Ultrasound
Pelvic scans are a really good way to ensure your internal reproductive environment is healthy and conducive to both fertilisation and implantation. This type of scan involves conducting a transvaginal ultrasound. It is a quick and painless examination.
A fertility monitoring ultrasound involves follicle tracking scans, performed to measure the size of any active follicles – the fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries that can contain eggs – to estimate when ovulation is likely to occur and can increase your chances of conception, both naturally or with the help of fertility medications.
These ultrasounds tend to give peace of mind that ovulation is actually occurring when a dominant follicle is seen on the screen. This is a much more precise way of confirming ovulation that over the counter ovulation kits.
What is an Ultrasound used for?
An ultrasound can diagnose various issues that could impede pregnancy and the sooner they are diagnosed the sooner things can be done to rectify things. Some such issues include:
- PCOS- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome-is a hormonal and metabolic dysfunction that may impede ovulation
- Ovarian cysts- a fluid filled sac that develops on the ovary
- Fibroids-non cancerous growths that develop inside the uterine wall, may affect implantation
- Polyps- an abnormal growth projecting from the uterus, may affect implantation
- Endometriosis- endometrial tissue grows outside the endometrium into the pelvic area, may inhibit a pregnancy
- Adenomyosis – The endometrial lining grows into the uterine wall. May affect implantation
- Hyperplasia – a condition where the lining of the uterus becomes too thick, may affect implantation.
- Hydrosalpinx- a fluid blockage in the fallopian tubes that may obstruct ovulation.
- The above may impede conception to varying degrees but early diagnosis is key to avoid time delays.
Ultrasounds are a great method of finally getting to the root cause of symptoms such as:
- Abdominal pain
- Abnormal bleeding
- Pelvic pain
- Painful periods
A fertility monitoring ultrasound involves follicle tracking scans, performed to measure the size of any active follicles – the fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries that can contain eggs – to estimate when ovulation is likely to occur and can increase your chances of conception, both naturally or with the help of fertility medications.
These ultrasounds tend to give peace of mind that ovulation is actually occurring when a dominant follicle is seen on the screen. This is a much more precise way of confirming ovulation that over the counter ovulation kits.
Ultrasound FAQs
What do I need to do to prepare?
Our team will be in contact with you prior to your appointment to discuss your scan and will answer any questions you may have.
Do I need pain relief?
It is advised that you take an NSAID (non steroidal anti inflammatory) pain killer such as Ibuprofen 600mg in order to reduce cramping and discomfort before the procedure.
Can I bring my partner?
Your partner is welcome to be present for the test.
How is Fertility Monitoring performed?
This type of ultrasound involves conducting a transvaginal ultrasound. It is a quick and painless examination.
Fertility monitoring is performed for many different reasons;
- Those who require precise timing of ovulation to help them conceive naturally.
- Those who are seeing a doctor who has given them medication to help stimulate the ovaries and require follicle tracking to determine when they should ovulate.