your appointment begins with a transvaginal ultrasound scan to assess your uterus, endometrium, and ovaries.

A speculum is then gently inserted into the vagina so Miss Pradhan can see the cervix. This is similar to the examination used when having a cervical smear.

A very fine catheter is passed through the cervix into the uterus and the speculum is removed.

A small amount of specialist ultrasound contrast foam is then gently introduced through the catheter.

Using transvaginal ultrasound, Miss Pradhan watches the contrast as it fills the uterine cavity and assesses whether it flows through each fallopian tube.

This provides information about whether the tubes appear open or blocked.

The procedure itself usually takes approximately 20–30 minutes.

No general anaesthetic or sedation is required.

You will be given time to recover before leaving the clinic.

Will a HyCoSy hurt?

Experiences vary.

Some women experience period-like cramping or discomfort while the contrast is being introduced and for a short period afterwards.

MUMS may recommend taking suitable pain relief before your appointment. Please follow the specific instructions provided by the clinic, particularly if you have allergies, medical conditions or take other medication.

A small number of women may temporarily feel dizzy, faint, or nauseous during or following the procedure.

We therefore recommend considering having someone accompany you or collect you afterwards.

When can't a HyCoSy be performed?

A HyCoSy should not be performed if:

• You are pregnant or may be pregnant
• You have an active pelvic or vaginal infection
• You are experiencing significant menstrual or vaginal bleeding
• Your required pre-procedure infection screening has not been completed and reviewed
• Miss Pradhan considers there to be another clinical reason why the procedure should not proceed

A pregnancy test is performed on the day of the procedure before your HyCoSy takes place.

Are there any risks?

HyCoSy is generally considered a safe, minimally invasive fertility investigation, but no medical procedure is completely without risk.

Possible side effects and complications include:

• Period-like cramping
• Light spotting
• Temporary dizziness or nausea
• Infection
• Difficulty obtaining a conclusive result

Occasionally, it may not be possible to adequately visualise one or both fallopian tubes and further investigation may be recommended.

Miss Pradhan will discuss the procedure, its benefits, limitations, and relevant risks with you and obtain your consent before proceeding.

When will I get my results?

One of the benefits of having your HyCoSy with a Consultant Gynaecologist is that Miss Pradhan can discuss the findings with you following the examination.

You will be told whether the fallopian tubes appear open and whether any other relevant findings have been identified.

Your report can be provided to your own Fertility Consultant or other healthcare professional to help plan your next steps.

If you are already receiving fertility care through MUMS, your HyCoSy findings can form part of your overall fertility investigation and treatment plan.

HyCoSy Costs at MUMS

HyCoSy Tubal Patency Test – £595

DL12 First-Catch Urine Infection Screen – £210

Your DL12 infection screen should be completed at least 10 days before your HyCoSy.

If you would prefer a swab rather than providing a urine sample, please discuss this with our Patient Advisor team when arranging your appointments.

MUMS also offers a broader fertility service, including fertility consultations, AMH and hormone testing, semen analysis, and fertility ultrasound, and currently works in partnership with TFP Oxford Fertility for patients who progress to assisted conception treatment.

Ready to Arrange Your HyCoSy?

Because your HyCoSy needs to be coordinated with your menstrual cycle and your DL12 urine infection screening, our Patient Advisor team will help you plan the appropriate dates for both appointments.

When contacting us, it is helpful to provide:

1. The first day of your last period
2. Your usual cycle length
3. Whether your periods are regular

We will arrange your DL12 first-catch urine test at least 10 days before your HyCoSy.

Call our Patient Advisor team on 0121 704 2669, send us an online enquiry or book through MUMS.

MUMS is located at 1 Park Avenue, Solihull, B91 3EJ, with free on-site parking. You do not need a GP referral.