Fertility Answers - Helping Build Families

Fertility Ultrasound Examinations

An integral part of a fertility evaluation is a transvaginal ultrasound examination

For pregnancy to occur, a woman needs to have healthy ovaries and open fallopian tubes. She also needs to have a uterus (womb) where an embryo can implant and grow into a healthy baby. As a result, our Louisiana fertility doctors typically order a fertility ultrasound examination as part of a fertility evaluation.

This internal, transvaginal ultrasound allows our doctors to examine the shape and size of the uterus. It can also help our team evaluate the uterine lining and detect any other abnormalities, such as fibroids or polyps.

The ultrasound also gives us important information about the ovaries, including how they look and where they are located. Usually, the fallopian tubes are not seen on ultrasound, so your doctor will typically order a separate test called an HSG to look at them more closely.

How does a fertility ultrasound examination work?

Ultrasound is an imaging technique that uses sound waves to painlessly generate an image of a variety of different organs and structures. For a transvaginal ultrasound, the ultrasound technician will use a thin ultrasound transducer (“probe” or “wand”) that is covered with a lubricated condom-like sheath.

During the exam, the technician will insert the tip of the transducer two or three inches into the vagina and evaluate the resulting images from several different angles. The procedure is not painful. In fact, most women say that it’s easier than having a Pap smear.

Why do you need a fertility ultrasound?

You may have had an ultrasound before at your OB/Gyn office. While those ultrasounds are useful, your OB/Gyn may not look at the reproductive organs in the same way that we do. Therefore, your Fertility Answers physician will want to do an ultrasound even if you’ve had one done elsewhere. Our Louisiana fertility doctors usually perform a fertility ultrasound examination as part of a new patient visit.

This type of exam allows your doctor to see the size, shape, position and contour of your uterus. It also helps him or her evaluate the uterine wall and cavity for the presence of uterine fibroids, polyps and other abnormalities.

Ultrasound also enables your doctor to perform a thorough evaluation of your ovaries. It can help him or her detect ovarian cysts. Additionally, it allows him or her to examine your ovary size and egg-containing follicles to get an idea of your ovarian reserve.

By gently moving the ultrasound probe, your doctor also can assess the mobility of your pelvic organs if he or she suspects that you may have endometriosis or pelvic adhesions (scar tissue).

At Fertility Answers, we also commonly use transvaginal ultrasounds to monitor the growth and development of egg follicles when a patient is taking fertility medications. We can also monitor the development of the uterine lining in medicated cycles.

If you would like to get started on your journey to parenthood, contact us for a new patient appointment with an ultrasound examination. Our Louisiana fertility doctors will recommend fertility testing to reach an accurate diagnosis and then develop a customized treatment plan for you. We look forward to helping you bring home a bundle of joy.