Ultrasound

An ultrasound is essential in fertility treatment. Transvaginal (internal) ultrasound is used during fertility treatment to enable sonographers to check ovaries and detect any masses or abnormalities and to monitor your cycle due to taking medication to stimulate the follicles in your ovaries, which then produce multiple eggs.

What is an ultrasound?

An ultrasound is a safe procedure which has been used for decades, that enables the internal body structures to be examined. By directing high-frequency sound waves at tissues that require examination, images are created by recording echoes or reflected sound which can then be seen on a monitor.

An ultrasound scan is often non-invasive, however, sometimes a special probe is used for certain types of procedures. There is usually no recovery time needed after an ultrasound, and you can go about your daily business as normal after a procedure.

What is an ultrasound used for during fertility treatment?

An ultrasound is essential in fertility treatment. Transvaginal (internal) ultrasound is used during fertility treatment to enable sonographers to check ovaries and detect any masses or abnormalities and to monitor your cycle due to taking medication to stimulate the follicles in your ovaries, which then produce multiple eggs. During IVF (in vitro fertilization), an ultrasound will be used in follicular tracking. The number and size of developing follicles are determined accurately with an infertility ultrasound which enables the physician to determine the most suitable time to either perform IVF egg retrieval or trigger ovulation. It is also used to assist the physician in guiding a needle into the follicle to retrieve eggs.

If pregnancy is confirmed, an ultrasound will be used confirming the location of the pregnancy and to assess the gestational sac as well as detecting the heartbeat of a fetus.

Is it for me?

An ultrasound is a very safe procedure and has been used for decades. Fully trained sonographers follow guidelines and know how to perform an ultrasound safely and as quickly as possible. To enable your physician to know which line of treatment to take, an ultrasound is essential as they can pick up problems such as blocked fallopian tubes, pelvic masses and ovarian health.

A trained medical professional will be happy to inform you of what is going on before, during and after the procedure. They will answer any questions that you may have and ensure that you are comfortable with what is happening. An ultrasound is an extremely useful tool for use in fertility treatment. It is a safe procedure which means that there is no downtime and you can get back to business right away. The medical professionals are there to make sure that everything goes as smoothly and comfortably as possible for you and to allay any fears or worries that you may have.