Private fertility ultrasound scan

[hopefully2021]

Hi
I've booked a private ultrasound scan for the end of this week which will check the lining of my womb, ovaries and for any cysts etc to try and put my mind at rest that everything is fine (or not!) - I was diagnosed with pcos a few years back but since then my periods are now regular like clockwork and I seem to be ovulating every month, the doctor originally told me to come back when I start TTC so they can do some further tests but with Covid everything is taking so long so thought I would just pay to have a private scan for my own sanity. We have been TTC for 5 months now so starting to panic a bit although I know that this isn't a lot of time really but just frustrating as so many of my friends/family have all fallen pregnant recently within the first couple months of trying!
I was just wondering if anyone else has paid for this type of scan & what questions etc you recommend I ask and if you feel like it was worth it? xxx

We did a scan and it all turned out fine. They can see the womb, the ovaries and will give you all the information so not really much I had in terms of questions as my doc was good and explained everything to me. We did it 6 months back and the only advice I got was to use OPK and time sex as close to the positive as I can. We are still TTC, but I am hoping this is our month :)

I’d say make sure you have noted your questions. You may wish to ask them after rather than during the scan. It’s an internal scan usually and it can be quite challenging to be confident and coherent in asking questions, whilst a doctor is rummaging around down there with a probe inserted and you just want it over with!

Always ask specifics rather than accept a general ‘all looks fine’ type statement. E.g. what thickness is my lining? What is my antral follicle count? How would you say those compares to the normal range? Is there anything notable in terms of uterus structure? Anything that would indicate infertility issues?

Also - the last post just reminded me - at what point in your cycle are you going? If it’s close to ovulation, maybe they can give you an indication of the ovulation window (or when you last ovulated) in case this may give you clues as to your cycle. Also, make sure you note when your last period was and typical cycle length as this will be important in determining if things like the thickness of your lining are ‘normal’ at the point in the cycle that they are looking.

I had one this month as had two very early losses in 5 months. That plus very very light periods made me worried I had a thin lining and the reason the pregnancies failed was coz of my lining. The sonographer said lining was fine at CD14 (11mm), structures where all fine. Looked like the right ovary was the dominant one that month. So yes it was worth it for my peace of mind. All though not cheap at £135! If nothing happens soon I’ll need to find somewhere to do private fertility bloods.
The guy said that now I know my cycle I should try to stop opks and temps as they put extra stress on people. But that is easier said then done as once you start it’s addictive!!
Hope everything is ok for you xxx

Thanks @adijagmom, if you dont mind me asking how long have you been TTC in total & is this your first?xx

Thanks @greytminds thats very useful information, sometimes I feel a little bit lost on what I should be doing/asking as I haven't told any family & friends that we are even TTC as I don't want the pressure everymonth of people asking me if it's happened or not. I am going on CD12, I read online to book between CD10-14 for the best results xxx

We have been trying for one year now - this scan was 6 months back and it is our 2nd. 1st was 5 years back and I know I was much more healthy then so it was easier.

Thanks @Sohe, I'm glad you think it was worth it - definately not cheap we are also paying £139 but I think it's worth it if I get good news that everything looks okay to stop me stressing as I think the stress is doing more harm than good with TTC, I just can't help thinking every day will this month be my month - so frustrating!
Fingers crossed everything is okay, my appointment is on Friday - I'm glad that it's still going ahead in lockdown xxx

@bstrong0805, how long did it take with your first?

3 months with the first - 5 years ago. Was 7 kgs lighter and more fit that time and much less stressed - so I think it all adds up !

@hopefully2021 that is exactly how I felt. I just couldn’t shake the feeling something was wrong. And at least I know it’s not my lining. Yes I hope everything is all ok for you!! Xx

I feel your frustration at everyone getting pregnant!

I was diagnosed with pcos when I was 18 and put on the pill. Off the pill (since July 2019) I have really regular periods and also do seem to ovulate. I had a scan on the nhs and they said my ovaries are looking great now and don’t look cystic so there is potential you could be the same. This would be bittersweet as no longer having it would give you no answer as to why it hasn’t happened, but having it can mean you potentially will have a harder time conceiving.

If you have it there are theories about diet and how cutting out sugar, gluten and sometimes even dairy can help. I followed a similar diet for 2-3 months before conceiving, it didn’t work out by considering I had been trying since July 2019 the timing was bang on for it. Are you already taking supplements?

I paid for a scan. The doctor was able to tell me unofficially that she could see a good egg count (I'd not booked that in-depth a scan but she'd been able to see anyway), that my lining was good and even and that she could see any of the type of tube blockages which would show on a scan (they can only see some types of blockages). For me, they did find some fibroids, one of which is submucosal so needs removing. Anything like that, ask them to write what it is and the size on the report.

Good luck. Mine was reassuring, even though it means I need another treatment

How did you get on?