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Saline Infusion Sonohysterography (SIS) Fertility Scan in London

Advanced ultrasound scan to examine the uterine cavity and endometrium providing an important insight into your fertility 

HyCoSy Scan is an alternative to HSG

SIS, or ‘Saline Infusion Sonohysterography’

Our expert Consultant Gynaecologists specialise in reproductive medicine and fertility assessment. 3D Sonohysterography scans in London may be recommended for patients who have experienced difficulties in getting pregnant, experienced recurrent miscarriages or awaiting fertility treatments like IUI or IVF. It is done when an intra-uterine abnormality is suspected. With enhanced diagnostic accuracy, it has the potential to reduce false positive results and the need for operative interventions like hysteroscopy in cases of suspected abnormalities of uterine cavity and endometrium .

This is a relatively pain free procedure which can be performed in the first 2 weeks of your regular 28-day cycle once the heavy bleeding has subsided. During the procedure, our clinician will insert a small amount of sterile fluid into the uterus which acts as a contrast medium and allows a thorough examination of the reproductive uterine cavity.

3d Saline scan at London Pregnancy Clinic

Advanced fertility assessment at London Pregnancy Clinic

3D Saline Infusion Sonohysterography (SIS) is a medical procedure that uses ultrasound and saline to visualise the uterine cavity and surrounding tissues. The procedure can be combined with a 3D pelvic anatomy ultrasound scan and/or HyCoSy when required.

Choose London Pregnancy Clinic for your 3D SIS Scan in London

  • We use the latest ultrasound equipment from GE – Voluson E10 at its BT20 configuration

  • We are experts in fertility and reproductive medicine with over 15 years of experience

  • 5* rated service on Doctify, TrustPilot and Google

  • Same day, evening and weekend appointments

  • Report, referral and images from the scan are available immediately after the scan on our secure cloud system

The SIS Scan explained

A SIS scan typically takes 30 to 45 minutes and is performed by a Consultant Gynaecologist at our City of London clinic. During the procedure, the patient lies on a examination table, and a transvaginal ultrasound probe is inserted into the vagina. The ultrasound probe emits high-frequency sound waves that produce images of the pelvic organs.

The Gynaecologist will place a speculum and through a tiny catheter the saline is then injected through the cervix and into the uterus, allowing the uterus tubes to be visualised on the ultrasound screen. The saline fills the tubes and makes them visible, enabling the clinician to assess their shape, size, and fluid levels.

Informative illustration by London Pregnancy Clinic explaining follicle tracking scans with labeled diagram of the ovary showcasing different stages from the follicle phase to the luteal phase.

SIS scan at London Pregnancy Clinic

Frequently Asked Questions

You have a question? We have an answer.

When is the best time to do a SIS scan?

The ideal time to undergo a 3D Saline Infusion Sonohysterography (SIS), an advanced form of ultrasound imaging, is a key consideration for women seeking to evaluate the health and status of their uterine cavity. This procedure, which involves the introduction of saline solution into the uterus to provide a clearer view of the uterine lining and structure, can be critical in diagnosing conditions such as uterine fibroids, polyps, adhesions, or congenital anomalies.

Timing of the Procedure

The timing of a 3D Saline Infusion Sonohysterography is pivotal to ensure the most accurate and informative results. The optimal time for this procedure is generally during the early follicular phase of your menstrual cycle, typically between days 5 and 10 following the onset of menstruation. This timing is recommended for several reasons:

  1. Reduced Endometrial Thickness: During the early follicular phase, the endometrial lining is at its thinnest, providing clearer images and facilitating a more accurate assessment of the uterine cavity, endometrial surface, and the presence of any intrauterine lesions.
  2. Minimal Discomfort: Performing the procedure after menstruation has ended
What is an indication to do a SIS scan?

An indication to undergo a Saline Infusion Sonohysterography (SIS) scan includes the investigation of abnormal uterine bleeding, assessment of uterine abnormalities such as fibroids, polyps, adhesions, or congenital anomalies, evaluation of the uterine cavity prior to fertility treatments, and the investigation of recurrent miscarriages. This advanced ultrasound technique, which enhances the visualisation of the uterine lining by injecting a saline solution into the uterus, provides invaluable insights for accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment planning. By offering detailed imaging, an SIS scan is a crucial diagnostic tool for women experiencing unexplained uterine symptoms or those preparing for assisted reproductive technologies.

Is a SIS scan painful?

A Saline Infusion Sonohysterography (SIS) scan, while generally considered less invasive than other uterine examinations, can cause discomfort or mild pain for some individuals. The procedure involves the insertion of a thin catheter into the uterus to infuse saline, which might lead to sensations similar to menstrual cramps during or shortly after the examination. However, the discomfort experienced is typically brief and can often be managed with over-the-counter pain relief medications. It’s important for patients to communicate with their healthcare provider about any concerns or discomfort they may anticipate or experience during an SIS scan, as this can help in making the procedure as comfortable as possible.

How soon after a SIS scan can I try to conceive?

You can attempt to conceive immediately after a Saline Infusion Sonohysterography (SIS) scan, as there are typically no required waiting periods post-procedure. The SIS scan, which involves infusing saline into the uterus to improve the imaging of the uterine lining and cavity, does not use ionising radiation and therefore poses no risk to conception efforts following the procedure. However, it’s advisable to discuss individual circumstances and any specific recommendations with your healthcare provider, as they can offer tailored advice based on your health and fertility status. This personalised guidance ensures you have the most accurate and relevant information for your situation.

What saline is used for the SIS procedure? Is it safe?

The saline solution used for a Saline Infusion Sonohysterography (SIS) procedure is a sterile isotonic saline solution, which is essentially sodium chloride (salt) dissolved in water at a concentration that matches the body’s natural fluids. This type of saline is widely used in medical settings, including intravenous infusions, and is considered safe for use in the SIS procedure. The isotonic nature of the saline solution ensures it is compatible with the body’s tissues, minimizing the risk of adverse reactions. The use of sterile saline in the SIS procedure helps to expand the uterine cavity, providing clearer images of the uterine lining and internal structures without introducing any harmful substances or posing significant risks to the patient. Overall, the saline solution used in SIS is safe and well-tolerated, making it a reliable medium for enhancing uterine imaging.

What is the uterus? What’s its function?

The uterus, often referred to as the womb, is a vital organ in the female reproductive system, centrally located within the pelvis. This hollow, pear-shaped organ plays a pivotal role in reproductive and menstrual functions. Its primary function is to nurture and house a developing foetus during pregnancy, providing a secure and supportive environment for fetal growth and development. The uterine lining, known as the endometrium, thickens monthly in preparation for a potential pregnancy and sheds during menstruation if fertilisation does not occur. Additionally, the uterus is instrumental in menstrual cycle regulation and plays a key role in the process of childbirth, contracting to help deliver the baby through the cervix and into the birth canal. The health and function of the uterus are crucial for fertility, pregnancy, and the overall reproductive health of individuals with this organ.

Is ultrasound safe for medical examinations?

Yes, ultrasound is generally considered safe for medical examinations. Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the inside of the body, and it does not use ionizing radiation, making it a safe and non-invasive option for many diagnostic tests.

Ultrasound has been widely used in medical practice for several decades and has a well-established safety record. There is no evidence that ultrasound causes any long-term harm to the body.

Is there a risk of infection from SIS?

While a Saline Infusion Sonohysterography (SIS) is generally considered a safe procedure, there is a minimal risk of infection, as with any procedure that involves the introduction of instruments into the body. The risk of infection from an SIS procedure arises from the introduction of a catheter through the cervix into the uterine cavity to infuse saline solution. However, this risk is exceedingly low due to the sterile techniques employed by healthcare professionals during the procedure.

To mitigate this risk, practitioners ensure the equipment is sterile, and the procedure is performed in a clean environment. Additionally, patients may be screened for any existing infections before the procedure to prevent exacerbation or spread. In the rare instance that an infection does occur, it is typically treatable with antibiotics.

Patients are advised to monitor for symptoms of infection, such as fever, severe pelvic pain, or unusual vaginal discharge following an SIS scan, and seek medical attention if these symptoms arise. Overall, the likelihood of infection from an SIS procedure is low, and the benefits of the procedure often outweigh the minimal risks when it is conducted under proper sterile conditions.

What other fertility tests are available at London Pregnancy Clinic?

At London Pregnancy Clinic, we are specialists in fertility and reproductive medicine. For a more round picture of your fertility profile, our gynaecologists could recommend other examinations such as AMH test, or our full fertility health assessment package.

Other fertility screening available at our clinic includes:

  1. HyCoSy Scannon-invasive ultrasound procedure that utilises a contrast medium to assess the patency of the fallopian tubes and evaluate the uterine cavity, aiding in the diagnosis of infertility in women.
  2. Follicle Tracking Scanultrasound examination used to monitor the development of ovarian follicles, crucial for timing fertility treatments and understanding ovulation patterns.
  3. Endometrial Lining Scandiagnostic ultrasound procedure that assesses the thickness and health of the uterine lining, important for evaluating fertility and menstrual irregularities.
What is the cost of a 3D Saline Infusion Sonography (3D SIS) Scan in London?

At London Pregnancy Clinic the cost of a 3D SIS scan is £500 (+£30 surcharge on weekends or after 6pm) – this is all inclusive with no hidden fees. Saline Infusion Sonography is a highly specialised procedure, and requires expertise in ultrasound and reproductive medicine.

Who is present during the SALINE INFUSION SONOHYSTEROGRAPHY scan?

The scan is performed by a Consultant Gynaecologist assisted by a female clinical assistant, who is also acting as a chaperone throughout the whole procedure. All of our clinical staff are trained chaperones.

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