You’ve likely been through a lot already. Maybe there’s been bloodwork, several pelvic exams, or long talks about your cycle.
Now, a new term has appeared on your clinic forms: sonohysterogram. Or your doctor called it an SHG test or a saline ultrasound.
Whatever name is used, it’s normal to feel a little pinch of anxiety. Another test can feel like another hurdle.
But at King Square Fertility, we see the SHG differently. It isn't just more testing. It’s a way to turn down the noise and get the clear, visual answers you deserve.
A sonohysterogram is a specialized ultrasound that provides a high-definition view of the inside of your uterus.
During a standard pelvic ultrasound, the uterine walls are usually flat against each other, making it hard to see the fine details of the lining.
Think of it like a book with the pages pressed tightly together. To read the text clearly, you need to gently open the pages.
In an SHG fertility test, a small amount of sterile saline (salt water) is used to gently expand the uterine cavity. This creates a temporary window of contrast, allowing your specialist to see the internal structure with incredible detail.
There's a reason your doctor has recommended this particular test, even if it hasn't been fully explained yet.
The uterine cavity is where an embryo implants and where pregnancy develops. If something is affecting the shape, lining, or structure of that space, it can influence your ability to conceive or carry a pregnancy, even if your ovulation, hormones, and partner's sperm are all healthy.
A sonohysterogram may be recommended when:
In each of these situations, the SHG test gives your fertility specialist information that can't be gathered any other way without a more invasive procedure. It's more detailed than a standard ultrasound, but less involved than a hysteroscopy (which requires a camera inserted into the uterus).
By using saline to separate the uterine walls, your care team can identify:
These detailed views are a standard part of a comprehensive fertility workup, helping to ensure the uterine environment is healthy for implantation.
It’s okay to feel a little nervous about any procedure involving your reproductive health. At King Square Fertility, we prioritize your comfort and ensure you feel supported throughout the five to 10 minutes the test usually takes.
You’ll lie on an exam table, much like you would for a regular pelvic exam. A very thin, flexible tube is guided through the cervix. Once the saline is slowly introduced, a transvaginal ultrasound probe captures the images.
Most people describe the sensation as mild to moderate cramping, very similar to what you might feel during your period. This happens because the uterus is reacting to the gentle infusion of saline.
If you usually have sensitive periods, you might find it helpful to take a standard over-the-counter pain reliever about an hour before your visit.
After the test, you might notice some light spotting or a bit of lingering cramping, but most women return to their usual day right away.
While complications from a sonohysterogram are rare, it's important to know what to watch for. Contact your clinic if you experience:
These symptoms could indicate an infection or another concern that needs prompt attention. Most women, however, recover without any issues.
The test is usually scheduled in the first half of your menstrual cycle, after your period has ended but before you ovulate.
This timing ensures the uterine lining is thin for the best view and eliminates the risk of an early pregnancy.
While they sound similar, an HSG uses X-rays and dye to check if your fallopian tubes are open. The SHG focuses specifically on the shape and health of the uterine cavity itself using ultrasound.
Most women feel perfectly comfortable driving themselves home or returning to work. The cramping usually fades quickly after the procedure, though taking it easy for the rest of the day is always a kind gift to yourself.
If the test reveals a polyp, fibroid, adhesion, or structural concern, your care team will discuss what it means for your specific situation. Many findings are treatable with minor procedures. The goal is to gather information that helps plan your next steps with precision.
You shouldn’t have an SHG if you’re pregnant, have an active pelvic infection, or have an IUD in place. Your care team will review your history to ensure it’s the right time for you.
At King Square Fertility, a sonohysterogram isn’t just another procedure. It’s a way to gain precise, visual insight into your uterine environment so your care plan is based on real information, not assumptions.
With state-of-the-art technology and short wait times, the focus is on making care both effective and accessible. A bilingual, culturally diverse team also supports you, so you feel understood.
You don’t have to keep guessing. If you feel ready to understand what’s happening beneath the surface, speak with your doctor about a referral and schedule a consultation with us today.
