Treatments & Services

Timed Investigation Cycle (TIC)

Understand Your Cycle. Plan Your Next Step with Confidence.

A Timed Investigation Cycle (TIC) is a structured, clinician-led assessment of your natural menstrual cycle. By performing assessments at carefully selected points throughout your cycle, your doctor can gain a more accurate understanding of ovulation, hormone function, ovarian reserve, and endometrial development. This information provides a detailed picture of how your ovaries, hormones and uterine lining are functioning, allowing treatment decisions to be based on your individual cycle rather than general estimates. 

Whether you are preparing for IVF or beginning a fertility assessment, a Timed Investigation Cycle helps ensure your care is tailored to you from the start.

Who Is This For?

A Timed Investigation Cycle is recommended for patients who are preparing for IVF or fertility treatment. It is particularly valuable if you:

• Are preparing for IVF and want your protocol tailored to your individual cycle
• Have had a previous IVF cycle and are looking to refine your treatment approach
• Have been trying to conceive and are ready for a thorough fertility assessment before proceeding to treatment
• Experience symptoms such as irregular, heavy, or painful periods that may benefit from further fertility-related investigation
• Want clarity and reassurance before making treatment decisions

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What Does a Timed Investigation Cycle Involve?

A TIC follows your natural cycle in a structured sequence. The timing of each assessment is important, as different stages of the menstrual cycle provide different information about ovarian function, ovulation, and endometrial development.

Step 1 – Contact Us on Day 1 of your period: 

Call the clinic on the first day of your period to schedule your baseline assessment.

Step 2 – Baseline Assessment (Cycle Days 2–6)

You will come in for an ultrasound assessment, which may include both abdominal and transvaginal imaging, to assess:

• Uterine anatomy
• Endometrial thickness
• Ovarian morphology
• Antral follicle count

Hormonal blood tests and infectious screening may be completed at this stage. Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) testing may also be arranged where clinically indicated.

Step 3 – Mid-Cycle Assessment (Days 12–18)

You'll have a follow-up scan to assess:

• Follicle development
• Evidence of follicular maturation consistent with impending or recent ovulation
• Endometrial progression

Step 4 – Luteal Phase Progesterone

Approximately seven days after ovulation, a progesterone blood test confirms whether ovulation has occurred and whether the second half of the cycle is functioning appropriately.

Step 5 – Review Consultation

Your doctor reviews all results with you and explains the recommended next steps, which may include personalised IVF protocol planning, further investigation, or other treatment options.

Why Consider a TIC Before IVF?

Every patient's cycle is different. Without a clear picture of your ovarian reserve, follicular development, endometrial progression and hormone patterns across a natural cycle, treatment planning relies on generalised protocols rather than your individual physiology.

A Timed Investigation Cycle gives your doctor the data to:

• Provide information about ovarian reserve and follicular development to support personalised IVF treatment planning
• Assess endometrial development and uterine structure ahead of treatment
• Recognise any hormonal patterns that may influence your response to medications
• Identify structural features or abnormalities that may warrant further investigation before treatment begins
• Make informed decisions about timing, dosing and approach that are specific to you

What to Expect from the Scan

The ultrasound examination is performed both abdominally and internally (transvaginally) to provide a comprehensive assessment of your reproductive organs. Most patients find the procedure well tolerated, although some may experience mild pressure or temporary discomfort. The scan is performed in a respectful and supportive environment and usually takes around 15–20 minutes. You are welcome to ask questions at any time, and the examination can be paused or stopped at your request. A support person may attend with you if you wish. 

All scans are performed by credentialed sonographers and reviewed by specialist sonologists with expertise in reproductive ultrasound.