Your Guide to Fertility Scans

There are many reasons why you might have a fertility scan. You might be actively trying to conceive, and want a little more clarity on your reproductive health. Or, you could be considering children in the near future. Whatever stage you’re at, fertility scans can offer you valuable insights into everything from your ovarian function to the condition of your uterine lining. In this article, we’ll look at when to have a fertility scan, what will happen during your appointment, and why scans can be very useful in helping you to understand your reproductive health more accurately. 

When Should You Have a Fertility Scan?

Whether you’re already trying to conceive, or you’re planning to have children in the future, knowledge is power. A fertility scan with an experienced sonographer will help you to understand important factors such as your ovarian reserve, ovulation patterns, and uterine health. This overall assessment will help pinpoint whether you’re ovulating regularly, which can be very helpful if you’re looking at the best times to conceive during your cycle. Your sonographer will also be able to highlight any potential barriers to you conceiving, such as low ovarian reserve, irregular ovulation, or the presence of fibroids. Once you know about any of these factors, you can take personalised steps to create a fertility plan that feels right for you.

Additionally, if you’re considering assisted fertility such as IUI or IVF, a fertility scan can play an important role in looking at the stages of treatment, and what will be most suitable for you.

What Will Your Sonographer be Looking for During a Fertility Scan?  

Your sonographer will be able to get a detailed look at your uterus, ovaries, and pelvic area during a fertility scan. They will perform this transvaginally, as this will allow them to gain the most accurate overview of factors such as ovarian reserve, and follicle development on your ovaries. They can also gain greater clarity around whether you’re ovulating when you should be, and see whether there are any potential barriers to conception, such as the presence of fibroids or ovarian cysts.

Do You Need a Referral for a Fertility Scan?

One of the greatest advantages of a fertility scan with our consultant sonographer is that you don’t need a referral from your doctor – so, if you’re looking for greater clarity around your fertility status, you can visit our clinic for an ultrasound scan, even if your doctor is in another clinic, or you’re having fertility treatment elsewhere. Your sonographer will be able to provide you with a fertility ultrasound report after your appointment, so that you can share this with any other relevant medical professionals should you so wish.

What to Expect at Your Fertility Scan 

Your fertility scan appointment will typically be scheduled for 30 minutes, so that your sonographer has time to ask any relevant questions about your medical and fertility history. During a transvaginal ultrasound, your sonographer will insert a lubricated, slender probe into your vagina, to carefully examine your pelvic area, capturing detailed images and discussing what they’re seeing as they go.

Other Fertility Tests You Might Want

If your sonographer feels that it would be beneficial to have additional tests after your fertility scan, they can discuss this during your appointment. A supplemental blood test might help further evaluate ovarian reserve and function.  For example, a blood test on day 21 of the menstrual cycle can help to assess your hormone levels, and confirm whether ovulation has taken place in your cycle. These complementary tests work in tandem with fertility scans to offer a comprehensive assessment of reproductive health, and help you to develop a personalised plan tailored to your needs.

Book Your Fertility Scan

If you would like a fertility scan with a sonographer at our London clinic, please call 020 7244 4200 or make an appointment online.