Gynaecology and Early Pregnancy Scan

Ultrasound Scan Examination - What does this mean?

The pelvic organs abdominal and pelvic structures can be examined in detail.

Why Ultrasound Scan?

• Pregnancy
• Infertility investigation
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Causes of pelvic pain
• Ovarian cyst
• Pelvic adhesion (scar tissue)
• Endometriosis
• PID
• Ectopic pregnancy

How is it performed?

In abdominal scan to be able to view the pelvic structures in detail there may be the need to have a full bladder.

The trans-vaginal approach does not need a full bladder and the details are clearer because the probe is closer to the pelvic structures where the need is for a pelvic scan.

Infertility

Type

Primary infertility is where the individual has never achieved a pregnancy despite unprotected regular (average – twice weekly) sexual intercourse for over 12 months.

Secondary infertility is where the individual has achieved a pregnancy in the past.

Causes

• Undiagnosed (Unexplained) – no cause found on investigation.
• Male factors
• Tubal damage
• Anovulation
• Endometriosis
• Others e.g. - age related (female)

Investigations

• Baseline Hormonal tests for the woman.
• Swab test to exclude infection.
• Hysterosalpingogram or Laparoscopic dye test to see if the tubes are open.
• Hysteroscopy to look inside the womb may be performed.
• Scan – (trans-vaginal or abdominal) as a base line or to monitor the menstrual cycle and ovulation.

Treatment

Follow Up