Fertility & Gynaecology
The most effective form of imaging to assess the uterus and ovaries, performed for women with a variety of gynaecological concerns including infertility, fertility treatment and effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy.
A gynaecological scan can either be performed transabdominally (over the tummy) or transvaginally (internally) dependant on the reason for your scan. An internal scan is usually the preferred method as it gets you closer to the uterus to allow for clearer assessment of the structures.
A full bladder is necessary for a trans-abdominal scan, so approximately an hour before your scan please drink at least 400mls of water. A transvaginal scan requires an empty bladder for your comfort, as it gives much clearer images.
Fertility Scans. We can provide you with an individualised ultrasound service to meet your needs whether you are having treatment in the UK or abroad. A baseline pelvic scan can be performed to assess the thickness of the endometrial lining and developing follicles with further follicle tracking if required.
If you would just like a baseline fertility scan this is best performed between days 1-3 of your cycle. It is suitable for those who would like to see their antral follicle count (resting follicles) to assess for egg reserve – which can also be combined with an AMH (Anti-Mullerian hormone) blood test assessing egg reserve (this blood test is not available at every appointment). Our detailed scan will assess the size, shape, and appearance of the uterus. The thickness of the endometrium will be measured and assessed. Ovaries will be assessed and the follicles on the ovaries will be measured. We also assess the adnexa/ pelvic area to ensure there are no cysts, masses, or free fluid.
Alternatively, if you would like a scan to assess how your cycle is developing we would suggest a pelvic scan between days 8-12 of your cycle (the is based on a regular 28 day cycle with expected ovulation mid-cycle). A scan at this point would allow us to assess the thickness of the endometrial lining and the presence of any dominant follicles – which in turn can give you an estimation for ovulation.
Whether using the NHS or private providers for your HRT/Biodentical hormones, having a yearly pelvic scan is an excellent way to assess the health and general wellbeing of your uterus and ovaries.
Reasons for self-referral; Specific or generalised pain and tenderness, Swelling and bloating, Irregular periods Painful periods (Dysmenorrhoea), Bleeding after intercourse (Post-coital), Heavy menstrual bleeding (Menorrhagia), Intra-uterine contraceptive device (Coil) location, Post-menopausal bleeding, Endometrial thickness for fertility purposes, Follicle tracking for fertility purposes.
Common findings identified by scan; Polyps, Ovarian cysts, Fibroids, Polycystic ovaries , Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
A referral is not required for any of the gynaecological services we offer.
We will discuss the findings of the scan with you and provide you with a detailed report and pictures where required. You can either send a copy of the report to your clinic providing your fertility treatment or take the copy to your GP for follow up where suggested.
If we find anything of concern, with your permission we will refer you directly to your GP and discuss our findings/concerns with them for follow up.
On a sensitive note, we would also like to bring to your attention that our clinics are mixed with different scans being offered. We completely understand that if you are undergoing fertility treatment or simply trying to become pregnant it could be upsetting to have appointments either side of yours that are pregnancy scans. We would not intentionally wish to cause you any distress, so please let us know and we can try to make adjustments for the appointment to be easier for you.
Our sonographers are not responsible for the interpretation of the findings from the scan – they are reporting what is seen during the assessment and will make any referral that is appropriate.
Kayleigh
Daisy
Lucy
Ivy
We will create a detailed report for you with everything that we have seen and also give you pictures of your little bean.
Throughout the scan we will be talking about what your baby is doing, how it is developing and what it can do – such a lovely insight into your baby’s world.
If we sadly find that the things are not progressing as they should we discuss everything that we can see, giving you plenty of time to ask questions. We create a report and contact your local early pregnancy unit (EPU) for a follow up appointment.
Usually performed over the tummy as transabdominal scan, for this reason having a moderately full bladder will help to see the pregnancy more clearly in the early weeks.
We will measure your little one crown to rump to get an estimated due date and assess that everything is developing normally for that number of weeks. We will also confirm that the pregnancy is in the right place within the uterus and check that the uterus and ovaries appear normal.
We also have the option of performing an internal scan if we don’t get great views over the tummy. This is entirely safe in early pregnancy and will be discussed with you as an option where needed.
For most women they just want, or need to see their baby and confirm that the pregnancy is real! For others they may have sadly experienced a miscarriage and just need the peace of mind and reassurance that an early scan can bring. Time really seems to drag in the first trimester, seeing is certainly believing!
An early pregnancy scan will confirm the presence of a heartbeat, diagnose a single or multiple pregnancy and establish an estimated due date. It can be performed from 7 weeks of pregnancy, before this time it is not always possible to see the fetal heart beating but can confirm the pregnancy is in the right place and developing as it should for the number of weeks you are.
We also see women who have had bleeding and can’t be seen quickly in their local early pregnancy unit, or those that have had a loss of symptoms and are concerned – we can provide you with a service that fully assess how you are progressing and will give you all the information you need.
This early scan is not routinely available on the NHS and does not require a GP or Midwife referral.