Saline Sonogram

At Welbeck, saline sonograms are carried out by our consultant gynaecologists. To begin, you’ll need to remove your clothing from the waist down and cover yourself with a sheet, which we’ll provide. 

You can expect the following for a saline sonogram:

1. Once you’ve emptied your bladder, your consultant will ask you to lie back on the bed.

2. They’ll gently place a smooth, tube-shaped tool (a speculum) into your vagina to open it and see your cervix in detail. 

3. Your cervix and vagina will be cleaned with a sterile solution. 

4. A soft, flexible tube (thinner than the inside of a pen) is passed into the uterus via the cervix. 

5. The speculum is removed, and a slim ultrasound probe is inserted. 

6. While the consultant takes images of your uterus, they will gently inject a sterile liquid through the thin tube.

7. Once enough images have been recorded, the probe and the tube will be removed. 

After the procedure, the images will be examined and a report will be compiled. Your consultant will use these results to develop a treatment plan, which they will discuss with you.

A saline sonogram is a very safe procedure with very few risks. You may feel some discomfort and cramping during and after it, but this should settle down quickly. There’s a small risk of pelvic infection, but this is very rare.

A saline sonogram is best performed in the week after your period ends (within 10 days after the first day of bleeding). This can help reduce the risk of infection. 

It’s also the time in your cycle when the endometrium is at its thinnest, which is considered the best time to see if things are normal or not. When you make your appointment, let us know when this window in your cycle will be.

There’s no other specific preparation needed, but you may want to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, such as a skirt or dress. It can make removing your clothing from the waist down feel less daunting. 

You’ll be able to go home right after your procedure and carry on with normal activities. The saline fluid will drain out of your uterus for a few hours, so it may help to bring a sanitary pad or pantyliner with you.

You might also have:

• cramping

• light spotting

• fluid leaking from your vagina

These are all normal symptoms. If you feel mild pain after the procedure, you can take painkillers and use a heat pad to help.

See your doctor if:

• the pain is severe

• you have a fever

• there’s a change in the type or amount of your vaginal discharge

Please contact our Women’s Health centre for pricing information.

At Welbeck, our gynaecologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book a saline sonogram, you must be referred by either your GP or a gynaecologist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this test.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a gynaecologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck