An ultrasound scan is a medical test that uses sound waves to capture images from the inside the body. These sound waves are emitted by a handheld device and the pictures can be viewed instantly on a monitor. Ultrasound scans are quick and pain free, with no risks or side-effects.
Ultrasound scans can be used to diagnose a number of different medical conditions, however at Concept Fertility they are most commonly used diagnostically before fertility treatment starts to evaluate the potential of a patient’s ovaries and uterus, and during fertility treatment to monitor the growth of the egg-containing follicles and growth of the lining of the uterus. Ultrasound is used again to help doctors in the egg collection, embryo replacement or insemination procedures, and finally for pregnancy scans. Read on to learn more about how to prepare and what you can expect from an ultrasound scan…
How should I prepare for an ultrasound scan?
There are different types of ultrasound scan and some require certain preparations by the patient in order to achieve the best possible images. For example, you may be advised to drink plenty of water before a certain type of scan or you may be requested to empty your bladder before another. This is because a full bladder influences the position of certain organs within the body. All our toilet doors have signs on them warning whether you should, or should not, empty your bladder before seeing the doctor for your scan.
What happens during an ultrasound scan?
Before an ultrasound scan takes place, you may be asked some questions about your medical history. You will then be asked to sit on a special gynaecology examination chair. The scans need to be internal so a transvaginal probe is inserted and positioned as near as possible to your ovaries or cervix. The ultrasound images will be displayed on a monitor for assessment. Digital images will also be recorded for your health records. The scan normally takes around 10 -15 minutes to complete.
When do I get my ultrasound results?
Your doctor or the health professional performing the ultrasound should be able to give you information from the scan as it is taking place, or immediately after, and talk through their findings. If further assessment is required, then your results will be sent to your doctor.
