USG and Ovulation Study

What is a transvaginal USG?USG can also be done transvaginally with a specifically designed probe called the vaginal transducer. Transvaginal imaging utilizes a higher frequency imaging, which gives better resolution of the ovaries, uterus and endometrium (the fallopian tubes are generally not seen unless distended), but is limited to depth of image penetration, whereas larger lesions reaching into the abdomen are better seen transabdominally. The procedure is regarded as not painful and non invasive. Scans are performed by health care professionals called sonographers, or gynecologists trained in ultrasound.

Why are ultrasounds (or sonography) done?

Gynecologic sonography is used extensively:

• to assess pelvic organs,

• to diagnose and manage gynecologic problems including endometriosis,

• leiomyoma, adenomyosis, ovarian cysts and lesions,

• to identify adnexal masses, including ectopic pregnancy,

• to diagnose gynecologic cancer

• in infertility treatments to track the response of ovarian follicles to fertility medication

• Through transvaginal sonography ovarian cysts can be aspirated. This

• technique is also used in transvaginal oocyte retrieval to obtain

• human eggs (oocytes) through sonographic directed transvaginal

• puncture of ovarian follicles in IVF.

What is sonohysterography?

Sonohysterography is a specialized procedure by which fluid, usually sterile saline, is installed into the uterine cavity, and gynecologic sonography performed at the same time. The procedure delineates intrauterine pathology such as polyps, Asherman's syndrome, uterine malformations or submucous leiomyoma.

Is there any risk in getting ultrasounds done regularly ?

As currently applied in the medical field, properly performed ultrasound poses no known risks to the patient. Sonography is generally described as a "safe test" because it does not use mutagenic ionizing radiation, which can pose hazards such as chromosome breakage and cancer development

What is Folliculometry?

Folliculometry is a series of Ultrasounds done to determine how eggs (follicles)

are growing in the ovaries. Folliculometry is normally done with transvaginal ultrasound. It is started on day 2 or 3 of periods with a baseline ultrasound to see the baseline status of the ovaries prior to starting stimulation of the ovaries for IUI or IVF. Then a series of USG's are

done every few days to monitor the growth of the eggs. Folliculometry ends around day 12 to day 17 with the documentationn of ovulation. This is an entirely painless procedure.

Emails to Dr. Richa Katiyar

Dear Mam,

I wanted to discuss about my sister, she has been trying to conceive since 8 months without any success. She has consulted a gynae in Kanpur who prescribed her clomiphene (50mg) in her first cycle and 100mg in her second cycle followed by folliculometry but she wasn't able to conceive. With clomiphene the egg reached the size of 19 mm and endometrium was 11 mm on her 18th day

Her cycles are regular (31 days).

She recently consulted a gynae in Noida who has prescribed her Duphaston (10mg)for 2 months and has assured her 100% conception within 2 months. I was skeptical about the line of treatment and wanted your suggestion on the same.

She has been married since 1 yr & 5 months.

Regards

Preeti

Dear Preeti,

I need to know if the following tests have been done and are normal:

HSG (tube test)

Husbands semen analysis

S. TSH

AMH (anti muellerian hormone)

Best regards,

Dr Richa Katiyar