Monitoring

Ultrasound is typically the first examination performed when thyroid diseases are suspected. Inflammation, enlargement, tumors, or nodules in the thyroid gland can cause both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

First trimester or 0-week ultrasound

This examination is performed from the 5th week of pregnancy and the primary purpose is to confirm the presence of pregnancy. It is scheduled one week after the expected start of the first missed menstrual period, as pregnancy is officially counted from the first day of the last menstrual period. This corresponds to 4+1 weeks of gestation on average, considering a 28-day menstrual cycle. At this stage, the presence of pregnancy can be confirmed, but only the gestational sac is visible, which starts to grow after 4 weeks from the beginning of pregnancy. By the 6th week, the fetal heartbeat can usually be heard.

What is examined:

• Gestational sac size: This provides an estimate of the gestational age, as it grows by approximately 1 mm per day. For example, if the gestational sac measures 15 mm, the gestational age is 6 weeks and 1 day (15 days + 4 weeks)
• Location Fetal
• Heartbeat from the 6th week
• Twin pregnancies can often be detected from the 6th week.

This examination is not mandatory, which is why it is referred to as the "0-week ultrasound examination."

The general ultrasound examination is performed from the 8th week of pregnancy.

What is examined:

• Measurement and length of the baby
• Estimation of fetal weight
• Listening to the fetal heartbeat
• Checking the amniotic fluid volume
• Assessing the condition and structure of the placenta
• Evaluation of blood vessels

This examination is not mandatory, but in certain cases, it may be recommended beyond curiosity. Some examples include:

• Regular monitoring in cases where the fetus is smaller than expected for its gestational age, usually done every two weeks
• In high-risk pregnancies
• In families with a history of recurrent miscarriages

Cyst control

Ovarian cysts are extremely common and in the majority of cases, they do not cause any concern. They can naturally resolve, be easily managed with medications, or removed through a simple surgery.

It is important to note that a cyst is not a disease but rather a general term for a fluid-filled sac. Since cysts often do not cause symptoms, they are most commonly detected incidentally during other ultrasound examinations.

Cysts are classified into two categories: functional and organic. After the presence of the cyst is detected in the body, the first and most important step is to determine its category. This is crucial because while most cysts are harmless, organic cysts can include cancerous ovarian lesions.

• Assessing the condition of the ovaries for those planning to conceive a child (especially if natural conception has not occurred after 6 months).
• Regular monitoring of cysts discovered during pregnancy (in the majority of cases, cysts do not pose a problem during pregnancy and are harmless to the fetus; however, it is important to monitor their position and location for potential complications).
• Monitoring previously detected cysts (if an ovarian cyst is discovered during another examination, it is recommended to re-evaluate its growth or possible disappearance after a few months).

• Presence of painful or uncomfortable symptoms (e.g., lower abdominal pain, prolonged menstruation) indicating the presence of an ovarian cyst.

The examination is performed using abdominal ultrasound, which is non-invasive, fast, and painless.

If necessary, our clinic offers the possibility of blood tests, hormone analysis, gynecological, and endocrinological examinations.

Cycle monitoring - Ovulation ultrasound

What does the examination reveal?

The quick and painless examination is performed using abdominal ultrasound. It accurately determines the phase of the menstrual cycle and whether ovulation has occurred, which indicates the possibility of conception.

Failure to achieve pregnancy can often be attributed to menstrual cycle disorders. If the delicate biological balance required for ovulation is disturbed (e.g., due to nutrition or physical or psychological factors), ovulation may be delayed or absent for a shorter or longer period. However, if menstruation still occurs without ovulation, it is referred to as an anovulatory cycle. This can happen occasionally in all women, but if it is suspected to be regular, it is worth investigating. Cycle monitoring differs from tubal patency tests (e.g., tubal flushing) as no contrast material needs to be introduced into the body.

Common reasons for performing the examination

• After 6 months of unsuccessful attempts to conceive.
• For women over 35 who are planning to conceive.
• Out of curiosity.

If your findings warrant it, our clinic offers the possibility of blood tests and hormone analysis as well.

More about the menstrual cycle

To understand menstrual cycle disorders, it is necessary to know how the cycle ideally progresses. In a healthy, sexually mature woman, the monthly cycle can be divided into two phases: the ovulatory phase and the menstrual phase, each lasting an average of 2 weeks. The beginning of the entire process is considered the first day of menstruation.