Endometrial Lining Scan

• If you are having IVF treatment, your IVF Fertility Doctor recommends the Endometrial Lining Scan to determine the optimum time for IVF embryo transfer to take place. Your Doctor may be stimulating your endometrial cavity with medication.
• If you are hoping to get pregnant naturally, your GP, Consultant or Fertility specialist can use an Endometrial Lining Scan to determine when you are ready to conceive. However, this is not necessary for most couples as it is usually possible to estimate the time of ovulation from your menstrual cycle.

Your referrer will recommend the best stage of your menstrual cycle depending on your fertility pathway. At the start of the menstrual cycle, IVF specialists often recommend a baseline endometrial lining scan to assess and measure the endometrial lining prior to starting medication to stimulate. Your specialist may then wish to monitor how well your endometrial lining is responding to the stimulation, with endometrial lining scans every few days. When the endometrial cavity has reached an optimal thickness and structure, your specialist will be ready to organise your embryo transfer.
 

• You should empty your bladder before having a transvaginal ultrasound scan to make it more comfortable for yourself.
•  You can have a transvaginal ultrasound scan when you’re having your period, if you are using a tampon you should remove this prior to the examination.
•  You’ll need to remove the lower half of your clothing before the transvaginal ultrasound scan. You will be given privacy and a hygienic tissue cover to protect your modesty.
•  If you are undergoing fertility treatment, you should follow your doctor’s recommendations including taking any medication to stimulate ovulation or prepare the endometrial lining.

Gynaecological ultrasound and some early pregnancy ultrasound scans are routinely performed using a transvaginal probe technique. This technique is used to view the pelvic anatomy optimally, as the ultrasound probe can transmit safe ultrasound waves more directly to the pelvic area. 
There is no clinical risk associated with performing a transvaginal ultrasound scan. Transvaginal ultrasound scans can safely be performed during menstruation and episodes of vaginal bleeding. 

It is important that you understand the procedure that is associated with this examination.

• The ultrasound transducer will be placed in the vagina (the probe is prepared using high grade medical disinfectant)
• The transducer will be introduced with a non latex type covering and sterile ultrasound gel.
• It will be necessary to move the transducer from side to side, up and down and may be swivelled to obtain ultrasound images of your pelvic anatomy
• If you prefer, you may insert the transducer yourself, otherwise the person conducting the examination will do this.
• A third person may be present during the examination acting as a chaperone, if required by the sonographer or yourself.
• You may request the examination to be stopped at any time during the procedure.

Please note that we use OptiLube lubrication for Transvaginal Ultrasound Scans.This is to meet with governing body guidelines regarding infection control. If you have a preferred lubrication that has been recommended to enhance fertility, please bring it with you on the day. Our Specialist Sonographer will be happy to use your preferred lubrication. It is possible to perform a transvaginal scan with no external gel on the probe cover. You can discuss this with the Sonographer on the day of your appointment.

During the Endometrial Lining Scan we will assess the structure of your womb lining/endometrial lining. We will measure the thickness of the endometrial lining to see if your uterus is prepared for an embryo implantation.

The endometrium responds to the female hormones that control your menstrual cycle. It thickens during the natural cycle as your body prepares for a possible conception. During fertility treatment, you may be given drugs to stimulate the same process. The ultrasound scan will check that the medication is having the right effect and show your doctor when you are ready for the next stage in your treatment.

If your referring clinic or Consultant has requested blood tests on the day of your scan you can book this online. Click here for Blood Test Fees

If you require a quote for multiple blood test types or the type of test you require is not listed, please contact the clinic directly prior to booking. 

Select blood draw £60

Add the type of blood tests/s your require in comments. Our team will inform you of the outstanding fee specific to your specific to your requirements prior to your attendance to the clinic. 

If you are undergoing fertility treatment, your doctor will advise you when to arrange your ultrasound scans.

When you are ready for your Endometrial Lining Scan, you should easily be able to make an appointment at a time that is convenient for you. We offer morning, afternoon and evening appointments during the week, as well as weekend appointments. A surcharge will be applied for evening and weekend appointments. We have a wide range of availability therefore short notice appointments can be easily arranged. We offer same day and next day appointments. Endometrial lining scans are performed by our female specialist sonographers.

Please be aware that if you arrive late for your gynaecology, follicle tracking or endometrial lining scan appointment, it may delay the sonographer’s time allocated to writing your ultrasound report, thus delay your report being sent to your designated clinic. This may impact your treatment. Please help us to prevent such delays by arriving before your appointment time, allowing enough time to empty your bladder or complete any necessary registration forms. 

We will provide a comprehensive ultrasound scan report including ultrasound images, that you will be able to share immediately with your GP, fertility specialist or Consultant doctor. The ultrasound report and images are sent electronically to you and your referrer.

Please note that the Sonographer is responsible for providing a detailed ultrasound report, but is not responsible for the interpretation of ultrasound findings. These findings are to be discussed with your referring physician.

Whilst it is an exciting time, preparing for IVF can be psychologically and emotionally demanding.

The Birth Company have been working alongside Hypnotherapist Ailsa Frank to ease the fertility journey for patients. Hypnotherapy may lower stress and anxiety experienced during fertility treatment.

You can find these hypnotherapy recordings by downloading the 'Feel Amazing' App

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