Ultrasound IrelandMedical & Maternity Ultrasound Centers
Fertility Monitoring

Endometrial Thickness Scanin Dublin

Monitor the thickness and appearance of your endometrium (womb lining) throughout your cycle. Essential for tracking response to fertility treatment and assessing optimal conditions for implantation.

First Scan:€170|Medical Card:€150|Follow-up:€125

What Is an Endometrial Thickness Scan?

An endometrial thickness scan measures the thickness and assesses the appearance of the endometrium — the lining of the womb. This lining changes throughout your menstrual cycle and plays a critical role in embryo implantation.

This scan helps monitor the natural changes in your cycle, estimate ovulation timing, and track how your endometrium responds to fertility medications used to stimulate the lining during treatment.

What We Assess

During this scan we will examine:

  • Endometrial thicknessmeasured in millimetres
  • Endometrial appearancepattern and echogenicity (trilaminar, homogeneous)
  • Uterussize, shape, and position
  • Right and left ovariesfollicle development and any abnormalities
  • Fibroids or polypschecking for any that may affect implantation

Why endometrial thickness matters:

The endometrium typically requires adequate thickness (usually 7-14mm) with an appropriate appearance for successful embryo implantation. Monitoring these changes helps optimise the timing of fertility procedures.

When to Have Your Scans

Endometrial thickness monitoring typically requires three scans per menstrual cycle, performed at 1-2 day intervals:

These are guidelines only, please follow the advice of your GP/Fertility Care Provider.

Cycle DayPurpose
Day 2-5Baseline scan — assess thin endometrium, check ovaries
Day 9-12Monitor endometrial thickening and follicle development
Day 14-16Assess peak thickness and appearance before ovulation

Day 1 is the first day of menstrual bleeding. These are general guidelines only.

Your first appointment includes a detailed gynaecological assessment. Subsequent scans focus on the endometrium and ovaries and are offered at a reduced price.

What's Included

First Pelvic Scan

€170
  • Complete gynaecological ultrasound assessment
  • Uterus, endometrium, and both ovaries examined
  • Check for fibroids, polyps, or abnormalities
  • Baseline endometrial measurement
  • Sonographer impression on the day
  • Radiologist report (within 2-3 working days)
  • Images sent to you after the scan for sharing with your care provider

Follow-up Scans

€125
  • Focused assessment of endometrium and ovaries
  • Endometrial thickness measurement
  • Sonographer impression on the day
  • Images sent to you after the scan for sharing with your care provider

Within 6 months of first scan

What to Expect

1

Before Your Scan

First complete scan:

Attend with a full bladder — drink 1 litre of water approximately 1 hour before your appointment. Finish drinking at least 20 minutes before scan time.

Follow-up scans:

Empty bladder required — these are performed transvaginally only.

Preparation checklist:

  • Full bladder for first scan (empty for follow-ups)
  • Know your cycle day (Day 1 = first day of bleeding)
  • Bring any instructions from your fertility clinic
  • Wear comfortable, loose clothing
2

During the Scan

Endometrial thickness scans are performed transvaginally for maximum accuracy.

A thin ultrasound probe, covered with a sterile sheath and lubricating gel, is gently inserted into the vagina. This allows clear visualisation of the endometrium so that accurate thickness measurements can be taken.

For your first appointment, a transabdominal scan (on your abdomen) may also be performed before the internal scan.

Duration: 20-30 minutes for first appointment, 15-20 minutes for follow-ups

3

After Your Scan

First complete scan:

Results are reviewed by a Consultant Radiologist. The formal report is sent to your GP or referring doctor within 2-3 working days.

Follow-up scans:

Results are available immediately after your appointment. The sonographer will explain your endometrial measurements and what they indicate.

You'll receive a digital copy of your report and images via email or to your mobile phone, which you can share directly with your gynaecologist or fertility specialist.

Understanding Your Results

Endometrial thickness by cycle phase:

Cycle PhaseTypical ThicknessAppearance
Menstrual (Day 1-5)2-4mmThin, shedding
Proliferative (Day 6-14)5-9mmThickening, trilaminar
Ovulation (Day 14)8-12mmTrilaminar (three-layer pattern)
Secretory (Day 15-28)10-14mmHomogeneous, echogenic

Note: These ranges represent typical measurements based on current medical literature but individual variation is normal. Your fertility specialist will interpret your specific measurements in the context of your overall fertility assessment.

Optimal thickness for implantation:

  • Minimum: 7mm
  • Optimal range: 8-14mm
  • The trilaminar (three-layer) pattern is associated with better implantation rates

Important: These reference ranges are based on current medical literature but may vary between individuals. Endometrial thickness is monitored as one factor among many, but is not definitively predictive of implantation success on its own. Recent research suggests successful implantation can occur with thinner endometrium in some cases. Individual interpretation should always be discussed with your GP or fertility specialist who will consider your complete clinical picture.

Why You Might Need This Scan

Common reasons for endometrial monitoring:

Fertility treatmentmonitoring response to medications that stimulate the lining
IVF/FET cyclesassessing endometrial receptivity before embryo transfer
Thin endometriummonitoring treatment to improve lining thickness
Natural cycle monitoringtracking changes throughout your cycle
Post-menopausal bleedingassessing endometrial thickness (different reference ranges apply)
Hormone replacement therapymonitoring the effects on the endometrium

Frequently Asked Questions

No. You can book directly without a referral. However, if you're attending a fertility clinic, they may provide specific instructions.
Typically 3 scans per cycle — a baseline scan around Day 2-5, then follow-up scans at 1-2 day intervals to monitor thickening.
Transvaginal ultrasound provides much clearer images of the endometrium than an abdominal scan, allowing for accurate thickness measurements essential for fertility monitoring.
Most women find the scan only mildly uncomfortable. The probe is thin and inserted gently. You can ask to stop at any time.
Yes. We provide digital copies of your report and images via email, which you can forward to your fertility specialist immediately.
Your fertility specialist will advise on treatment options, which may include medications to help thicken the lining. Subsequent scans can monitor your response to treatment.
Yes. Ultrasound uses sound waves (not radiation) and has been used safely for decades when used according to medical guidelines.

Pricing

Scan TypePrice
First Pelvic Scan€170
Medical Card Price€150
Follow-up Scans (within 6 months)€125

Note: Medical Card discount does not apply to follow-up scans.

Cancellation: We require 24 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling.

Contact our friendly team today. Available 7 days a week.

Blackrock  •  Santry  •  Tallaght