Female Fertility

Your doctor has requested that you have an ultrasound of your lower abdomen as part of a fertility assessment. This examination will provide valuable information that will assist your doctor in managing your fertility treatment.

Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to produce images without adverse side effects and free of radiation. At Canberra Specialist Ultrasound we offer a comprehensive range of fertility imaging procedures including:

• assessment of primary infertility,
• follicle tracking,
• ovarian reserve assessment and other imaging assistance as required.

What happens during the scan?

You will be asked to lie down on an ultrasound examination bed.

The sonographer will discuss your clinical symptoms and relevant medical history with you.

At Canberra Specialist Ultrasound we combine knowledge of your clinical history with our high quality imaging to maximize the diagnostic value of each examination. It is important that you communicate any areas of pain or concern to the sonographer so they can tailor the examination to your symptoms.

Warm gel is applied to the abdomen, and a small hand held probe is moved over the abdomen to produce images of your pelvic organs. This initial component of the examination is referred to as a trans-abdominal scan and it provides an overview of the pelvic organs.

Following this initial assessment we will discuss and seek your consent to perform a trans-vaginal (internal) scan. The sonographer will explain the procedure in detail including the advantages of the technique in your particular circumstances.

You will empty your bladder completely and change into a patient gown.

A specially designed, disinfected and covered ultrasound probe is inserted a short distance into the vagina which allows higher detail imaging to be performed. The probe is moved gently about by the sonographer to identify all areas of interest.

Trans-vaginal ultrasound is the gold standard imaging test for non-invasive assessment of the female pelvis. At Canberra Specialist Ultrasound we have a state of the art trans-vaginal probe allowing us to acquire 3-dimensional images of the pelvic organs. This is particularly useful in the assessment of anatomical variations and abnormalities of the inside lining of the uterus (endometrium) which may impact significantly on fertility.

A typical trans-vaginal scan takes approximately 10 minutes and is safe, simple and painless. There is no additional cost for the 3-dimensional trans-vaginal imaging.