Ultrasound Monitorig
for Your IVF Cycle
For IVF monitoring cycles that are out-of-state of your location
Starting your cycle
Starting an IVF cycle is stressful enough, doing it with an out-of-state provider just increases that stress. That is why we have developed an out-of state monitoring program to help women that need ultrasound monitoring without having to travel to their provider. We follow your physicians instructions and with be able to accommodate your schedule. Most all cycles, whether retrievals or transfers, will need 2-3 ultrasounds during that cycle. All reports can be faxed or emailed to your physician within 2-3 hours after the exam is finished.
To schedule an appointment
Please Call True Health Acupuncture at 702-475-0870
You can also book online on the True Health Acupuncture website.
1481 W Warm Spring Rd #129
Henderson, Nevada 89014
Testimonials
My name is Michelle Aukerman. And I just have to say that Joyce at True Health Acupuncture is probably the best ultrasound technician I have ever had in my life and I’ve been through several. She’s very personal and talks through everything and if something goes wrong, she says OK how do we make this right? What’s the next step we need to take? You don’t hear that from any other ultrasound tech, they're so jaded. The comfort environment at True Health Acupuncture is unmatchable. It does not feel like a doctor's office and everybody is so warm but when it comes to Joyce, she is completely unmatched. It’s like having your own mother right there with you. I highly highly recommend her.
Thank you, the Aukerman’s
Michelle A.
This is the second pregnancy that I came to Joyce for my outside monitoring. I have been very nervous about the whole process, but Joyce guided me through each and every ultrasound. Although the monitoring went smoothly, upon achieving pregnancy I developed some bleeding. Of course, I panicked. Joyce explained everything that was going on with my bleeding and helped me through this anxious time. I don’t know what I would have done without Joyce’s calm demeanor. And the added bonus is having acupuncture treatment right there at True Health Acupuncture, the office Joyce works out of. I will always be truly thankful for the amazing experience that I received from both Joyce and True Health to be a part of my fertility journey.
Sara P.
Joyce is an exceptional individual who made a significant impact during my IVF journey. I had the privilege of meeting her when I needed support, and she was able to perform ultrasounds when our IVF Dr was unable to accommodate us. Her ability to confirm our twin pregnancy was incredibly reassuring. Joyce took the time to explain everything she was observing, which not only made the experience more memorable but also helped alleviate my anxiety. Her compassionate approach truly made a difference in my experience.
Nicole B
Exploring Pre-IVF Fertility Treatments: Spotlight on Clomid and Beyond
Exploring Pre-IVF Fertility Treatments: Spotlight on Clomid and Beyond
In Part 1, we explored Clomid and Letrozole, two of the most widely used medications for ovulation induction.
But taking the medication is just part of the process.
Careful monitoring is crucial to maximize success, avoid complications, and decide the right next steps if pregnancy doesn't happen.
Let's walk through what typically happens after starting ovulation-stimulating medications.
How Ovulation Induction Cycles Are Monitored
Doctors don’t simply prescribe Clomid or Letrozole and hope for the best.
Monitoring during the cycle helps track:
Follicle growth (to predict ovulation)
Endometrial lining thickness (to support implantation)
Hormone levels (if needed)
Timing for intercourse, IUI, or trigger shots
Common Monitoring Tools:
Test or Monitoring ToolPurposeTimingBaseline UltrasoundCheck ovaries and uterus before stimulation startsDay 2–4 of menstrual cycleMid-cycle UltrasoundMeasure number and size of follicles, lining thicknessDay 9–12 of cycleEstradiol (E2) Blood TestMeasure estrogen produced by growing folliclesDay 9–12 if neededLH Surge Urine Test or BloodworkDetect spontaneous ovulation timingMid-cycle
Key targets:
Follicles: Ideally 1–2 follicles reaching about 18–22 mm.
Endometrial lining: Ideally at least 7–8 mm and trilaminar (three-layer) appearance.
What If Follicles Grow But Lining Is Thin?
One risk (especially with Clomid) is a thin endometrial lining — less than 7 mm.
This can make it harder for a fertilized egg to implant.
Possible Solutions:
Switching to Letrozole, which is gentler on the lining
Adding estrogen supplements (like Estrace pills or patches)
Using a "trigger shot" (hCG) to precisely time ovulation and maximize lining readiness
Skipping the cycle if lining remains too thin (to avoid wasting a chance)
When to Consider Moving Beyond Clomid or Letrozole
If pregnancy hasn’t occurred after 3–6 ovulatory cycles, it’s usually time to reevaluate.
Reasons to move to more advanced treatments:
Age: Women over 35 typically move faster to more aggressive treatments.
Ovulation but no pregnancy: Suggests other problems like egg quality, sperm issues, or implantation problems.
No ovulation despite high doses: May indicate resistant PCOS, ovarian dysfunction, or other issues.
Severe male factor infertility: May need IVF with ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection).
At this point, many couples are advised to move forward to gonadotropin injections + IUI or IVF depending on their full evaluation.
Special Considerations: Timing IUIs or Trigger Shots
For women undergoing IUI (intrauterine insemination), timing is everything.
Doctors often use an hCG "trigger shot" (e.g., Ovidrel) when follicles reach ideal size.
Trigger Shot Details:
Mimics natural LH surge
Given when lead follicles are about 18 mm
IUI scheduled 24–36 hours after the trigger
Even couples doing timed intercourse (without IUI) may use a trigger shot to better predict when ovulation will happen.
A Quick Look at Medication Options: Summary Table
MedicationStarting DoseTreatment DaysKey Side EffectsBest ForClomid (Clomiphene Citrate)50 mg dailyDays 3–7 or 5–9Hot flashes, mood swings, thin liningFirst-line for many; cost-effectiveLetrozole (Femara)2.5–7.5 mg dailyDays 3–7Fatigue, mild dizzinessBetter for PCOS, thin lining issuesGonadotropins (e.g., Gonal-F)75–150 IU dailyDaily injections from Day 2/3OHSS risk, multiple pregnanciesFailed oral meds; IVF prep
Conclusion: The Big Picture
For many women, fertility treatments start with small steps like Clomid or Letrozole — often with great success.
Careful monitoring, timing, and individualized adjustments help give the best possible chance of success.
If success doesn't come quickly, moving forward to more advanced treatments like gonadotropin cycles or IVF is a natural next step in the journey.
Ultimately, understanding how these medications work on the body — and when to escalate care — empowers women to advocate for the best treatment plan tailored to their needs.
