A vaginal ultrasound provides valuable fertility information
A vaginal ultrasound is an important and commonly used test to understand a woman’s unique anatomy, uncover causes of infertility, and guide successful treatment strategies. Dr. Andrew Levi orders this non-invasive fertility ultrasound for Connecticut fertility patients.
Distance matters with transvaginal ultrasound technology. The primary advantage of this testing compared with an abdominal ultrasound is that closer proximity produces better-quality images of the female reproductive organs. A closer view of the uterus, ovaries and surrounding anatomy can pinpoint reasons why a woman might have difficulty conceiving. Or, for women already undergoing fertility treatment at Park Avenue Fertility and Reproductive Medicine, this imaging can help Andrew Levi MD monitor and best deliver customized care.
What can I expect with a vaginal ultrasound?
A transvaginal ultrasound is a simple, yet essential baseline test for Park Avenue Fertility patients struggling with infertility. This imaging is typically scheduled early in the menstrual cycle, before ovulation. Our medical team will thoroughly answer any questions beforehand, and assure you that it is safe to have this procedure while having your period.
One of the most common questions we hear is, “Does a vaginal ultrasound hurt?” We assure our Connecticut fertility patients that this procedure is typically painless. After undressing from the waist down, a thin ultrasound probe is gently inserted into the vagina. Sound waves are then used to create detailed images of the pelvic organs.
This testing is conveniently located on-site at Park Avenue Fertility and only takes about 15 minutes. In this short time, Dr. Levi can evaluate several important factors that can play a role in infertility.
- Size and shape of the uterus and ovaries
- Any irregular growths, such as cysts or masses on the ovaries, or fibroids or polyps in the uterus
- Appearance and thickness of the uterine lining
- Measurements of the volume and follicle count in the ovaries
Fertility ultrasounds guide customized care
Many patients benefit from vaginal ultrasounds. As an initial test, fertility ultrasounds can detect causes of infertility and detect abnormalities that might complicate getting pregnant or lead to miscarriage. Understanding this information early in the fertility journey can save valuable time and expense, and eliminate unnecessary treatment.
Vaginal ultrasounds also play an important role for Connecticut fertility patients undergoing fertility treatment. Follicular ultrasounds are a type of transvaginal ultrasound that track the growth of ovarian follicles, the fluid-filled sacs housing immature eggs.
Dr. Levi relies on these scans to closely monitor patients during IVF and intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles. These images can gauge the ovarian response to fertility medication, guide egg retrieval, and monitor embryo transfer. For women undergoing IUI, this fertility ultrasound can determine when the patient is ovulating and enhance the chances of successful conception.
Our Park Avenue Fertility and Reproductive Medicine team supports the unique fertility journeys of Connecticut fertility patients. Contact us with questions about how we rely on transvaginal ultrasounds to individualize care and make family-building dreams a reality.
