A non-surgical diagnostic study, SIS or saline infusion sonogram, is routinely performed to assess the uterus. This test is helpful if polyps, fibroids or scar tissue are contributing to infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss. The test also can be done to evaluate causes of irregular or heavy menstrual cycles and some types of chronic pelvic pain.
The SIS is usually done early in a patient’s menstrual cycle just before ovulation. This is typically between day 5 and 12 of the cycle.
The test takes approximately 15 minutes and is done by inserting a speculum into the vagina and the cervix. A tiny catheter is then inserted into the cervical canal. Photographs of the uterus are taken by an ultrasound probe placed in the vagina, while sterile saline flows through the catheter into the uterine cavity.