What are the different types of prenatal tests that are conducted by Newcastle Ultrasound?

obstetrics

In NSW a chromosome abnormality is diagnosed in about 1:800 pregnancies, with the level of risk varying with the age of the mother. Testing for chromosome abnormalities is available to any pregnant woman. Newcastle Ultrasound are experts in prenatal scanning. We were among the first in the area to offer amniocentesis and chorion villus sampling (CVS). These tests are now reserved  to gather additional information  that can aid with diagnosis pending an abnormal finding in either the NIPT or nuchal translucency (NT) tests, which are simpler to perform and safer for your developing baby. CVS and/or amniocentesis are still used to test for hereditary or genetic conditions not detected by NIPT or the nuchal translucency scans.

Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)

Non-invasive prenatal testing is a highly accurate screening test. It is a simple maternal blood test that is safe and carries no risk of miscarriage. It can be performed from 10 weeks of pregnancy and is highly accurate for some chromosome abnormalities, including Down syndrome, Trisomy 13 and 18 and the sex chromosomes. Read more about NIPT in our next post.

Nuchal Translucency (NT)

A nuchal translucency scan is best performed between 12-14 weeks of pregnancy.  The nuchal translucency is a screening test not a diagnostic tool. It can detect up to 95% of babies with a risk of Down syndrome and other abnormalities. This is a simple and non-invasive test and carries no risk of miscarriage. A combination of a maternal ultrasound and blood test is performed to generate a risk assessment. Read more about nuchal translucency screening in our next post.

Chorion Villus Sampling (CVS)

The baby and placenta share the same chromosomes and placental cells which can be tested to determine the chromosome make-up of the baby.

This test is usually performed between 11 and 14 weeks of gestation.  The test is highly accurate looking at all of the baby’s chromosomes with an error rate of much less than 1% for Downs syndrome, Trisomy 18 and 13 and the sex chromosomes. However this test carries a slight risk of causing a miscarriage as a fine metal catheter or needle is inserted into the placenta to obtain a placental tissue sample. The results are usually obtained in about 10 days. A faster result using Fast FISH can look specifically at chromosomes 21.18, 13 and the X and Y chromosomes with results in 24-48 hrs. CVS can also be used to test for genetic conditions such as cystic fibrosis and rare chromosome disorders such as translocations, mutations and deletions..

Amniocentesis

This test is usually performed at 15-16 weeks of gestation. Using ultrasound guidance, a fine needle is inserted into the pregnancy sac to obtain fluid from around the baby.

This fluid contains cells from the baby’s skin which can then be grown in culture and provide the chromosome makeup of the baby. This test looks at all of the baby’s chromosomes and again  a faster result using Fast FISH can look specifically at chromosomes 21.18, 13 and the X and Y chromosomes with results in 24-48 hrs. Amniocentesis can also be used to test for genetic conditions such as cystic fibrosis and rare chromosome disorders such as translocations, mutations and deletions.. The test is highly accurate with an error rate of much less than 1%. There is also a small chance of miscarriage with this procedure

Triple Test

This test is now rarely used due to a lower level of accuracy. The nuchal translucency test is much more accurate and can be performed earlier in the pregnancy.

Fetal abnormality can occur in any pregnancy for a mother of any age

Generally we recommend that you have a nuchal translucency scan at 12-14 weeks of gestation and a morphology scan at 18-20 weeks of the pregnancy. If any abnormalities are found we will always counsel you carefully before planning the next step. Call our patient liaison coordinator on (02) 4957 3899 to discuss pricing or to book in for your pregnancy chromosome tests. Alternatively, speak to your GP about a referral to visit our clinic.

Do I need the nuchal translucency scan and non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) during my pregnancy?

female doctor squeezing special gel from tube to scan

Why do I need chromosome testing during my pregnancy?

Testing for chromosome abnormalities is available to all pregnant women who choose access to this information.  Babies can be born with chromosome abnormalities with no prior family history, and the risk increases with age.  Screening tests (NIPTs or nuchal translucency) are used in combination with invasive tests (CVS or amniocentesis) to accurately diagnose the abnormality in question.

What is the Non-Invasive Prenatal Test (NIPT)?

This is a safe, non-invasive and highly accurate prenatal test which can be performed from about 10 weeks of pregnancy. It only requires a maternal blood test and carries no risk of miscarriage to the pregnancy.

What does this test look for?

This test analyses the fetal DNA extracted from the maternal blood and is highly accurate for the diagnosis of chromosome abnormality, in particular Down syndrome (Trisomy 21). It currently tests for Down syndrome, Trisomy 18 and 13 and the sex chromosomes X and Y. It can be used in twin pregnancies. It does not test for all chromosome abnormalities.

How should I interpret the results?

Interpretation of the NIPT test must be undertaken by an experienced obstetric specialist or geneticist. The results must be interpreted in conjunction with the nuchal translucency scan and morphology ultrasound examinations. Positive or abnormal NIPT test results usually need to be confirmed by either chorion villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis.

What is the Nuchal Translucency Scan (NT)?

This is a simple non-invasive test best performed between 12-14 weeks of pregnancy to assess the risk of having a baby with a chromosome abnormality.

This test can identify up to 95% of babies with Down syndrome and other abnormalities. This test uses a combination of a maternal scan and a blood test and must be performed in an accredited Fetal medicine centre.

How is the scan performed?

An ultrasound scan is performed, which includes measuring the thickness of fluid at the back of the baby’s neck.  Increased accuracy comes from inclusion of the presence of the nasal bone and tricuspid incompetence also factored into our calculations.

How does the test assess the risk of abnormality?

Studies of over 100,000 pregnancies in women of all ages have shown that up to 95% of babies with Down syndrome or other abnormalities can be identified. A special computer program is necessary to calculate this risk and takes into account the results of the blood test, NT measurement, the mother’s age, the stage of pregnancy and any previous baby born with a chromosome abnormality.

What does a high risk result test mean?

A high risk result does not automatically mean that a baby is abnormal. A risk greater than 1 in 300 is considered high and this may occur in about 1 in 20 patients. Further testing such as

A high risk test result in a baby with normal chromosomes can indicate an increased risk of a fetal heart abnormality and concerns with the growth of the baby during the pregnancy. Careful assessment of the baby is usually recommended at 16 and 20 weeks of pregnancy.

What does a low risk result test mean?

A risk of lower than 1 in 300 suggests a low chance of chromosome abnormality for your baby but this DOES NOT mean no risk.

Can I get these tests done through a bulk billed ultrasound centre?

No. Specialist equipment and training is required to perform these vital tests. The NIPT in particular is a new state of the art test. Both tests should only be performed and interpreted by highly trained and experienced practitioners.

Receive expert care for an accurate risk assessment using our state of the art technology and analysis

Call our patient liaison coordinator on (02) 4957 3899 to discuss pricing or to book in for your pregnancy chromosome tests. Alternatively, speak to your GP about a referral to visit our clinic.

Keyhole surgery – an advanced procedure that diagnoses and treats endometriosis

Keyhole surgery

Keyhole surgery – an advanced procedure that diagnoses and treats endometriosis

Standard treatment for endometriosis consists of hormone treatment or surgery. Although hormone treatment can be beneficial for managing pain, surgery is considered the better option for fertility. There have been many advances in keyhole surgery over the last decade making it the first choice in the treatment of most cases of endometriosis. Dr Steve Raymond at Newcastle Ultrasound is an international leader in keyhole surgery for endometriosis, with approximately 80-90% of patients falling pregnant within a year after surgery alone, or in combination with either hormone therapy or IVF.

Keyhole surgery is currently considered the gold standard for diagnosing and treating endometriosis

Keyhole surgery is a minimally invasive technique that involves the patient being asleep for 20-30 minutes while a telescope is inserted into the abdomen, usually via the navel. The uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries are all checked for scarring, adhesions and cysts (endometriomas).

Diagnosis by keyhole surgery is more precise for diagnosis than through ultrasound alone. If any adhesions or cysts are found they can be treated at the same time as the diagnosis is made. In many cases fertility  is immediately improved.

Endometriosis can be very mild or quite severe and the extent of the disease does not correlate well with the patient’s symptoms. Some patients may have quite severe disease and no symptoms at all.

Keyhole surgery reduces recovery time, pain, scarring, as well as the amount of analgesia required

Keyhole surgery allows you to get back to your daily activities quicker even if extensive surgery is required. Traditional open surgery (laparotomy) requires a large incision to be made to the abdomen. This can be very painful and increases the length of the hospital stay and recovery time significantly.

The skill of the surgeon is crucial when undergoing keyhole surgery

Dr Steve Raymond is a nationally and internationally recognised expert in the field of keyhole surgery. This highly meticulous technique requires great care and precision.

Dr Raymond regularly attends conferences worldwide to update his knowledge and skills, and he presents his surgery results to GPs and medical specialists across Australia and overseas. He has a strong network of medical peers that he consults with in the event a multidisciplinary team is required for particularly complex or progressive cases of endometriosis.

For an expert consultation with our gynaecologist to understand if keyhole surgery is right for you, speak to your GP about a referral to Newcastle Ultrasound

You can download a referral form for your GP here. For more information, or to make an appointment, please call our patient liaison coordinator on (02) 4957 3899.

Urgent Access Early Pregnancy Scanning Service

urgent access service

Newcastle Ultrasound launches Urgent Access Early Pregnancy Scanning Service – for pain and bleeding during the first trimester of your pregnancy

If you are experiencing pain or bleeding during your pregnancy, you will want to quickly rule out a miscarriage, an ectopic pregnancy, or any other underlying condition that may affect you or your baby’s health. At Newcastle Ultrasound, we have launched our Urgent Access Early Pregnancy Scanning Service for women with bleeding or pain during early pregnancy. Our advanced imaging technology has been developed specifically for obstetrics and will provide you with the most accurate results possible on the same day as your scan, giving you the peace of mind you that you need to feel confident about your pregnancy.

Same-day scan, results and review with our expert team to put your mind at ease

Pain and bleeding during any stage of your pregnancy can be distressing. In many cases, pain or bleeding alone is not indicative of a miscarriage and your pregnancy will develop normally, however, it is important to always investigate the source of pain or bleeding to ensure that you or your pregnancy are not at risk.

At Newcastle Ultrasound, if you call us for an appointment before 11:00am you will be seen by our expert team on the same day*. You will receive a full report of your results immediately after your scan, and you will also have a same-day review with a specialist gynaecologist and ultrasonologist to discuss your results in detail. We will then work with you to organise any additional treatment in-house, or refer you back to your GP, your local hospital, or another medical practitioner as required. Our caring team will look after you to ease your mind and ensure you do not leave our clinic without the answers you need.

At Newcastle Ultrasound, we provide specialist diagnostic ultrasound for gynaecology, obstetric and infertility patients – we have done so for almost 30 years. We are a unique multidisciplinary diagnostic and treatment service, meaning we provide expert diagnosis and treatment on site. Our practice has a philosophy of individualised care, always allowing time for your examination followed by a personal consultation to discuss your results and treatment plan.

If you have pain during your first trimester of pregnancy, contact your GP about a referral to Newcastle Ultrasound today

You can download a referral form for your GP here. Please contact our patient liaison coordinator on (02) 4957 3899 if you have any questions about this service.

Having difficulty falling pregnant? Part 2

couple sad - difficulty falling pregnant

Having difficulty falling pregnant? Here are other common conditions that need to be ruled out first: (Part 2)

This is Part 2 of our series discussing the most common reasons couples are unable to fall pregnant. In Part 1 we discussed the 3 most common conditions that need to be ruled out if you are experiencing infertility: endometriosis, polycystic ovaries and sperm abnormalities. In this post we discuss some additional conditions that may be adversely affecting your chances of falling pregnant.

Blocked tubes

Any pelvic infection can affect the pelvis leading to damaged or blocked tubes. Sometimes this will not be associated with any symptoms or very vague symptoms.

Infection can occur following intercourse, from previous surgery or from complications of surgery leading to adhesions and damage.

Occasionally the tubes will be blocked and full of fluid. This is called a hydrosalpinx and is easily seen on an ultrasound examination. Specific testing with dye can be done to check if the tubes are open.

Uterine abnormalities

Sometimes the shape of the uterus or the cavity can be different or abnormal leading to infertility and miscarriages. There may be fibroids or growths in the wall of the uterus which can affect the cavity or the tubes.

Endometrial polyps, which are a growth of the lining of the uterus, can affect implantation and may cause infertility.

Uterine fibroids, which are a growth on the muscular wall of the uterus, may block the tubes or affect the cavity leading to miscarriages.

Don’t waste time and money until you’ve investigated the underlying cause of your infertility. Contact your GP about a referral and book an appointment with Newcastle Ultrasound for specialised infertility testing that helps get to the heart of fertility issues quickly

You are also welcome to call our patient liaison coordinator Naomi on (02) 4957 3899 to make a time for a confidential chat to discuss fertility issues and ask any preliminary questions you may have.

Having difficulty falling pregnant? Part 1

couple sad - difficulty falling pregnant

Having difficulty falling pregnant? Here are 3 common conditions that need to be ruled out first: (Part 1)

It is well known that the stress and anxiety of not knowing why you are not falling pregnant can further affect and slow down your chances of becoming pregnant. If you and your partner have been actively trying for a baby for the last 6-12 months and you have not been successful, you will want to find the root cause as soon as you can. This is especially important in women in their mid to late thirties as fertility generally decreases significantly from the age of 34 onwards. In many cases diagnosis and treatment can be straightforward. As some conditions may require an extended treatment time, early diagnosis is vital so you can get the treatment you need.

If you’re having difficulty becoming pregnant, you’re not alone. Around 15% of couples haven’t been able to conceive after trying for 12 months. That’s 1 in 6 couples so it is very common. Often the causes of infertility are not what they seem. Infertility can be due to a combination of factors affecting the female, male or a combination of both partners. Not all couples that have difficulty falling pregnant require IVF – only 3 out of 10 couples that are not able to conceive will need to progress onto IVF treatment.

The following are the 3 most common reasons couples are not able to fall pregnant that should be ruled out before you go any further in your investigations:

  1. Endometriosis
  2. Polycystic ovaries
  3. Sperm abnormalities

We will investigate these in this 2 part series.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a common condition affecting women in their reproductive years. It is a very common condition affecting between 10-15% of all women. The symptoms can be quite vague and the average time to diagnosis can be prolonged at 8 years or more, but it doesn’t have to be this way.

Endometriosis may run in families and therefore will be sometimes diagnosed in young women in their teenage years who present with increasing period pain or pain with intercourse. Overall the incidence of endometriosis appears to be increasing as more patients delay their pregnancies. Symptoms are often hidden by the use of the pill or other hormonal contraception.

Women of any age who present with difficulty falling pregnant, or who have problems with their periods such as pain or heaviness as well as pain with intercourse need investigation to exclude endometriosis. Symptoms can often be confused with those of irritable bowel syndrome.

Polycystic ovaries (polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS)

This is a disorder where the ovary is enlarged and contains multiple small cysts which can lead to abnormal hormone production. Altered ovulation can subsequently affect the cycle and reduce the chances of falling pregnant..

This condition is commonly associated with extra weight gain, acne and abnormal hair growth. Generally, diagnosis depends on the finding of multiple small cysts in the ovary as well as abnormal hormone levels. It is important to note that this condition can still be present in a large number of girls and women who are in a normal weight range but have some acne and varying cycles. There is no typical appearance that signals the presence of PCOS.

Sperm abnormalities

Up to 40% of infertility is due to an underlying condition in the male partner. Issues with sperm count, motility and morphology (normal shape) can all affect a couple’s chance of conceiving. Diet, lifestyle and occupation, as well as any past surgery, trauma, illness, or infection can all affect the quantity and quality of sperm.

If a sperm sample has been analysed and deemed as being abnormal in some way, the first line of investigations may include genetic karyotype testing, checking levels of the sex hormones FSH, LH and testosterone, and performing a scrotal ultrasound. These tests need to be undertaken by an infertility specialist for accurate interpretation of the results.

If further investigations are necessary Y-chromosome single-gene deletions and cystic fibrosis mutations may need to be assessed.

Click here to read Part 2 of this series where we discuss some additional conditions that may be adversely affecting your chances of falling pregnant.

Don’t waste time and money until you’ve investigated the underlying cause of your infertility. Contact your GP about a referral and book an appointment with Newcastle Ultrasound for specialised infertility testing that helps get to the heart of fertility issues quickly

You are also welcome to call our patient liaison coordinator Naomi on (02) 4957 3899 to make a time for a confidential chat to discuss fertility issues and ask any preliminary questions you may have.

What is endometriosis?

lady abdominal pain

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a common condition that affects women in their reproductive years who are still menstruating. It occurs when tissue, that normally lines the uterine cavity grows outside of the uterus, most commonly in the pelvis. The misplaced tissue can grow in superficial patches, in larger and deep nodules or in cysts.

It is an insidious condition which, if left untreated can cause scarring, infertility and chronic pelvic pain. Symptoms can often be vague, non-existent, or confused with those of irritable bowel syndrome. As the average time to diagnose this condition can be prolonged at eight years or more, if you are having difficulty falling pregnant, or have problems with your periods such as pain or heaviness, as well as pain with intercourse you need investigation to exclude endometriosis at any age.

Endometriosis is a very common condition that affects between 10-15% of all women

Endometriosis may run in families and therefore will be sometimes diagnosed in young women in their teenage years who present with increasing period pain or pain with intercourse. Often women will not realise they have the condition until they are unable to fall pregnant, by which time significant scarring and damage to the tubes and ovaries may have taken place.

The incidence of endometriosis appears to be increasing as more women delay their pregnancies. In particular it is commonly diagnosed in:

  • Young women having painful periods
  • Women having difficulty falling pregnant
  • Older women with heavy and painful periods

The symptoms of endometriosis are often decreased, masked or hidden by the use of the pill or other hormonal contraception.

Keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery is the gold standard diagnostic and treatment technique for endometriosis

The diagnosis of endometriosis is generally made by firstly obtaining a clear history from the patient. A pelvic examination by a gynaecologist and a vaginal ultrasound may be helpful. The best way to diagnose endometriosis, however, is by laparoscopy (keyhole surgery). This is a day surgical procedure where the patient is asleep for 20 to 30 minutes. A telescope is inserted into the abdomen to look at the uterus, tubes and ovaries. The procedure can be used to diagnose and treat the condition at the same time. Treatment of severe endometriosis can also be undertaken as keyhole surgery with an overnight stay in hospital.

It is important to exclude endometriosis in all women who are symptomatic or at risk from a strong family history even if they are not currently trying to fall pregnant

Early diagnosis and appropriate surgical treatment will help to relieve symptoms and preserve fertility in most cases. When coupled with hormonal treatment, recurrence for what can become a severe, chronic and recurrent condition can be delayed. An early diagnosis can also help patients consider planning a family sooner rather than later, if that is their desire.

Almost 90% of patients treated for infertility by Dr Raymond at Newcastle Ultrasound were able to achieve a pregnancy within a year of treatment by surgery alone, or with a combination of surgery and hormone treatment or IVF.

Speak to your GP about a referral to Newcastle Ultrasound to discuss symptoms and treatment of endometriosis

You can download a referral form for your GP here. For more information, or to make an appointment after you have seen your GP, please call our patient liaison coordinator on (02) 4957 3899.

I can’t fall pregnant. Why?

endometriosis cannot fall pregnant

I can’t fall pregnant. Can infertility scanning help me find out why?

If you have not been successful in becoming pregnant, you will want to find the underlying condition that is preventing you from conceiving as soon as possible. As many symptoms of infertility can be vague, our specialist range of diagnostic scans can uncover the source of your infertility and provide you with the answers you are looking for.

Expert diagnosis is critical. At Newcastle Ultrasound, we use the latest infertility scanning technology and specially trained sonographers. You are provided with immediate scan results and a review by a specialist infertility specialist on the same day as your scan. We do this to help you uncover the underlying cause of your infertility so you don’t have to attend multiple appointments across various locations.

What are the most common types of infertility scans that you perform and what are they used for?

All the ultrasound examinations are undertaken with specially configured ultrasound machines which incorporate 3D/4D imaging. This technology allows computerised clear pictures and reconstructions of the pelvic organs, providing clearer and more accurate diagnostic detail. Colour Doppler examinations looking at blood flow to specific organs help to assess their function, especially when investigating adenomyosis and endometriosis.

Ultrasound

Comprehensive ultrasound techniques are used to provide images of the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes to confirm their size, shape and anatomy. In this way we can detect the presence of endometriosis, ovarian cysts, blocked tubes, or any uterine abnormalities such as polyps, fibroids or abnormalities with the size and shape of the uterus.

Ultrasound is also used to monitor treatment once it has started. An example of this is when monitoring ovulation during infertility management and IVF. In most cases internal or vaginal scans provide the highest quality of information and are performed by our female sonographers with our specialist gynaecologist in attendance.

HyCoSy (hysterosalpingo-contrast-sonography)

This special ultrasound investigation can assess whether the tubes are blocked. Under ultrasound guidance a catheter is placed into the uterus and a special type of fluid introduced into the uterine cavity. The fluid is observed with colour Doppler ultrasound to assess the fallopian tubes by confirming if the fluid passes through the tubes.

Keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery

Keyhole surgery is not an ultrasound procedure, but rather a surgical technique conducted at a hospital in cases where ultrasound alone does not provide enough detail. It is a day procedure where the patient is asleep for 20 to 30 minutes. A telescope is inserted into the abdomen to look at the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.

The procedure is most commonly used to diagnose and treat endometriosis; however it can also be used to confirm the presence of ovarian cysts and uterine abnormalities. Keyhole surgery produces very accurate results, and treatment can often be undertaken at the same time as diagnosis.

Ultrasound examinations are extremely important in helping to plan for keyhole surgery, especially if abnormalities or endometriosis have been detected or are suspected.

Other tests

We use the latest state of the art technology and clinical processes. If any of the above scans are inconclusive or not right for your condition we will advise which additional scans and tests may be required.

Contact your GP about a referral to Newcastle Ultrasound for a scan to find the underlying reason for your infertility

Call our patient liaison consultant on (02) 4957 3899 to make a time for a confidential chat to discuss fertility issues and ask any preliminary questions you may have.

Painful periods or painful sex

distant couple sitting

Painful periods or painful sex? Here’s what it could mean and what to do

Excessively painful periods or pain during sex is never normal. It can occur at any life stage and can indicate an abnormality in the anatomy or function of the reproductive system. As well as the physical burden of managing a painful condition, the emotional wedge that pain can drive in productivity and intimacy can inhibit your quality of life dramatically, leading to lower satisfaction in your professional and personal relationships. If you are trying unsuccessfully to conceive, pain may be a sign that your infertility is due to an underlying condition and should be investigated as a matter of priority. Expert gynaecological scanning at Newcastle Ultrasound can help identify the source of your pain, help to treat the underlying condition and restore your quality of life.

Painful periods or pain during sex can signal a serious underlying condition

  • Endometriosis and adenomyosis
  • Polycystic ovaries
  • Fibroids
  • Endometrial Polyps
  • Cysts in the ovaries and suspected ovarian cancer
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease, or inflammation or infection of the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, tubes or ovaries
  • Other issues with the reproductive system

Many of these conditions can threaten your fertility and overall health. Some can be fatal if left untreated. In some instances diagnosis can be delayed for many years which can lead to debilitating symptoms and reduced fertility. It is important to start investigations promptly at any age if you have painful periods or have difficulty conceiving within 6-12 months of actively trying, especially if you are older.

A detailed history of your symptoms is taken, followed by a physical examination and specialist-directed diagnostic scanning, if required

When you are seen at Dr Raymond’s practice to investigate the source of your pain, you will be asked a series of detailed questions about your symptoms, your menstrual cycle, your medical history as well as your family history, as some conditions can run in families. In most cases you will be offered a diagnostic ultrasound following your physical examination to further investigate the size, shape, structure or anatomy of the vaginal walls, cervix, uterus, tubes or ovaries. You may then be referred for further keyhole (laparascopic) surgery if necessary.

Treatment will be tailored to you individually based on your diagnosis and scan results

Possible treatment options may include:

  • Antibiotics
  • Hormone treatment
  • Other medication
  • Laparascopy (keyhole surgery)
  • Laparotomy (open surgery) – very rarely
  • Infertility management
  • Lifestyle advice and management

Contact your GP and request a referral to Dr Raymond and find the underlying reason for any excessive menstrual pain or pain during sex

You can download a referral form for your GP here. Call our patient liaison consultant on (02) 4957 3899 if you would like to have a confidential chat to discuss any pain you may be experiencing, or to book an appointment once you have seen your GP.

How endometriosis impacts your fertility

Upset sad young woman Difficulty Falling Pregnant

How endometriosis impacts your fertility

Endometriosis is a very common condition and affects up to 40% of women who experience infertility. Newcastle Ultrasound provides personalised, expert care and advanced diagnostic techniques to examine if this is the underlying cause of your infertility.

Once a diagnosis is confirmed, in many cases treatment and ongoing management can restore fertility. Over the last three years almost 90% of patients have had successful pregnancies within one year of being treated for infertility and endometriosis in particular at our clinic. 

Dr Raymond is highly experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis and offers advanced laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery with excision and removal of endometriotic tissue. Simple hormonal treatment, diathermy or burning are not adequate treatments to restore fertility.

Often women will not realise that they have endometriosis until they are unable to fall pregnant

Many women report no or very vague symptoms. At times symptoms can resemble those of irritable bowel syndrome. Where symptoms are clearly marked, the most characteristic include pelvic pain, painful periods and painful sex. If left untreated, scarring and infertility can occur.

In endometriosis uterine tissue grows outside of the uterus. It is not yet fully understood why certain women develop the condition, or how it progresses through the body

Immune system function and genetic factors may play a part in the origins of the condition. Many women that present with endometriosis also have autoimmune markers, suggesting a relationship between the two. Old scar tissue, for example after a surgical procedure or an episiotomy, may become a landing site for endometriosis to develop. The most common sites are directly in the pelvis close to the uterus, ovaries and tubes which all directly affect fertility.

Endometriosis creates an environment that is incompatible with supporting good quality ovulation, fertilisation and implantation

Endometrial tissue can grow in superficial patches, in larger and deep nodules or in cysts in the pelvic cavity. These adhesions and endometriomas can distort the anatomy of the uterus which can prevent proper implantation of the embryo once it has been fertilised. Hormones released by the abnormally growing tissue can affect conception and pregnancy.

On average it takes 8 years to diagnose endometriosis. In some cases it can take as long as 12 years. However, it doesn’t have to be this way

It does not matter what your age is – if you have not been able to fall pregnant within 6-12 months of actively trying, you will want to begin your investigations as soon as possible.

For more information about the symptoms and treatment of endometriosis and how it may be affecting your fertility, contact your GP to discuss a referral to Newcastle Ultrasound

You can download a referral form for your GP here. For more information please call our patient liaison coordinator on (02) 4957 3899.