Ultrasound
HyCoSy tube patency scan
An ultrasound test in which contrast foam is passed through the fallopian tubes to check they are open.
What to expect
- Preparation: Preparation varies - abdominal scans usually need a few hours of fasting, pelvic scans a full bladder, and most musculoskeletal scans none at all. Your booking confirmation sets out exactly what to do.
- During the test: Warm gel is applied to the skin and a handheld probe is moved over the area. The scan is painless and usually takes 15-30 minutes.
- Results: Many clinics discuss preliminary findings on the day, with a formal report from the sonographer or consultant radiologist within 24-48 hours.
- Who follows up: The report goes to your referring GP or specialist, who explains the findings and arranges any follow-up.
- Cost: an indicative cost varies by provider.
About this test
An ultrasound test in which contrast foam is passed through the fallopian tubes to check they are open. It is usually recommended during fertility investigations as a gentler alternative to X-ray HSG.
How to access it privately
You can arrange a private ultrasound either with a referral from your GP or specialist or, for most scans, by self-referring as a self-pay patient. Routine NHS diagnostic waits are often long - frequently measured in months - whereas private slots are typically available within days to around two weeks, often sooner for ultrasound. Costs vary by provider and should be confirmed with the provider before booking.
Frequently asked
Common questions about HyCoSy tube patency scan.
Quick, plain-English answers to what people ask us most.
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What is a HyCoSy scan?
HyCoSy (hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography) is an ultrasound-based test that checks whether the fallopian tubes are open (patent) by introducing a small amount of fluid through the cervix while imaging the pelvis, helping assess a possible cause of fertility difficulties.
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Why would a doctor order a HyCoSy scan?
It is typically used as part of a fertility investigation to check whether blocked fallopian tubes might be contributing to difficulty conceiving, alongside other assessments of ovulation and sperm quality.
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Do I need to prepare for a HyCoSy scan?
It is usually scheduled for a specific point in your menstrual cycle, often shortly after your period ends and before ovulation. You may be advised to take a pain reliever beforehand, and your clinic will provide specific timing and preparation instructions.
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What happens during the test?
A thin catheter is passed through the cervix into the womb, and a contrast fluid is gently introduced while an ultrasound tracks its movement through the fallopian tubes, showing whether they are open or blocked.
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Does a HyCoSy scan hurt, and are there risks?
Many women experience period-like cramping during the procedure, which is usually short-lived. Some spotting afterwards is common. Serious complications are rare, though as with any procedure involving the cervix, there is a small risk of infection.
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How long do results take?
The scan itself provides real-time information, and a preliminary result is often available immediately, with a formal written report typically following within a few days.
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What happens if the scan shows a blocked tube?
If one or both tubes appear blocked, your fertility specialist will discuss what this means for your specific situation and the fertility options available, which may include further investigation or discussion of treatments such as IVF, depending on the overall picture.
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Is HyCoSy as accurate as other tube patency tests?
HyCoSy is generally considered a reliable, less invasive alternative to laparoscopy or the older X-ray-based HSG test for checking tube patency, though in some complex cases a specialist may still recommend further investigation.
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How much does a private HyCoSy scan cost, and is it available on the NHS?
It is available on the NHS as part of NHS-funded fertility investigations where eligible, though waiting times vary by area. Private fertility clinics offer this scan with quicker scheduling; cost varies by provider.