We know your IVF treatment can be an emotional and complex journey. At Touchstone Medical Imaging, we provide advanced, compassionate ultrasound services to support patients and their providers through the cycle monitoring process.
To help ease concerns during your cycle monitoring ultrasound appointment, we’ve broken down what you can expect before, during, and after your ultrasound appointment.
Before the Appointment:
Your fertility specialist will inform you about any specific preparations required before your ultrasound. Unlike abdominal ultrasounds, a full bladder is typically not necessary for a transvaginal ultrasound.
To ensure a smooth experience, we recommend:
- Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to change out of if necessary.
- Arrive on time or a few minutes early to complete any paperwork.
- Follow any instructions your provider has shared, such as scheduling the appointment for a particular day of your cycle.
During the Appointment:
Transvaginal ultrasounds, commonly used for IVF cycle monitoring, are performed in a private and comfortable environment. Here’s what you can expect during your appointment:
- You will lay back on the examination table, in a similar position to how you would be in a routine pelvic exam.
- Our certified sonographer will apply a warm water-based gel to the transducer.
- This narrow, wand-shaped device will be gently inserted to capture high-resolution images of your reproductive organs.
- The transducer creates images of your ovaries and other pelvic organs using sound waves.
- The transvaginal ultrasound is typically quick, taking about 10–20 minutes.
- During the scan, your sonographer will carefully examine the ovaries, follicles, and endometrial lining to provide detailed images and measurements for your fertility specialist.
Our skilled sonographers are trained to prioritize your comfort and privacy throughout the entire process. Please feel free to ask them any questions before you get started.
After the Appointment:
Once your ultrasound is complete, you can resume your normal daily activities. There’s no recovery time required, and the process is designed to fit seamlessly into your busy schedule. You may experience slight vaginal discharge from the lubricating gel used on the transducer.
Your scan results will be interpreted by our expert radiologists. The findings will be shared with your fertility specialist to help guide your treatment plan and mark progress.
Touchstone’s commitment to fast and accurate reporting ensures you’ll have the information you need without delay.
Why Choose Touchstone Medical Imaging for Your IVF Ultrasound Needs?
At Touchstone Medical Imaging, we’re proud to be a trusted partner in your IVF journey. Here’s why patients and providers rely on us for IVF cycle-monitoring ultrasounds:
Advanced Cycle Monitoring
Our state-of-the-art ultrasound technology provides precise imaging for:
- Follicle monitoring to track ovarian response during stimulation.
- Endometrial thickness measurements to assess uterine lining readiness for implantation.
- High-resolution images of fetal development and implantation during early pregnancy.
- Accurate evaluation of any conditions that may impact your treatment success.
Cost-Effective Care
We are committed to providing high-quality imaging at a fraction of the cost of hospital-based services. As an in-network provider with most major insurance plans, we ensure patients can access care without unnecessary financial stress.
Convenience and Flexibility
With a network of imaging centers across multiple states, Touchstone makes it easy to access the care you need. Ultrasound imaging is offered at over 70 centers in Texas, Colorado, Montana, Oklahoma, Florida, and Arkansas.
Touchstone Medical Imaging offers flexible scheduling options, including evening and weekend appointments. You can request an appointment online today at a location convenient to you.
We are committed to delivering the precision you need and the compassionate care you deserve.
Tips for a Successful Ultrasound Experience
- Stay Informed: Ask your fertility provider about the purpose of each ultrasound and what they’ll be looking for.
- Communicate Needs: Let your technologist know if you’re feeling nervous—they’re there to help.
- Prepare Questions: Write down any questions you may have about the process or results so you can discuss them with your provider after the scan.
FAQs About IVF Ultrasounds
Most patients will undergo multiple ultrasounds during the stimulation phase, with additional imaging for embryo transfer and early pregnancy monitoring.
Transvaginal ultrasounds are minimally invasive and generally not painful. Most patients find the process to be quick and tolerable. The transducer is specifically designed with the curvature and anatomy of the vagina in mind.
At Touchstone Medical Imaging, results are quickly interpreted by our radiologists and sent to your fertility specialist to minimize delays in your treatment.
Ultrasound examinations do not use ionizing radiation (as used in x-rays), thus there is no radiation exposure to the patient.
Between preparation to the end of the imaging process, a transvaginal ultrasound takes about 15-20 minutes.
No. Any pubic hair will not impact your transvaginal ultrasound.