What is a Fertility scan?

A Fertility scan can be a general pelvic ultrasound. focusing on the uterus, ovaries and surrounding areas to establish if there is an underlying gynaecological problem which may affect your chances of conceiving naturally.

If you are already having a fertility treatment you may require regular scans to monitor your IVF cycle, in particular follicle tracking or to measure the endometrial thickness.

How is the Fertility scan performed?

This is an internal, trans-vaginal scan, which does not cause any pain or discomfort.

The ultrasound probe is covered with a protective and hygienic latex probe cover, so please do let us know if you might be allergic to latex.

What will the scan examine?

Uterus

• Fibroids or adenomyosis within the uterine wall
• Congenital anomalies.
• Lining of the uterus
• Uterine polyps

Ovaries

• Polycystic ovaries (PCOS)
• Large cysts or endometriosis
• Absent ovaries
• Absent follicles developing

Fallopian Tubes are also checked for any signs of blockage

For IVF treatments

• Follicle tracking scans – This involves measurement of developing follicles within the ovaries throughout a cycle without ovulation induction. These measurements also include the endometrial thickness (lining of the uterus) as this will influence whether the embryo will be able to implant.
• Luteal Cyst – This should develop in the second half of the cycle after ovulation and absence of a luteal cyst indicates no ovulation