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. 

IS FINDING FLUID IN THE UTERUS ON AN ULTRASOUND CONCERNING?

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

It is when the fluids continue to be retained or appear in larger amounts that it becomes a problem in IVF procedures. Additional fluid in the uterus is problematic because it will interfere with a transferred embryo’s ability to implant effectively into the uterine lining. In general, the presence of additional fluids in the uterus tends to cause a cancellation of your current cycle. 

HOW TO REDUCE FLUID IN THE UTERUS SO IVF CAN CONTINUE

Occasionally, the fluid may be able to be drained from your 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.