Fertility Ultrasound Scan Leicester
Private Fertility Ultrasound Pelvic Examinations. Fertility Ultrasound Scans near Leicester are available at our Birmingham Ultrasound Clinic
Fertility Ultrasound Scan Near Leicester
A fertility ultrasound scan is a pelvic examination that utilises high-frequency soundwaves to create images of the inside of your body. The scan is used to monitor your cycle, check how treatment is proceeding, and when to retrieve and implant eggs.
A fertility scan is used to assess the overall state of your uterus, endometrium, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.
The scan is completed in two parts. You will need a full bladder for the first part which is the transabdominal. The sonographer will put ultrasound gel on your skin over your lower abdomen then move an ultrasound transducer slowly over your skin. This will help us to produce better-quality images. After this is completed, you will be asked to go to the toilet and relieve yourself then return for the second part of the scan which is internal through the vagina. We do not perform transvaginal (internal) examinations on children or persons who have never been sexually active. If you have never been sexually active and do not wish to have an internal examination, please notify the sonographer. The internal part of the scan gives the most detailed images. While a patient has the right to decline the internal part of the scan this will limit what the sonographer is able to observe and comment on. A chaperone will always be present in the scan room. We will ensure your dignity is maintained throughout your scan.
About your Fertility Ultrasound Scan appointment
PREPARATION
You must attend with a full bladder. It is advisable to drink about 1½ to 2 pints of clear fluid an hour prior to the appointment. You may drink water or other non-fizzy drinks, black tea or coffee, or fruit juice. When your bladder is correctly filled you will feel the need to urinate. If it becomes painful, it is too full, and you may partially empty if you can.
If you are unsure, please contact us on 0121 392 3112 or your doctor for further advice.
ARRIVING FOR YOUR FERTILITY ULTRASOUND SCAN APPOINTMENT
Please arrive 5 to 10 minutes before your actual appointment time as it may not be possible to scan you if you are late, resulting in your payment being forfeited as per our payment and refund policy. As this is an intimate examination, CHILDREN ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THE EXAM ROOM.
The examination
You will be asked to lie on a couch in the examination room. The sonographer performing the scan will ask you to expose your lower abdomen. The gel will be applied over your abdomen, and it may feel cold. The sonographer will gently move an ultrasound probe over your lower abdomen to obtain images of the pelvis. Unless the area being examined is tender, the examination is not painful.
For better visualisation of your uterus and ovaries, a transvaginal scan will be performed with your consent. This can still be performed even during your period. After the transabdominal scan, you will be asked to empty your bladder and return to the ultrasound examination room.
You will be asked to take off your pants and lie down on a couch on top of a wedge cushion. The sonographer will always ensure your lower body will be covered with a sheet to ensure your dignity. A chaperone will always be available in the scan room. Your decision/choice not to have a chaperone will be respected.
An ultrasound probe will be covered with a disposable latex or non-latex sheath and lubricated with gel. (Please let the sonographer know if you are allergic to latex). The probe will then be placed into the vagina to obtain images of the pelvic area, particularly the ovaries and uterus. The exam may be uncomfortable but not painful.
We do not perform transvaginal examinations on children or on persons who have never been sexually active. If you do not wish to have an internal examination performed, you can discuss this with the sonographer when you come for your scan.
Your decision/choice will be respected. However, there will be limitations to the quality of images obtained without performing a transvaginal examination. Both parts of the examination may take up to 20 minutes, depending on individual circumstances.
AFTER THE EXAMINATION
The report will be sent to the doctor who referred you for the scan on the same day. If you referred yourself, the report will be issued immediately following the examination. If we refer you straight to outpatients, you will be able to take your report with you.
Fertility Ultrasound Scan Faqs
What is a Fertility Ultrasound scan?
A fertility ultrasound scan is a pelvic examination that utilises high-frequency soundwaves to create images of the inside of your body. The scan is used to monitor your cycle, check how treatment is proceeding, and when to retrieve and implant eggs.
Is a Fertility Ultrasound Scan safe?
A fertility ultrasound scan is safe and does not have any of the risks associated with ionising radiation. It has been used to provide valuable images and other diagnostic information with no evidence of any harm. However, as a precaution, the sonographer will take every care to ensure that the level and duration of the ultrasound examination are not more than necessary to obtain the diagnostic images or information to minimise any potential risk to the patient.
Schedule a Fertility Ultrasound Scan at our Clinic near Leicester
Symptoms of infertility?
Infertility can present in various ways, depending on the individual and the underlying cause. Some common symptoms of infertility include:
• Painful intercourse or periods
• Difficulty conceiving after one year of unprotected intercourse
• Abnormal sperm count or quality in men
• Irregular menstrual cycles or no periods
Causes of infertility?
Infertility can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
• Chronic stress and emotional trauma
• Hormonal imbalances
• Genetic predisposition
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Environmental toxins
• Side effects of medications or treatments such as chemotherapy
• Medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis
If you have any concerns, you need to discuss this with your doctor who can advise specific tests you will require.
What is PCOS and can an ultrasound detect PCOS?
PCOS or polycystic ovary syndrome is when multiple antral follicles develop together during a woman’s cycle. Where there should only be one dominant follicle each month. Multiple cysts on the ovaries could indicate that you have PCOS. While an ultrasound scan can confirm the presence of polycystic ovaries it cannot be used alone to diagnose PCOS. Further testing would be required such as a blood test would be able to confirm PCOS.
If you have any concerns please schedule a Fertility Ultrasound Scan at our Clinic near Leicester
What is endometriosis?
Endometriosis is when the endometrial cells form outside of the uterus. This can cause pain during a woman’s menstrual cycle as the endometrial tissue will cause lesions in the abdominal cavity that still build up and break down as with a normal cycle but have nowhere for the “period blood” to escape. As well as causing cysts, endometriosis on the ovaries can interfere with the maturation and release of eggs.
What is a fibroid?
A fibroid is a benign tumour formed from muscle fibres that grows within the uterus. These can affect fertility if they are attached to the uterine wall as they can prevent implantation of fertilised eggs.
What is a polyp?
A polyp is a growth on the lining of the uterus. They can affect menstrual cycles and fertility.
What is HSO?
HSO or Ovarian Hyperstimulation is a complication that can occur during ovarian stimulation treatment. It results in fluid from the blood vessels being passed into the peritoneal cavity which can lead to abdominal bloating and pain.
What is a uterine malformation?
If the uterus of a woman is “malformed” it can result in irregular periods and infertility.
What is a uterine septum?
A uterine septum is a wall of thin tissue causing the uterus to be “separated” either partially or wholly in two. This can often result in miscarriage and therefore infertility.
What are ovarian cysts?
Fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries are known as ovarian cysts. They are usually harmless but should be monitored for growth.
What is cervical/ovarian/uterine cancer?
Cancer is caused when cells grow uncontrollably and can cause lumps, also known as tumours.
What is uterine prolapse??
Prolapse of the uterus occurs when the muscle and tissue within the pelvis weaken and allows the uterus to “drop-down”. This can sometimes cause the uterus to come out through the vaginal opening.
Do you offer blood tests for infertility for both women and men?
We offer
- Hormone tests: Estrogen & progesterone, Men’s hormones, Women’s hormones
- Nutrition tests: Vitamins (A, B3, B5 & Biotin), Vitamins (B12, folate, D, E & Q10)
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
What kinds of things can fertility ultrasound detect?
A fertility scan is used to assess the overall state of your uterus, endometrium, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.
Does a fertility scan include AFC?
The scan includes Antral follicles Count (AFC), also as known as resting follicles and these are small follicles that are waiting their turn to mature for release. AFC is used toestimate a woman’s fertility potential.
Antral follicles are the follicles within the ovary that have grown towards maturity and have the potential to ovulate an egg during a patient’s cycle. The number and size of these follicles can give an idea of a patient’s fertility. For example, if a patient has a lot of antral follicles this would be classed as polycystic ovaries and these follicles may never ovulate. On the other hand, a patient with very few antral follicles is likely to have a limited egg reserve and may also not be ovulating on a regular basis.
Follicle Size:
Usually a follicle needs to be between 18mm and 25mm to ovulate. During fertility treatment a patient may be given hormone injections in order to increase the size of their follicles and encourage ovulation and fertilisation.
Number of Follicles:
The number of desired follicles will depend on the kind of fertility treatment the patient is undergoing. Having more or fewer follicles is not always a bad thing depending on what is causing the infertility.
Follicles Needed for IVF:
During IVF treatment it is likely that the medication given to the patient will stimulate between 8 and 15 follicles to mature. These follicles are collected during an ultrasound guided aspiration. Not every follicle will contain an egg and therefore the number of eggs collected may be less than the number of follicles seen and aspirated.
AFC Ultrasound:
An AFC (antral follicular count) ultrasound is usually performed around day 10 of the patient’s cycle. The sonographer will use a probe slightly bigger than the thumb to perform an internal scan. The probe is gently pushed into the vagina so that clearer images can be obtained of the uterus and ovaries. Unfortunately it is not possible to perform an AFC through the abdomen due to the size of the ovaries and follicles.
Once an ovary is located the sonographer will count the number of mature follicles visible. They may count more than once, checking from different angles to make sure they get an accurate number. They will then also measure the size of the largest follicles.
The number and size of the follicles will be recorded on the patient’s report for their fertility specialist to use in conjunction with any other tests to determine the best course of action in terms of treatment. It is not possible to diagnose infertility or healthy fertility from ultrasound alone.
How do I prepare for a fertility scan, can I eat, drink or take my medication before the scan?
You will need a full bladder for your scan. It is advisable to drink about 1½ to 2 pints of water an hour prior to your appointment. Do not drink fizzy drinks as bowl gas can obscure images. You can eat and take your medication as prescribed by your doctor.
Children are not allowed in the scan rooms as the scan may include internal examination. You can bring a child with you to your ultrasound, however, you need to organise for a responsible adult to supervise them in the waiting area.
Please read your appointment email for more information about how to prepare for your scan.
What do I wear?
You can wear loose-fitting clothes or anything you are comfortable with.
Do I need consent to a fertility scan?
Every patient must give their consent (permission) before undergoing the examination. If they cannot give consent, a person with power of attorney will have to give consent. Please ensure to complete your pre-treatment consent form, a clearly visible link is embedded in the email that is emailed to you with your scan instructions.
Are fertility scans painful?
While not painful, fertility scans can be uncomfortable but no more so than a smear test.
Do patients need to shave?
No, there is no need to shave before a pelvic scan.
What are the red and blue blobs on the ultrasound?
The sonographer may overlay a colour doppler during the scan. This shows in red and blue the direction and flow of blood in your organs. This shows blood flows around the ovaries. This is an additional test used to assess ovary health, a good flow of blood to the ovary ensures it is well supplied with oxygen and nutrients. This is another form of Doppler imaging and is usually performed during a fertility scan, where it is used in conjunction with an antral follicle assessment.
How Long Does The Scan Take?
A fertility ultrasound scan may take between 20 and 30 minutes to complete depending on the individual circumstances. We will endeavour to ensure that you are seen on time.
Can an ultrasound still be performed if a patient is on their period?
A fertility scan can be performed at any point in your menstrual cycle, including when you are actively bleeding during your period.
How fast will I get the results from my Fertility Ultrasound Scan?
The sonographer will discuss any findings with you. The report will be emailed to you or the GP who has referred you on the same day.
Can I request an interpreter?
For help preparing for your visit, arranging an interpreter, or accessing the practice, please send us a message via our website, email us, or call using the email and phone number on our website.
How do I cancel my fertility ultrasound scan appointment?
If you need to cancel your appointment, you can do so here.
Please let us know if you have any questions.
Our Email Address. admin@ultrasound.stagingwebsite.uk
Our Contact Telephone Number. 0121 392 3112
How do I give you feedback on my fertility ultrasound scan appointment?
We really value your feedback and certainly want to know if you feel that we can improve our service. Email us at admin@ultrasound.stagingwebsite.uk
Please find our complaints procedure on our website
Our Contact Telephone Number. 0121 392 3112
what are your terms and conditions
Terms & Conditions
Full payment upon booking the appointment. If an appointment is cancelled before 48 hours, only half the price will be refunded. If the patient does not attend on the day or cancels within 48 hours prior to their appointment, Universal Ultrasound Diagnostic reserves the right to charge the full amount.
You can read our full Terms & Conditions on our website by following this link.
Terms-and-Conditions.pdf (ultrasounddiagnostic.co.uk)
It's easy to book an appointment
Our booking system is user-friendly allowing patients to choose and book their appointment online. We offer walk-in appointments depending on availability, urgent scan appointments within 1 – 5 days and routine within 1 – 14 days. Notification of your appointment is sent via text and email as well as a reminder both 48 and 2 hours prior to your appointment. The system also allows patients to attend themselves instead of queuing up. GPS and clinicians can refer a patient online following easy steps on the GP referral link on the website.
We respect your choices. We offer chaperones interpreting services.
We have good public transport links as well as offering parking for our patients. We are open 8 am to 8 pm Monday to Friday and 8 am to 5 pm Saturday and Sunday.
