Expert Pelvic Scan in London

Shortly after the ultrasound scan is performed, you will receive an email containing your detailed ultrasound report including the images for your referring consultant to review and advise. We can send a copy of your ultrasound report to your referring consultant upon request so that they can receive your results as early as possible. It is possible to share video-clips of your ultrasound scan with you and your consultant if requested in advance.

Transvaginal Ultrasound, also known as internal or endovaginal ultrasound scan, is a safe technique which is routinely performed in Gynaecology to assess the female reproductive organs. This technique is also beneficial in early pregnancy ultrasound examination. There is no risk or harm caused by performing transvaginal ultrasound scan. This is a crucial scan as it provides your clinician with a detailed view of the reproductive organs ensuring the best possible outcome.

The scan is performed using a transvaginal transducer cleaned by using safe and approved medical disinfectant. The transducer is covered with a non-latex probe cover and sterilised gel. The transducer will be inserted into the vagina by your performing operator. There is a need to move the transducer side to side and up and down to obtain satisfactory images. 

The procedure is safe and not painful. Please let the clinician know if you are experiencing any discomfort.

Yes, ultrasound is considered safe for medical examinations. Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the inside of the body, and it does not use ionising radiation, making it a safe and non-invasive option for many diagnostic tests.

Ultrasound has been widely used in medical practice for several decades and has a well-established safety record. There is no evidence that ultrasound causes any long-term harm to the body.

We will be able to accommodate a large variety of blood test which your referring clinic may as for. For example, a common blood test required in preparation for a fertility treatment is the AMH test, to test the level of anti-müllerian hormone in your blood. 

AMH, and many other tests can be done during the same appointment for an additional fee. Visit the link below to find out more about our blood tests. 

The best time to do a follicle tracking scan depends on the purpose of the scan.

If you are undergoing fertility treatment, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), the timing of the scan will depend on your treatment protocol and the medication you are taking. Typically, follicle tracking scans are done starting around day 10-12 of your menstrual cycle and repeated every few days until ovulation is confirmed. This allows your doctor to monitor the growth of follicles in your ovaries and determine the best time for egg retrieval.

If you are using follicle tracking to monitor your menstrual cycle or to track ovulation, the best time to do the scan is around day 12-14 of your cycle. This is when the follicles are typically the largest, and ovulation is most likely to occur in the next 24-48 hours.

Ultimately, the timing of your follicle tracking scan should be determined in consultation with your healthcare provider, who can provide guidance based on your individual circumstances and goals.

Yes, ultrasound is generally considered safe for medical examinations. Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the inside of the body, and it does not use ionizing radiation, making it a safe and non-invasive option for many diagnostic tests.

Ultrasound has been widely used in medical practice for several decades and has a well-established safety record. There is no evidence that ultrasound causes any long-term harm to the body.

A pelvic scan is a non-invasive procedure and is generally not painful. During the procedure, a sonographer will insert a small transvaginal ultrasound probe into the vagina to produce images of the ovaries. You may feel some mild discomfort or pressure during this part of the exam, but it should not be painful.

In some cases, you may experience mild cramping or discomfort during the exam, particularly if you have a full bladder. This can happen because a full bladder can push on the uterus, causing discomfort. However, this is usually temporary and subsides once the exam is complete.

If you experience pain during the procedure, it’s important to let the sonographer know right away so they can adjust the procedure or take other steps to minimize your discomfort. In rare cases, women with certain medical conditions or sensitivities may experience more discomfort during the exam, but this is not the norm.

At London Pregnancy Clinic, we are specialists in fertility and reproductive medicine. For a more round picture of your fertility profile, our gynaecologists could recommend other examinations such as AMH test, or our full fertility health assessment package.

The number of follicles in a woman is primarily determined by genetics and age, and can be influenced by certain medical conditions and lifestyle factors.

1. Genetics: The number of follicles a woman has is largely determined by her genetic makeup. Women are born with a finite number of follicles, and this number declines over time as follicles are released during ovulation.

2. Age: As women age, the number of follicles in their ovaries naturally decreases. This is because the pool of follicles a woman has at birth is gradually depleted over time. By the time a woman reaches her mid-30s, the number of follicles in her ovaries has typically declined significantly.

3. Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can affect the number of follicles in a woman’s ovaries. Women with PCOS may have a larger number of small follicles in their ovaries, which can affect ovulation and fertility.

4. Lifestyle factors: Lifestyle factors such as smoking, obesity, and exposure to environmental toxins can also affect the number of follicles in a woman’s ovaries. For example, smoking has been linked to decreased ovarian reserve and early menopause.

It’s worth noting that the number of follicles present does not necessarily correlate with fertility or the ability to conceive. Other factors, such as the quality of the eggs and the health of the uterus, also play a role in fertility.

Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas or myomas, are noncancerous growths that develop in or on the muscular walls of the uterus. They vary greatly in size, from tiny growths that are almost undetectable to large masses that can distort and enlarge the uterus. A woman may have a single fibroid or multiple ones.

While fibroids are common, their cause is not clearly understood. It’s believed that multiple factors, such as hormones and genetics, may influence their development. For instance, the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which stimulate the development of the uterine lining during each menstrual cycle, appear to promote the growth of fibroids.

Many women with fibroids don’t have any symptoms. However, those who do may experience symptoms such as heavy or prolonged menstrual periods, abnormal bleeding between periods, pelvic pain or pressure, frequent urination, difficulty emptying the bladder, constipation, or backache or leg pains.

The treatment for uterine fibroids varies depending on their size, location, the severity of symptoms, and whether or not a woman wants to become pregnant in the future. Treatment options can range from watchful waiting (if the fibroids aren’t causing any significant problems) to medication, non-invasive or minimally invasive procedures, or traditional surgical procedures. It’s important to discuss all treatment options with a healthcare provider to make the best decision for individual health needs.

An endometrial polyp, often simply referred to as a uterine polyp, is a tissue growth that develops on the inner lining of the uterus, known as the endometrium. These polyps can range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters. Typically benign, or noncancerous, endometrial polyps can occasionally become precancerous or cancerous. Symptoms may include irregular menstrual bleeding, bleeding between periods, excessively heavy or long periods, and postmenopausal bleeding. Though they can occur in women of any age, they’re more common during or after menopause. An endometrial polyp can be accurately diagnosed using procedures like hysteroscopy, ultrasound, or a hysterosonography. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of uterine polyps are essential in maintaining optimal female reproductive health.

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac or pocket that develops in or on an ovary, a part of a woman’s reproductive system. Most ovarian cysts are harmless, often forming during the menstrual cycle, known as functional cysts, and typically disappearing on their own without treatment. However, some cysts can grow large, cause discomfort, and potentially lead to serious complications, such as ovarian torsion or rupture, which requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an ovarian cyst can include bloating, abdominal pain, changes in menstrual patterns, or pain during intercourse. Early detection via pelvic examinations and ultrasounds is key to managing ovarian cysts and maintaining optimal reproductive health. Various treatment options, ranging from watchful waiting to surgical removal, are available depending on the size and type of the cyst, symptoms, and the woman’s age.

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common, often distressing condition where a woman’s pelvic organs – such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum – descend into or protrude out of the vagina due to weakened or stretched pelvic floor muscles and ligaments. Factors contributing to pelvic prolapse can include childbirth, menopause, aging, chronic constipation, and heavy lifting. Symptoms vary but can encompass a feeling of pressure or fullness in the pelvic area, discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse, urinary or bowel issues, and visible bulging from the vagina. While not life-threatening, pelvic organ prolapse can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life. Various treatments are available, ranging from pelvic floor exercises and pessary devices to surgical intervention, ensuring tailored management for each individual’s needs. Early diagnosis, achievable through routine gynecological exams, can aid in managing symptoms and potentially prevent progression.

Endometriosis is a prevalent and often painful disorder where tissue similar to the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, grows outside the uterine cavity, typically affecting the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the tissue lining the pelvis. This misplaced tissue continues to act as it would inside the uterus – thickening, breaking down, and bleeding with each menstrual cycle. With no exit path for this displaced tissue, it becomes trapped, leading to symptoms like pelvic pain, heavy periods, and potential fertility issues. Though a challenging condition to diagnose due to its wide array of symptoms, methods such as pelvic exams, ultrasounds, or laparoscopy can help confirm endometriosis. Treatment options vary from hormonal therapies and pain management to surgical intervention. Understanding endometriosis is crucial to improving the quality of life for many women of reproductive age worldwide.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age, characterised by prolonged or infrequent menstrual periods and higher levels of male hormones (androgens). Women with PCOS may develop numerous small collections of fluid (follicles) in their ovaries, potentially leading to failure in regularly releasing eggs. Symptoms can include menstrual irregularities, excess hair growth, acne, weight gain, and difficulties with fertility. While the exact cause remains unknown, factors like insulin resistance and inflammation appear to play key roles. Early diagnosis through ultrasound imaging and blood tests can aid in managing symptoms and preventing long-term health issues, like type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Treatment strategies for PCOS often focus on lifestyle modifications, hormonal therapies, and fertility treatments, as needed. Raising awareness about PCOS is crucial to ensure early detection and improved health outcomes for affected women.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) is an infection of a woman’s reproductive organs, typically caused by sexually transmitted bacteria. It often affects the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, causing inflammation and potential fertility complications. Early symptoms can be subtle, but can escalate to pelvic pain, fever, irregular menstrual bleeding, and painful urination. If left untreated, PID can lead to long-term problems like chronic pelvic pain, ectopic pregnancy, and infertility. PID is often preventable through safe sexual practices and regular screenings for sexually transmitted infections. Early detection through clinical examinations and tests is crucial for effective treatment, which typically involves antibiotics. Understanding and spreading awareness about Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is essential in promoting women’s reproductive health and preventing serious complications.