Ultrasound (Ultrasonography - USG)

One of the most important steps at the first visit is the vaginal ultrasound examination that we would like to perform especially on the third day of your menstrual cycle. Vaginal ultrasound is preferred to abdominal ultrasound examination because it allows for a much better quality visualization. Vaginal ultrasound does not pose any harm and takes approximately 10 minutes. The purpose of the ultrasonographic examination of women at baseline is to evaluate the ovarian reserve that naturally diminish especially with advancing age. The vaginal ultrasound examination is an important step because it is the most critical parameter to the determine the treatment plans.

The transvaginal ultrasonography examination findings that we pay attention to on the 3rd to 5th days of the menstrual cycle are as follows: 

The appearance and dimensions of the uterus and the thickness of the internal lining of the uterus:

During this procedure, the uterus is examined to check for any anomalies in its appearance (double uterus, polyps, intrauterine adhesions, fibroids, and the presence of an intrauterine septum that is an extra wedge of tissue known as the septum that hangs from the top inside the uterus).

Examination of the tubes:

The tubes are examined for detecting enlargement (hydrosalpinx) or injuries.

Examination of the ovaries: 

The ovaries are examined for their structure and size, the number of antral follicles in them, their location in relation to the uterus, and whether there are cysts in them. The number of antral follicles (follicles with diameters the range of 2-5 mm) in ovaries determine the ovarian reserve.  While determining the ovarian reserve, the ovaries are carefully examined for the presence of any potential intraovarian cysts.

What Does an Ultrasonographic Examination Inform Us About?