Trans-vaginal Ultrasound is a very sensitive tool for evaluating the pelvic anatomy, as well as evaluating the viability of first trimester pregnancies.  Ultrasounds are safe, simple and painless.

Having an baseline ultrasound is more sensitive than a pelvic exam; it provides more information and is more accurate.  The pelvic is evaluated carefully. One can find fibroids or polyps in the uterus as well as cysts in the ovary.  At times, it can also provide information as to whether there may be adhesions (scar tissue) present in the pelvis, which would lead to further testing.  

An ultrasound performed early in a woman’s menstrual cycle, e.g. the first week of the menstrual cycle, is very helpful for evaluating a women’s fertility status.  An Antral Follicle Count (AFC) is a very sensitive measure of a woman’s fertility potential.  This involves counting for number of small follicles (less than 10 mm) that exist in each ovary.  It is one of the most sensitive markers of fertility status.  

Trans-vaginal ultrasounds can detect a pregnancy as early as one week after the missed menses (5 weeks gestation) and can detect a fetal heartbeat as early as 6 weeks gestation!