If your OBGYN has recommended that you get a sonohysterogram done find out more about this procedure and what to expect.

Are you dealing with abnormal between-cycle bleeding, infertility or repeated miscarriages? While ultrasounds are often the first diagnostic test performed, if an ultrasound has come back normal and you’re still experiencing symptoms, then a gynecologist may recommend getting a sonohysterogram.

What can a sonohysterogram detect?

This procedure still uses an ultrasound to examine the inside of the uterus, but instead of just an ultrasound a saline solution is administered in the uterus beforehand. By injecting this solution inside the uterus we can obtain more details of the uterus that you wouldn’t be able to see with a regular ultrasound alone. A sonohysterogram can often be performed right in your gynecologist’s office and it usually takes about 15 minutes to complete.

When will a sonohysterogram be performed?

For obvious reasons this procedure will be performed when you don’t have your menstrual cycle, since bleeding could make it more difficult to see the uterus. This test isn’t performed on women who are pregnant or could be pregnant, as well as women with pelvic infections.

What should I expect from my procedure?

During the first portion of your treatment we will perform a regular transvaginal ultrasound. Then the solution will be injected into the uterus, and the ultrasound will be performed again.

After your procedure it is normal to experience some slight cramping and spotting, but most women are able to return to their normal activities the very same day as their procedure. But if you are having any symptoms that are concerning, you need to call your OBGYN.

If you are dealing with unusual uterine bleeding or having fertility issues, it’s certainly time to talk to a OBGYN specialist who can help provide you with the answers you need.

Treating Irregular Periods

Irregular periods are common when you first start menstruating. It’s common for them to be early or late, but as you get older, your menstrual cycle should become more regular, with the average length of the cycle lasting 28 days.

You have chronic irregular periods if:

• The length of your menstrual cycle keeps changing
• Your periods are coming early or late
• You experience severe abdominal pain and very heavy bleeding during your period

There are many causes of irregular periods, including:

• Puberty, pregnancy, or menopause
• Contraceptive measures including the pill or intrauterine device
• Extreme weight fluctuations, excessive exercise, or stress
• Medical conditions including thyroid issues, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or polycystic ovary syndrome

You should see a doctor if:

• Your periods are suddenly irregular and you are under age 45
• Your periods are more frequent than 21 days
• Your periods are less frequent than 35 days
• Your periods last longer than 7 days
• You have severe abdominal pain and heavy bleeding with your periods
• You are trying to have a baby, but you have irregular periods

There are several ways to treat irregular menstruation. The first step is determining what is causing it. If it is due to a medical issue like thyroid problems, medication or treatment of the underlying condition is vital. Additional treatment measures include:

• Losing weight, if irregular menstruation is due to being overweight
• Hormonal therapies, including birth control to regulate menstruation
• Surgical therapy, if irregular menstruation is due to uterine fibroids or other structural issue.

There is also a 5-year intrauterine device known as Mirena, which can lessen bleeding. It also works as a contraceptive. Your doctor can help you decide which treatment option is best for you.

Irregular menstruation may be self-limiting, but it may go on for months or years. It can affect your life, especially if you are trying to get pregnant. It can also be a sign of a serious underlying condition. It’s important to seek out your doctor to find the cause, protect your health, and give you peace-of-mind.

Why Would a Hysterectomy Be Necessary?

Do you need a hysterectomy? Hysterectomy is the second most common surgery among women in America. A hysterectomy is a surgical operation to remove a woman's womb, or uterus. The uterus is where a fetus develops when a woman is pregnant. Women undergo a hysterectomy for different reasons. Read on to learn about the conditions that may be treated by hysterectomy.

Cancer- You have invasive cancer of the cervix, uterus, vagina, fallopian tubes, or ovaries. Hysterectomy is often medically necessary and lifesaving when patients are diagnosed with invasive cancer. The procedure may involve removing the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. The type of hysterectomy performed depends on your situation.

Uterine Fibroids- Uterine fibroids are treated by a hysterectomy. Uterine fibroids are benign growths in the uterine wall. In some women, they can cause long-term heavy bleeding and pain. Your doctor may try other procedures, like endometrial ablation or myomectomy, before a hysterectomy.

Heavy Periods- Infection, changes in hormone levels, or cancer can cause heavy periods. Some women lose a large amount of blood during their periods. They may also experience other symptoms, such as stomach cramps and pain. For some patients, the symptoms can have a significant impact on their quality of life. In some cases, removing the uterus may be the only way of stopping heavy or prolonged vaginal bleeding. 

Uterine Prolapse- Uterine prolapse, which is a sliding of the uterus from its position into the vaginal canal. If uterine prolapse is severe, your OBGYN might recommend a hysterectomy. Talk with your healthcare provider about all your treatment options to be sure you understand the benefits and risks of each so that you can choose what's best for you.

Endometriosis- Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that lines the uterus grows on other pelvic organs, such as the ovaries. This can cause bleeding between periods and severe pain. While there's no cure for endometriosis, many women undergo a hysterectomy to alleviate intolerable symptoms of the disease.

Today, thanks to advances in technology, a hysterectomy is much less invasive which means a faster recovery time. Talk to your healthcare provider about how a hysterectomy might improve your symptoms. Hysterectomy has improved the lives of millions of people. And it can do the same for you.

If you are having trouble conceiving it’s important to turn to your OBGYN for help.

While it isn’t a topic that a lot of people feel comfortable talking about, at some point, it’s important to acknowledge that you and your partner are having trouble conceiving. Given the significance of the topic, it’s important to know when to see a doctor for an evaluation.

When should I visit an OBGYN?

At some point you may be wondering whether or not you should seek a consultation with a fertility doctor. Here’s when you should,

• If you are under the age of 35, have been trying to conceive, and haven’t used birth control for over 12 months, then it’s time to schedule a consultation
• If you are over 35 and have been trying to actively conceive for six months, you should get evaluated right away

What will happen during my appointment?

Your OBGYN will first want to make sure you are ovulating, which every woman can easily figure out on her own by charting her basal body temperature for a few months. This may provide some answers as to why you are having trouble conceiving.

Fertility testing may also be recommended. During this appointment, we will go through your medical history and talk to you about different tests such as an ultrasound, blood work, and physical exams for both partners, which can provide the information we need to figure out why you are having trouble getting pregnant.

Once testing has been completed we will be able to make a definitive diagnosis as to why you and your partner are having difficulty conceiving. Even if we aren’t able to find anything wrong, you can still receive fertility treatment to improve your chances of getting pregnant.

What are my fertility treatment options?

The most common types of fertility treatments include,

• Medication (to help your body release one or more eggs each month)
• In-vitro fertilization (IVF)
• Surgery (to fix defects, remove fibroids, treat PCOS, etc.)

If you and your partner are having trouble conceiving, it’s best to have these concerns addressed as soon as possible. Many women go on to have healthy, happy babies with the help of their obstetrician. Call your doctor to learn more about the fertility treatment options available to you.