FLUID IN YOUR UTERUS: WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

Throughout your surrogacy medical cycle, you will be asked to keep multiple appointments at a clinic near your home. During these visits, you will typically have blood taken and have a transvaginal ultrasound. The purpose of the blood sample is to monitor and evaluate hormone levels in your blood. The ultrasound's purpose is a bit more involved. Typically, the ultrasound will check for just two things: the thickness of your endometrial lining and the presence of the “triple stripe” or pattern of your uterus. Sometimes, however, the ultrasound will highlight the presence of fluid in the uterus or other potential abnormalities. 

WHAT CAUSES BLOOD IN THE UTERUS?

Everything from leftover menstrual blood to normal bodily secretions can cause fluid to appear on an ultrasound. Many women will have some amount of fluid in the uterus, and this is not always a cause for concern.

WHEN IS FLUID IN THE UTERUS A CONCERN?

Fluid in the uterus is a concern when it remains there or when the amount increases as it can be a complication in IVF procedures. Excess fluid in the uterus can interfere with the implantation of a transferred embryo in the uterine lining. Additional fluids in the uterus generally lead to the current cycle's cancellation.

WHAT IS 'FREE FLUID' IN THE UTERUS?

Free fluid that shows in the uterus early in the pregnancy refers to any fluid that is not enclosed within a structure.

The clinical significance of free fluid depends on its volume, appearance, and the patient's symptoms. It is often a critical clue in diagnosing conditions such as ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or ruptured ovarian cysts.

HOW TO REDUCE FLUID IN THE UTERUS SO IVF CAN CONTINUE

In some cases, the IVF doctor can drain fluid from the uterus in an effort to salvage the cycle. Your IVF doctor will work to determine the cause of the additional fluid in your uterus and take corrective measures to avoid having it occur in a future medical cycle. Sometimes a slight adjustment of your fertility or hormone medications can resolve the fluid retention in a subsequent cycle. There is nothing that you can, or should, attempt to do on your own to correct the fluid retention within your uterus. 

Rarely, doctors may be unable to determine the cause of the fluid, or unable to stop it from recurring. If this is the case, it may be recommended that you not proceed as a surrogate. Your nurse and IVF doctor can also speak with you about any medical questions you may have. 

Growing Generations is honored to support surrogates every step of the way. Contact Growing Generations to learn more about the surrogacy journey.