An assessment of the female reproductive system may provide vital information.
A pelvic ultrasound examination is a crucial tool in women’s health, often used for evaluating fertility and is often recommended before starting fertility treatment. It provides detailed images of the female reproductive system, primarily focusing on the uterus, cervix, vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and surrounding structures.
These scans aid your fertility specialist, such as our team at Create Fertility, in assessing the health of your reproductive organs. This may help them to determine whether any issues may prevent pregnancy, and in monitoring treatment progress. The procedure is minimally invasive and usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes.
Pelvic ultrasound may be performed either abdominally or vaginally, depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle and what your referring doctor is looking at. Vaginal ultrasound is often preferred, as it typically provides the highest quality imaging.
A full bladder is required for a transabdominal ultrasound to be performed. It’s recommended that you drink 750mls of water in the two hours before your appointment. However, your clinic will give you specific instructions to follow before your ultrasound. Gel will be applied to your lower abdomen and pelvic area before the ultrasound probe is used.
An empty bladder is required for a transvaginal ultrasound; the sonographer will ask you to use the bathroom and may also provide a gown for your privacy. A sterile, gel covered probe is gently inserted into the vagina. The sonographer may need to gently press down on your abdomen and move the probe to obtain the required images.
There are many reasons why a woman may be sent for a pelvic ultrasound during her fertility journey. These include:
Pelvic ultrasound examination may provide your specialist with a wealth of valuable information that may help you on your fertility journey.
Scans may be used to assess the female reproductive system for any abnormalities or issues that may affect fertility (such as fibroids or polyps in the uterus. A special ultrasound can detect fallopian tube blockages.
Ultrasounds may be used to assess the overall health of the female pelvic organs and identify factors that may impact treatment success.
During assisted reproductive technologies, your specialist will use scans to monitor the development of follicles in the ovaries (which contain eggs).
An abdominal or vaginal scan may be used to measure the thickness of the uterine lining (endometrium), which is essential for implantation.
Various procedures, such as egg retrievals and biopsies, are guided via ultrasound to ensure it’s as minimally invasive as possible.
A vaginal or abdominal scan may be used to monitor your response to medications and other interventions used as part of your fertility treatment.
For optimal diagnostic information, you will generally be scanned between days five and nine of your cycle (with day one being the first day of your period). This is when your uterine wall is at its thinnest, resulting in the clearest images. Your specialist will advise you on when to schedule your scan.
Yes, providing there is no heavy bleeding or clotting, your pelvic ultrasound can still go ahead. If you feel that your period is quite heavy or you are uncomfortable proceeding, please get in touch with us to push your appointment back a few days.
This will depend entirely on whether it will be performed transabdominally or transvaginally. If transabdominally, you will need a full bladder. For an abdominal ultrasound, you will need a full bladder. For a vaginal one, an empty bladder will make the experience more comfortable. Your specialist will advise if any other preparation is needed.
Pelvic ultrasounds may be a highly useful diagnostic tool when it comes to assessing female fertility and determining what assisted reproductive technologies are required (if any).
They allow your specialist to take a closer look at your pelvic organs, allowing them to ascertain whether they are all present, fully formed, and in the correct position, as well as determine whether there are any other issues (such as fibroids or polyps) that may affect your fertility.
If you are having trouble conceiving, book an appointment with a fertility specialist at our fertility clinic Melbourne today and let us help you take charge of your fertility health.
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226 Clarendon St, East Melbourne VIC 3002
Suite 3, 72 Gloucester Avenue, Berwick, VIC, 3806
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