FERTILITY TREATMENTS

ADVANCED IMAGING SOLUTIONS

sis & fOLLICLE STUDIES

SIS (SALINE INFUSION SONOGRAM)

WHAT IS SIS?

SIS is used to evaluate the uterus and the uterine (endometrial) cavity.

It is a procedure in which a physician injects sterile saline into the uterine cavity with ultrasound guidance. It allows your doctor to identify any abnormalities of the uterus, including congenital anomalies, scarring, endometrial polyps, and fibroids that might affect the chance of conception or healthy pregnancy.

WHEN IS SIS PERFORMED DURING THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE?

SIS is performed on specific days in the menstrual cycle.

Please call our office at 303.789.4968 to schedule SIS on the first business day after your period begins.

WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT THE APPOINTMENT?

Please arrive early for all ultrasound appointments. The nature of the exam requires careful coordination between the physician’s and the sonographer’s schedules. Delays could unfortunately disrupt treatment.

Please notify our staff is there is any doubt about the normalcy of your period so that a pregnancy test can be performed. We must be certain you are not already pregnant before doing an SIS.

Among all appointment types at Bella, arriving on time for ultrasounds is the most important. Because a patient often has to change clothing into a provided robe, even short ultrasounds require the full amount of time allotted to care. Late arrivals are, unfortunately, rescheduled more frequently than other appointment types.

The coordination of physician and sonographer is also a unique challenge of SIS. Our OB-GYN doctors may be on call the day of your procedure. Should the provider be away attending a delivery, our team will communicate requests for flexibility as proactively as possible. We do appreciate your patience as we care for all those in need that day.

IS SIS UNCOMFORTABLE?

SIS is a relatively non-invasive procedure, but patients may experience slight discomfort during or after the procedure. Ask your provider about mild pain relief medication options if you have any concerns following the procedure. They may even recommend taking a small dose of Tylenol or Advil one hour before your procedure if you’d feel more comfortable.

WILL INSURANCE COVER SIS?

Insurance often covers SIS. Deductibles will need to be met and co-pays apply.

FOLLICLE STUDIES

what are follicle studies?

Follicle studies are a series of ultrasound scans used to aid in patient fertility therapies.

In follicle studies, ultrasound is used to determine more precisely when ovulation will occur during the course of a woman’s monthly menstrual cycle. When a couple knows when a woman is ovulating, they can time intercourse to maximize the chance of natural conception.

Follicle studies seek to identify when a woman’s follicle ruptures and releases an egg. Ovulation is detected when the follicle disappears from the imaging picture, or the follicle walls become collapsed or irregular.

how do follicle studies aid the chance of conception?

Understanding the precise timing of ovulation will help couples conceive more quickly by helping them time intercourse.

You’d be surprised how frequently couples fail to maximize this window. Please be sure to follow all of the instructions of our medical team related to timing intercourse during follicle study care.

what should you expect during a follicle study appointment?

Follicle studies are easy to perform, with each ultrasound session lasting only five to ten minutes. It is likely your provider will recommend at least a few ultrasound scans (up to six) in the course a single cycle.

Appointments are typically scheduled early in the morning, so that patients whose work schedules or other obligations can attend their appointments before beginning their days.

Among all appointment types at Bella, arriving on time for ultrasounds is the most important. Because a patient often has to change into a robe, even short ultrasounds require the full amount of time allotted to care. Late arrivals may unfortunately be rescheduled more frequently than other appointment types.

at what point in the menstrual cycle are follicle studies performed?

Scans are taken during a relatively short window of the menstrual cycle, generally over the course of seven to ten days (roughly between days nine and twenty of the menstrual cycle).

what else can a follicle study determine?

In addition to mapping follicle eruption, follicle studies can also determine when follicles fail to grow, rupture prematurely, and even when an egg implants into the lining of the womb.

Tracking both successes and challenges in conceiving will allow the patient and our medical team develop a highly personalized plan of care.

WILL INSURANCE COVER follicle studies?

Insurance often covers follicle studies. Deductibles will need to be met and co-pays apply.