Follicle Tracking Scan

Your GP, Consultant or IVF Clinic Fertility Specialist may recommend a follicle tracking scan to assist with conceiving a baby. They may request for you to book this ultrasound scan to:

• Determine when you are ovulating so you can time your sexual activity to maximise the chances of conceiving naturally
• Ensure that your eggs are maturing and being released for fertilisation to exclude gynaecological conditions which can affect fertility
• Determine the baseline antral follicle count (AFC) to help plan IVF treatment
• Ensure that your medication is working if you’re having fertility treatment to stimulate ovulation
• Determine when your eggs are ready to be collected for IVF treatment
• Ensure that your eggs are maturing and being released for fertilisation to exclude gynaecological conditions which can affect fertility

Your GP, Consultant or IVF clinic will calculate when your follicle tracking scan should be timed according to your menstrual cycle. This will determine when you are most likely to be ovulating.

• For natural cycles referrers often request the first follicle tracking scan to be performed on the 9th day of your menstrual cycle. Day 1 is the first day of your last period.
• You may need an earlier or later scan depending on the length and regularity of your usual cycle, your referrer will determine when the best day to start tracking your follicles.
• The follicular growth pattern will be assessed by your referrer, who may recommend further scans performed at 1-2 day intervals to track the follicles as they develop.
• Doctors often request three follicle tracking scans in a single cycle so that they can watch the follicle as it matures
• For those having IVF treatment your fertility specialist often requests a baseline follicle tracking scan at day 2-4 of your cycle. They will then plan your ovarian follicular stimulation based on these findings and start stimulating your ovaries with medication. 

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.

• You should empty your bladder just before the Follicle tracking scan, this prevents discomfort and ensures your uterus and ovaries are in the most optimal position to perform the scan.
• You’ll need to remove the clothes from waist downwards, including your under garments. Our sonographer will give you privacy whilst you prepare. A large hygienic tissue sheet will be provided to cover your modesty.
• If you’re undergoing fertility treatment you may need to take medication to stimulate ovulation. Your fertility doctor can advise you about this.

The main purpose of the follicle tracking scan is to ensure that you are ovulating and producing eggs. The scan will reveal the growing follicles within your ovaries. Follicles are the small, fluid filled sacs that should each contain an egg. During each menstrual cycle, one or more of your follicles should mature and release an egg so that it can be fertilised. If you’re undergoing fertility treatment, you may be taking medication to stimulate your ovaries so that more eggs are released. Our sonographers will also assess the endometrial lining, to ensure that this is also well prepared for either conception or IVF transfer.

During the Follicle Tracking Scan, we will be able to see the individual growing follicles on your ovaries so we can:

• Find out when you will be ovulating and ready to conceive or have your eggs collected
• Measure and track any active follicles to ensure they’re developing as expected
• Check your uterus and ovaries for problems such as fibroids, polyps or cysts
• Uterus – measurements with position/malformation/myometrium descriptions.
• Endometrial Lining Thickness view with measurements, assessing the triple layer or trilaminar appearance
• 3D views of endometrial lining, ovaries and follicles where appropriate.

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.

We can easily arrange an appointment at a time that is convenient for you. As well as our usual weekday appointments, we can also provide early morning, evening or weekend ultrasound scan appointments. All gynaecological transvaginal ultrasound scans are performed by our female specialist sonographers. 

You will need to arrange the appointment at the correct stage of your menstrual cycle. The first day that your period starts is referred to as Day1 of the menstrual cycle, this is the date of your Last Menstrual Period (LMP). Your referring specialist will be able to tell you when to arrange your follicle tracking scans.

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 Follicle Tracking Scan ultrasound scan report with images. We use the latest Viewpoint 6 Reporting technology. This can easily be shared with your GP, fertility specialist or other doctor. The ultrasound report and images can be sent electronically immediately 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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