Pelvic ultrasound

A pelvic ultrasound is an imaging procedure used to assess reproductive organs in the pelvic area. A pelvic ultrasound is able to provide detailed views of the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. By visualising reproductive structures, healthcare providers can use the information to get a greater understanding of your reproductive health. The results help make informed decisions about fertility pathways and reproductive health, ensuring good accurate care for each patient.

The ultrasound is able to assess the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. It identifies any structural abnormalities of the reproductive organs including cysts, fibroids, or polyps that may impact fertility. The ultrasound is also used to evaluate the antral follicle count (AFC) which helps assess ovarian reserve, essential when correlated with AMH results.  It can be used as a baseline investigation in a fertility workup and also for ongoing assessment during IVF treatment including egg freezing.

The antral follicle count (AFC) is an important measure of ovarian reserve. AFC is determined through a pelvic ultrasound, specifically on the 2nd to 4th day of your menstrual cycle. This timing is crucial for accuracy, as it provides a snapshot of the number of small, resting follicles in your ovaries. By assessing AFC early in your cycle, healthcare providers gain valuable insights into your reproductive health, aiding in personalised fertility assessments.

Transvaginal ultrasound is mostly used during the fertility work-up as this approach provides the most accurate images. It is a quick, painless procedure lasting about twenty minutes. It prioritises patient safety with no radiation exposure, ensuring dignity and privacy during the examination. No special preparation is required beforehand, however to get an accurate calculation of the AFC it is best to have the examination on day 2-4 of your menstrual cycle.

If you’re considering preserving your fertility through egg freezing, a pelvic ultrasound is a component of the fertility assessment. The pelvic ultrasound allows the health of your reproductive organs to be assessed, providing essential information about the ovaries, uterus, and surrounding structures as well as assessing AFC. The results guide the planning of the egg freezing process. Repeat pelvic ultrasounds are performed during your egg freezing cycle in the lead up to your egg collection. This is done to assess follicle growth during your cycle.