Can someone please tell me about a Baseline Ultrasound?

[Jenren]

Hello, I'm back again. I know taht this is probably a dumb question but I am just wondering what the purpose of doing a Baseline U/S is? Today was my consult with the RE and she said after AF starts again that she would like to do a baseline u/s. From the little bit that I've heard about this I am affraid that it will be painful and pretty yuck since it is done internally while bleeding Is it to see how many follicles there are at the start of my cycle? Any helpful info or personal experience would be greatly appreciated, thank you!!

[Jenren]

Onother Question.

One other question. Is the baseline ultrasound also to see the size of my ovaries and uertus? I was doing a little reading last night and there were a couple of different tests that I saw were performed during a baseline. Any info would be greatly appreciated!! THanks in advance!!

[RunnerDuck]

They will look at your uterine lining as well as do what is called an "antral follicle count" - dunno if I spelled that right... basically it looks at all the tiny follies that may respond to treatment. If you have PCOS chances there will be a lot of those. So one thing is does is gives an idea of will you respond to treatment well?

They also look for any large cysts on the ovaries which can cause problems. Chances are with this being your first cycle there won't be any - this is more an issue when you are doing subsequent cycles.

It doesn't hurt (unless you have a hard - to - see ovary - my right one can be tricky and sometimes looking for it was uncomfortable) and it's pretty quick - and don't worry about the bleeding. Generally they put a sheet over your legs and dim the lights and do everything by feel under the sheet - they care about what is on the ultrasound monitor, not what's going on between your legs.

[Jenren]

Thank you Runnerduck!

Thank you so much Runnerduck for your reply! It was very reassuring to read what you had to say! I normally have pretty heavy AF flow so it's good to know there will be a sheet to cover everything up Now I am actually looking forward to it, I'm very curious to see how many follicles there are in there. I'm really anxious to see what kind of treatment my RE recommends as well. I just want to get started! This is one of the only times that I've looked forward to AF coming!

Runnerduck, Congrats on your two little princesses that are on the way!! How exciting! I'm sure your little prince will adore them!!

[kristinc]

I can empathize with you as i had to have an vaginal exam yesterday while on day 2 of my cycle. I was mortified when they said that they were going to do it because day 1 and 2 are very heavy for me. I am glad that is over and hope to never have it again while on my cycle. Today, day 3 I had the baselin US as well as we are getting ready to try IVF. It wasn't bad at all. A little uncomfortable b/c 1 ovary is harder to see on me, but it was pretty quick and the nurse was great. Really put me at ease. They also had me do blood tests- estrogen, FSH & LH. They give you the results that afternoon, so it is great:-) Good luck and don't worry:-)