Infertility Ultrasound Screening
Infertility Ultrasound Screening
Essential information
An infertility ultrasound screening assesses the uterus, ovaries, endometrium, and surrounding pelvic structures to identify conditions that may contribute to difficulty conceiving.
This scan can detect structural abnormalities such as fibroids, ovarian cysts, polycystic ovaries, endometrial changes, and other factors that may affect fertility.
Ultrasound is often one of the first investigations arranged during fertility assessment. It provides real-time information about ovarian appearance, uterine structure, and the lining of the womb. However, infertility usually requires a combination of tests, and an ultrasound is only one part of a wider evaluation. You should speak to your doctor to ensure that any further investigations or referrals are arranged.
Why should I choose MedicalUltrasound.co.uk for my infertility ultrasound screening?
- Experienced Sonographer Led Fertility Imaging
Your infertility ultrasound screening is performed by an experienced Sonographer with expertise in pelvic and gynaecological imaging, ensuring accurate assessment of fertility-related structures. - Focused Fertility Assessment
The scan is specifically designed to assess the uterus, ovaries, endometrium, and surrounding pelvic structures to identify structural factors that may contribute to difficulty conceiving. - High Quality Transabdominal and Transvaginal Imaging
We use modern ultrasound technology to provide clear, real-time images. Where clinically appropriate and only with your consent, transvaginal imaging may be used to obtain greater detail of the ovaries and womb lining. - Safe, Non-Invasive and Radiation-Free Investigation
Infertility ultrasound screening does not use radiation and is suitable for repeat assessment as part of ongoing fertility investigations. - Clear Clinical Reporting for Fertility Pathways
A signed clinical report is produced following your scan and shared with your GP or fertility specialist to support further investigations, treatment planning, or onward referral.
Medical Ultrasound provides structured fertility-focused imaging that supports accurate assessment within your wider fertility care pathway.
How long is the appointment?
The appointment usually takes around 20 minutes to complete.
How much does it cost?
The cost of this scan is £95.
You can combine this scan with any other scan for an additional £60
Some scans, such as musculoskeletal or vascular imaging, may not be combinable due to specialist requirements.
When should you get an Infertility Ultrasound Screening?
You may be advised to have this scan if you are experiencing difficulty conceiving or if your GP or specialist has recommended a fertility assessment. The scan helps identify structural causes that may contribute to infertility.
An infertility ultrasound screening may be appropriate if you have
- Difficulty conceiving
- Irregular, absent, or heavy periods
- Symptoms suggestive of ovarian cysts or PCOS
- Known fibroids or suspected fibroids
- Previous pelvic infection or inflammation
- A history of endometriosis
- Pain during intercourse
- Abnormal hormonal or fertility blood tests
- A request from your GP or fertility specialist
- Follow up after previous fertility imaging
This scan is commonly used because it is safe, quick, and provides valuable information without radiation.
How should you prepare for the scan?
You will be asked to attend with a full bladder. Please drink around 2 pints of water before your appointment unless instructed otherwise.
A full bladder helps improve the visibility of the uterus and ovaries. You will be given specific instructions when you book your appointment so that the correct preparation is followed.
What will you experience during the examination?
The examination will be carried out by a qualified Sonographer. The procedure is non-invasive and painless. Warm gel will be applied to the lower abdomen, and a small transducer will be moved across the skin to obtain detailed images of the uterus, ovaries, and pelvic structures.
If clinically appropriate and only with your consent, a transvaginal scan may be suggested for clearer detail of the ovaries and womb lining. This is not always necessary.
You are welcome to ask questions during the examination.
When do you get the results?
We will send a signed report of our findings to your doctor. You should then arrange an appointment with your GP or fertility specialist, who will explain the results to you.
Your doctor will interpret the findings alongside your medical history, hormonal tests, and any further investigations needed for fertility assessment.
Infertility Screening FAQs
At MedicalUltrasound.co.uk, diagnostic accuracy, clinical clarity, and patient reassurance are central to every examination. This FAQ guide covers the most common questions about infertility ultrasound screening, including when it is recommended, what structures are assessed, how the scan fits into fertility investigations, and what happens after your appointment.
The information explains how infertility ultrasound screening is used to assess the uterus, ovaries, endometrial lining, and surrounding pelvic structures to identify structural or anatomical factors that may affect fertility. It outlines the role of ultrasound in evaluating ovarian appearance, uterine shape, fibroids, cysts, and endometrial thickness, alongside other fertility investigations such as blood tests or specialist review.
Each question is presented in two parts.
A Short answer for quick reference
An In-depth answer to provide a clinical explanation and context
Whether you are at an early stage of fertility assessment or have been referred by your GP or fertility specialist, this guide is designed to help you understand the purpose of infertility ultrasound screening, what to expect during the examination, and how the results support further investigation or treatment planning, delivered by experienced diagnostic Sonographers.
What is infertility ultrasound screening?
It is an ultrasound scan used to assess reproductive organs linked to fertility.
Infertility ultrasound screening is a diagnostic imaging test that assesses the uterus, ovaries, endometrial lining, and surrounding pelvic structures. It helps identify structural or anatomical factors that may affect the ability to conceive, such as ovarian cysts, fibroids, uterine shape abnormalities, or endometrial thickness. The scan forms an important part of fertility assessment alongside blood tests and clinical evaluation.
What does an infertility ultrasound scan check?
It evaluates the uterus, ovaries, and womb lining.
An infertility ultrasound examines ovarian appearance and volume, uterine shape, fibroids, cysts, and endometrial thickness. It may also assess follicle development depending on timing. These findings help determine whether structural issues could be affecting fertility and guide further investigations or referral to fertility specialists where appropriate.
Can an infertility ultrasound detect problems with ovulation?
It can provide indirect information related to ovulation.
While ultrasound does not directly confirm ovulation, it can assess ovarian structure, follicle development, and features associated with ovulatory disorders. Findings such as polycystic ovarian morphology or absence of developing follicles may suggest ovulation issues when interpreted alongside hormone blood tests and menstrual history.
Can an infertility ultrasound detect blocked fallopian tubes?
No. It cannot directly confirm tubal blockage.
A standard infertility ultrasound does not assess fallopian tube patency. However, it may detect indirect signs such as fluid-filled tubes or pelvic abnormalities. Tests such as hysterosalpingography or specialist procedures are required to assess whether the fallopian tubes are open. Your GP or fertility specialist will advise if these tests are needed.
Is a transvaginal scan required for infertility screening?
Often yes, but only with your consent.
Transvaginal ultrasound provides clearer images of the ovaries and endometrium and is commonly recommended for infertility assessment. It allows more accurate measurement of follicle size and the womb lining. The scan is optional and performed only with informed consent. If declined, a transabdominal scan may still provide useful information.
Can an infertility ultrasound detect polycystic ovaries?
Yes. It can identify features associated with PCOS.
An infertility ultrasound can show ovarian features consistent with polycystic ovary syndrome, such as increased follicle number and enlarged ovarian volume. These findings support a diagnosis when combined with symptoms and hormonal blood tests. Ultrasound alone does not diagnose PCOS but provides valuable structural evidence.
When is the best time in my cycle to have an infertility ultrasound?
Timing depends on the purpose of the scan
For general infertility screening, scans are often performed early in the menstrual cycle. For follicle tracking or endometrial assessment, timing may differ. Your GP or fertility specialist will advise the most appropriate timing based on what information is needed and your menstrual cycle pattern.
Can an infertility ultrasound explain difficulty conceiving?
It can identify structural factors that may contribute.
An infertility ultrasound helps identify anatomical issues such as fibroids, ovarian cysts, uterine abnormalities, or thin endometrium that may affect conception. However, fertility is influenced by many factors, including hormones and sperm health. Ultrasound findings are interpreted alongside other investigations to guide further assessment.
Will medication affect infertility ultrasound results?
Some medications may influence ovarian or endometrial appearance.
Hormonal treatments, fertility medications, or contraceptives can affect how the ovaries and womb lining appear on an ultrasound. These effects are expected and taken into account during interpretation. Your GP or fertility specialist will review the scan findings alongside your medication history and blood test results.
Will the Sonographer tell me the results during the scan?
Results are provided in a formal written report.
The Sonographer may explain what they are assessing during the scan, but they do not usually provide a diagnosis. A signed ultrasound report is sent to your GP or fertility specialist, who will discuss the findings and advise on next steps within your fertility pathway.
How accurate is infertility ultrasound screening?
It is highly accurate for assessing reproductive anatomy.
Infertility ultrasound is very reliable for evaluating the structure of the uterus and ovaries. It accurately detects fibroids, cysts, endometrial thickness, and ovarian morphology. While it cannot assess all causes of infertility, it provides essential structural information that supports further investigations and treatment planning.
Can an infertility ultrasound detect uterine abnormalities?
Yes. It can identify structural abnormalities of the womb.
Ultrasound can detect uterine shape abnormalities, fibroids, and changes to the endometrial lining. These findings may affect implantation or pregnancy maintenance. Identifying such abnormalities helps guide referral to gynaecology or fertility specialists for further assessment or treatment.
Is an infertility ultrasound painful?
No. It is usually well tolerated.
A transabdominal infertility ultrasound is painless. A transvaginal scan may cause mild pressure but should not be painful. The Sonographer performs the scan gently and explains each step. You can ask to pause or stop the examination at any time.
How long does an infertility ultrasound take?
Most scans take around 20 to 30 minutes.
The duration depends on whether both transabdominal and transvaginal imaging are required and how detailed the assessment needs to be. The scan is performed in real time and does not require recovery afterwards.
Can an infertility ultrasound be repeated safely?
Yes. It is safe for repeated use.
Infertility ultrasound does not involve radiation and can be repeated as part of ongoing fertility assessment or monitoring. This makes it suitable for follow up scans during fertility treatment or when symptoms change.
Can an infertility ultrasound assess egg reserve?
It can provide indirect information about ovarian reserve.
Ultrasound can assess ovarian volume and antral follicle count, which may provide insight into ovarian reserve. These findings are interpreted alongside hormone blood tests such as AMH. Ultrasound alone does not determine egg quality but contributes to overall fertility assessment.
Can an infertility ultrasound detect endometriosis?
It may detect some features, but cannot rule them out.
Ultrasound can identify ovarian endometriomas and some secondary signs of endometriosis. However, many forms of endometriosis are not visible on ultrasound. A normal scan does not exclude the condition, and further specialist assessment may be required if symptoms persist.
Do I need a referral for infertility ultrasound screening?
A referral is helpful but not always required privately.
Ultrasound can identify ovarian endometriomas and some secondary signs of endometriosis. However, many forms of endometriosis are not visible on ultrasound. A normal scan does not exclude the condition, and further specialist assessment may be required if symptoms persist.
Do I need a referral for infertility ultrasound screening?
A referral is helpful but not always required privately.
An infertility ultrasound is often requested by a GP or fertility specialist, but private scans may also be booked directly. Results should always be shared with your GP or specialist to ensure appropriate follow-up and integration into your fertility care plan.
Can an infertility ultrasound detect pregnancy?
It may detect a very early pregnancy depending on timing.
Infertility ultrasound can sometimes identify early pregnancy structures, but very early pregnancies may not yet be visible. Dedicated early pregnancy scans may be more appropriate if pregnancy is suspected. Your GP will advise on the correct imaging pathway.
What happens if my infertility ultrasound is normal?
A normal scan is reassuring but does not rule out all causes.
A normal infertility ultrasound rules out many structural causes of infertility. However, fertility issues may still be related to hormonal, genetic, or male factor causes. Your GP or fertility specialist may recommend blood tests, semen analysis, or further investigations based on your overall assessment.
To book, call: 0141 221 2496 or email[email protected]
To book, call: 0141 221 2496 or email[email protected]
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