What Is The Purpose Of An IVF Ultrasound?

IVF ultrasounds are very important for patients that are starting a family or for those that have infertility. They provide crucial information about the body and the organs used in fertility. The ultrasounds examine the organs involved in reproduction, including the vagina and the ovaries. If there are any problems, such a test can assist with diagnosis.

Conditions That Require Stages Of IVF Treatments And Ultrasound

Patients may have more than one reason to undergo these ultrasounds. They can include pregnancy, fertility preservation, and in vitro fertilization.

Pregnancy

An ultrasound monitors the fetus and the parent’s condition during pregnancy. Sometimes a physician may order blood tests or an amniocentesis, especially in older parents. That way, a doctor can make recommendations on a diet or medicinal changes or administer treatment to solve a problem proactively.

MId to late pregnancies require abdominal ultrasounds. Usually, the patient has the abdominal area covered with ultrasound gel before the transducer sends waves through the organ tissue. Some exams can even take images of the sonogram, showing the fetus’s growth over time. These images can prove sentimental for the patient and crucial for the physician.

Infertility

Infertility is a serious issue, sometimes caused by either organ trauma, genetics, or chronic conditions. Endometriosis, for example, can cause polyps or cysts, and doctors can only diagnose it after an ultrasound on the patient. A scan will reveal large clumps of tissue in the vagina,

Usually, a fertility specialist will conduct a transvaginal ultrasound to check for any issues. The doctor will cover the transducer with rubber to protect the patient and lubricate it with gel before inserting it. Ideally, this process will minimize any discomfort or trauma for the patient, lasting fifteen minutes at most.

In some cases, a patient will need a laparoscopy. This surgery will remove endometrial tissue and cysts that, if not causing infertility, can also cause chronic pain for the patient.

In Vitro Fertility Treatments

Doctors will also use ultrasounds to monitor in vitro fertilization or IVF for patients that have chosen embryo transfer. The machines will guide a needle through the vagina to the ovaries. They look to ensure that the endometrial lining is thick and can support a fetus while also checking on follicular development.

Why is this treatment necessary? Patients may choose to freeze their eggs or use a donor. A donor egg may not always transplant into the vagina and develop over time. That’s why monitoring is crucial to see if medical intervention is necessary.

Upgrade Your Fertility Center With National Ultrasound

National Ultrasound is one of the top retailers for baseline ultrasound machines and specialized ones. We sell the newest equipment, technological advances, and refurbished models. In some cases, you can get a great deal on portable options. Older machines can fit your budget while providing the same quality of care.
To find out more about improving your IVF process, please reach out to us today. When your patients need more assistance with their pregnancy tests and follicular development, National Ultrasound is here and ready to help.