The Menstrual Cycle and Fertility Scans
Understanding the Menstrual Cycle and the Role of Ultrasound in Fertility Scans
For many individuals and couples trying to conceive, understanding the menstrual cycle is a key step in the fertility journey. At Starlight Ultrasound, our experienced staff and advanced imaging systems provide clear insights into reproductive health, helping guide and support your journey.
The Menstrual Cycle: A Monthly Symphony
The menstrual cycle is a complex, hormone-driven process that typically lasts around 28 days, though cycles between 25 and 35 days are also considered normal. It’s divided into two main phases:
- Follicular Phase (Days 1–14): This begins with menstruation. During this phase, the brain releases follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which encourages the growth of ovarian follicles. One follicle becomes dominant and matures, preparing to release an egg.
- Luteal Phase (Days 15–28): After ovulation, the ruptured follicle transforms into the corpus luteum, which produces progesterone to prepare the uterine lining (endometrium) for potential implantation. If fertilisation doesn’t occur, hormone levels drop, and the cycle begins again.
How Ultrasound Supports Fertility Assessment
Ultrasound plays a vital role in fertility assessments by offering real-time images of the ovaries and uterus. Here’s how it is useful and relevant:
- Follicle Tracking: An ultrasound scan monitors the growth of ovarian follicles throughout the cycle. This helps pinpoint ovulation and identify the optimal time for conception.
- Endometrial Thickness: A healthy uterine lining is essential for implantation. Ultrasound allows us to measure its thickness and assess its readiness to support a pregnancy.
- Identifying Structural Issues: Ultrasound can detect uterine abnormalities, cysts, fibroids, or signs of conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis.
- Assisting Fertility Treatments: For patients undergoing assisted reproductive techniques like IVF or IUI, ultrasound is used to monitor response to medications, assess the uterus prior to egg retrieval, as well as before embryo transfer.
Whatever stage you are at, or whichever type of fertility ultrasound scan you need, the same information is reported including the size and appearance of the ovaries, thickness of the endometrial lining, the number and size of follicles as well as any cysts or fibroids.
Each of our fertility scans are the same scan by different name so it doesn't matter if you book the baseline scan, follicle tracking scan or the fertility scan. You can find out more about Starlight's fertility services here.
When to Schedule a Fertility Scan
Fertility scans can take place at any stage of the cycle and the timing may be determined by your fertility clinic or consultant. Typically a baseline assessment may be scheduled at the start of the cycle which may be between days 2–5. A scan may be repeated mid-cycle to monitor follicle development and ovulation however it can vary according to your particular circumstances. Your fertility clinic or specialist will tailor the schedule based on your individual needs and treatment plan.
Timing can be crucial so at Starlight Ultrasound, we prioritise time-sensitive fertility scans so can often fit in same-day and next-day scans and blood tests even when we are fully booked so we invite people to contact us if there are no slots available to book online. If you need an urgent fertility ultrasound scan or an urgent fertility blood test please phone or message our clinic. If we do not have availability on the day you require but have the day before and/or the day after, we recommend checking with your clinic which would be more suitable as there is usually some flexibility in these circumstances. Blood test results and scan reports are always provided on the same day even at weekends and on bank holidays. It doesn't matter whether the fertility clinic is in the UK or abroad as we work with people undergoing fertility treatment at clinics in countries including Greece, Cyprus, Spain, Denmark, Dubai, Israel, the USA and Pakistan.
If you are exploring your own fertility health and are not under any specialist or clinic, then we recommend booking yourself in mid-cycle so around day 14.
Supporting Your Journey
At Starlight Ultrasound, we understand that fertility concerns can be emotional and complex. Our team is here to provide compassionate care, clear communication, and expert imaging to help you and your clinic make informed decisions. Whether you're just beginning to explore your fertility or are undergoing treatment, ultrasound is a necessary and useful tool to help guide your journey.
Fertility ultrasound scans and fertility blood tests can be booked at either clinic location on-line 24/7 in addition to over the phone or via social media 7 days a week.
To check availability and to book an appointment for an ultrasound scan and/or blood test at Starlight Ultrasound please see this page of our website.