Baseline fertility assessment · AFC + uterus + ovaries

Fertility Assessment Scan

A private fertility-focused pelvic ultrasound assessing the uterus, endometrium, ovaries and antral follicle count to support pre-conception planning, fertility investigation and IVF preparation.

Book Fertility Scan — £219 Call 020 7101 3377
  • Antral follicle count
  • Uterus + endometrium
  • No GP referral required
Private fertility and women’s health assessment at PrivateSono
£219Current scan price
Cycle Day 2–5Common baseline timing
AFCAntral follicle count
10–15 minTypical scan time
Self-referralNo GP referral normally required

What does a Fertility Assessment Scan check?

The scan assesses the uterus, endometrium and ovaries, including an antral follicle count (AFC) in each ovary where appropriate. It can identify structural factors such as fibroids, ovarian cysts, suspected polyps, adenomyosis or polycystic ovarian morphology that may be relevant to fertility planning. Standard ultrasound does not confirm that the fallopian tubes are open.

What is assessed

Baseline fertility ultrasound in one appointment

The examination focuses on structural and ovarian factors that can be evaluated reliably with ultrasound.

01

Uterus

Size, shape, position and visible structural abnormalities such as fibroids or adenomyosis.

02

Endometrium

Thickness and appearance interpreted in relation to your cycle stage and fertility plan.

03

Right ovary

Size, appearance, cysts and the number of visible antral follicles.

04

Left ovary

Corresponding ovarian assessment and antral follicle count.

05

Ovarian accessibility

For IVF planning, ovarian position and accessibility for egg retrieval can be described.

06

Pelvic structures

Adnexa, free fluid and additional findings that may need follow-up.

When to book

Timing depends on what you want to assess

A baseline fertility assessment and follicle tracking are different scans with different optimal timing.

Cycle Day 2–5

Commonly preferred for baseline assessment and AFC because the ovaries are in an early-cycle state.

Pre-IVF assessment

An early-cycle scan can support ovarian assessment and treatment planning before stimulation.

Irregular cycles

If periods are irregular or absent, timing can be tailored to the clinical context.

Follicle tracking

Mid-cycle monitoring is a separate service timed to follicle growth, ovulation or treatment schedule.

Post-ovulation assessment

Selected patients may need a later-cycle review according to their fertility plan.

Clinic-directed timing

If you are under a fertility clinic, follow the cycle day requested by your treating team.

Antral follicle count

What AFC can — and cannot — tell you

  • AFC counts small visible follicles in both ovaries, usually in the early follicular phase.
  • It can support fertility and IVF planning when interpreted alongside age and AMH.
  • AFC does not measure egg quality.
  • A low or high AFC does not by itself diagnose infertility.
  • Polycystic ovarian morphology can produce a high follicle count and requires clinical context.
Ultrasound marker, not a fertility verdict

Fertility assessment may also include AMH or other blood tests, semen analysis and tubal assessment where appropriate.

Important limitations

What standard fertility ultrasound cannot confirm

Several fertility factors require other investigations.

TUBE

Fallopian-tube patency

Standard ultrasound cannot prove that the tubes are open. HyCoSy or HSG is usually used for patency assessment.

EGG

Egg quality

Ultrasound can count follicles but cannot assess chromosomal quality or fertilisation potential.

SPERM

Semen quality

Male fertility requires semen analysis; sperm cannot be evaluated on pelvic ultrasound.

HORM

Hormone function

AMH, FSH, LH, oestradiol, progesterone and thyroid tests may be relevant depending on the fertility question.

ENDO

Endometriosis

Ultrasound may identify endometriomas and some deep disease but cannot reliably exclude all endometriosis.

CAV

Subtle cavity abnormalities

3D ultrasound, saline-infusion imaging or hysteroscopy may be needed for selected intracavitary findings.

Before your scan

How to prepare

No fasting is required.

01

Know your cycle day

Bring the first day of your last menstrual period and your usual cycle length.

02

Partly full bladder

A partly full bladder can help the initial transabdominal view.

03

Empty bladder for TVS

If you consent to a transvaginal scan, you will normally empty your bladder beforehand.

04

Bring fertility results

Bring previous scans, AMH or hormone results and fertility-clinic instructions if available.

Transvaginal ultrasound is optional and performed only after explanation and consent. If you prefer an abdominal-only scan, image detail may be reduced.

Your appointment

What happens during the Fertility Assessment Scan?

The scan is tailored to your cycle stage and fertility goal.

  1. 1

    History and cycle review

    Your cycle day, fertility history, previous pregnancies, treatment plan and relevant symptoms are reviewed.

  2. 2

    Pelvic ultrasound

    The uterus, endometrium and ovaries are assessed, usually transvaginally for best detail where consented to.

  3. 3

    AFC and measurements

    Antral follicles are counted and ovarian, endometrial and relevant structural measurements are documented.

  4. 4

    Results and report

    Key findings are explained and a written report can be shared with your GP or fertility clinic.

Clinic locations

Fertility Assessment Scan in London and St Albans

Use the PrivateSono booking link below to view current appointment availability.

●

Central London

27 Welbeck Street

London, W1G 8EN — close to Harley Street and Marylebone.

Book Central London
●

St Albans

54–56 Victoria Street

St Albans, AL1 3HZ — convenient for Hertfordshire and surrounding areas.

Book St Albans

Patient questions

Fertility Assessment Scan FAQs

Answers about AFC, cycle timing, transvaginal ultrasound, ovarian reserve, tubal patency and preparation.

Need help before booking? Call 020 7101 3377
What is included in a Fertility Assessment Scan?

The scan assesses the uterus, endometrium and ovaries, including antral follicle count in each ovary where appropriate. It can also identify common structural findings such as fibroids, ovarian cysts, polycystic ovarian morphology and suspected endometrial abnormalities.

When is the best time to have a baseline fertility scan?

For a baseline fertility assessment and antral follicle count, Cycle Day 2 to 5 is commonly preferred because it gives a useful early-cycle view of the ovaries and endometrium. The exact timing can be adapted to your cycle and fertility treatment plan.

What is an antral follicle count?

Antral follicle count, or AFC, is the number of small follicles visible in the ovaries at the beginning of the cycle. It is used as one indicator of ovarian reserve and is interpreted alongside age, AMH and the wider fertility history.

Can the scan assess ovarian reserve?

The scan can provide an AFC, which is a useful ultrasound marker of ovarian reserve. It does not measure egg quality and should not be interpreted alone. AMH and other fertility investigations may also be relevant.

Can ultrasound show whether my fallopian tubes are open?

A standard fertility ultrasound cannot confirm tubal patency. Fallopian-tube openness is usually assessed with a dedicated test such as HyCoSy or HSG. The tubes may only be visible on routine ultrasound when abnormal or fluid-filled.

Can this scan diagnose infertility?

No. Fertility ultrasound provides structural and functional information about the uterus, endometrium and ovaries, but infertility assessment may also require blood tests, semen analysis, tubal patency testing and specialist clinical review.

Is the scan usually transvaginal?

Transvaginal ultrasound usually provides the clearest assessment of the ovaries, follicles and endometrium. It is optional and performed only after explanation and consent. A transabdominal approach can be used if preferred, although image detail may be reduced.

How should I prepare for the appointment?

No fasting is required. You may be asked to arrive with a partly full bladder for the transabdominal view and then empty it before a transvaginal scan. Bring previous fertility blood results, scan reports and fertility-clinic correspondence if available.

How long does the Fertility Assessment Scan take?

The current PrivateSono service states that the ultrasound itself typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes, although appointment time can vary with anatomy, cycle stage and the complexity of the findings.

How much does the Fertility Assessment Scan cost?

PrivateSono currently lists the Fertility Assessment Scan at £219. Use the booking link on this page to view current appointment availability and confirm the final fee.

Book online

Book your Fertility Assessment Scan

PrivateSono currently lists the Fertility Assessment Scan at £219.

Choose appointment — £219Call the booking team

Private fertility ultrasound

Assess your uterus, endometrium, ovaries and antral follicle count

£219 • Central London & St Albans • No GP referral normally required

Book Fertility Assessment
Book Fertility Scan — £219
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