What to expect at fertility ultrasound?

[shaniahoo]

We've been trying for DD2 for over a year and booked a female MOT privately, including an ultrasound. It's in a few weeks. I have health anxiety and tests of any kind send me into a tailspin. I've gotten myself really worked up now about this ultrasound. A friend of mine had a fertility ultrasound and they found a couple of cysts, and they had to refer her back to the NHS to double check they weren't cancer (they weren't). I've done a bit of googling today and it seems as though they can't necessarily tell different growths apart on an ultrasound, like I've read experiences of people being told there's something there but we have to send you for further tests to see whether it's fibroids/polyps/cancer. I assumed they'd know from the ultrasound? Please don't tell me you have to have additional tests to rule out cancer no matter what they find?!

Do you know what kind of ultrasound youre getting? I had one done recently and i had the choice of an internal or external one. I went for the former and she told me what she could see straight away

Yes same, internal. I had a non-pregnancy internal ultrasound years ago and they didn't find anything that time so I've got no experience of them finding something and knowing or not knowing what it is.

Internal ultrasound images with a modern machine are very clear.

They usually tilt the screen so you can see what they are looking at. They often talk you through it as they go.

To be honest the room is dark and its interesting seeing everything on the screen. I hardly noticed the internal probe at all.

@shaniahoo understood. I went into mine expecting them to know the difference. The nurse was able to tell me i was about to ovulate, she could see the egg ready to go. They should also be able to tell you if you have endometriosis i believe. To be sure perhaps you can ask in advance?

Mine confirmed my PCOS and was able to say how many bunches I had on each side

We can tell the difference between polyps, fibroids and cysts using ultrasound. Sometimes these need to be biopsied for further diagnosis. If you need treatment on the NHS, you will have to be referred for an NHS scan, as the NHS doesn't have access to private images and reports.

We cannot diagnose PCOS with ultrasound alone, it has to be combined with a blood test. Ultrasound cannot diagnose Endometriosis, this can only be done with a laparoscopy.

You usually have an external ultra sound scan first (Vaseline jelly on tummy) with a full bladder so they can see easier through. They usually ask you to drink a certain amount of water an hour or so before appointment. They give option for internal examination too (they let you pee first haha). It’s a probe with camera on the end. It’s not as bad as a smear test by comparison. You almost forget it is there when watching the screen. Cysts are very common for them to find, because every ovulating woman will have one which forms after an egg is released (used to release necessary hormones and nourish any potential embryo I’ve been told, before placenta is formed) there is a scientific word for it but I forget. I had an ultra sound scan recently which found a cyst and I had a follow up 12 weeks later to check on it and it was gone. So don’t fret too much if they find a cyst, they’re quite common and mostly innocent :)

They normally look at the shape and position of your uterus, your ovaries and they might even be able to tell you which ovary you're ovulating from this cycle! They'll also take some measurements. As PPs have said, it's really interesting.

The technician will make you feel comfortable, and they wont begin until you're ready. I had one privately after 3 CPs and they found a polyp (apparently it's not causing issues and is very common).