Pelvic Ultrasound (Diagnostic)

A Pelvic ultrasound uses reflected sound waves to produce images of the lower abdominal structures and organs. Organs that are clearly depicted on a pelvic ultrasound are solid or fluid-filled (for example the female uterus). A pelvic ultrasound can be generally done by two different methods: trans-abdominally or transvaginally, and assesses the following:

• Ovaries
• Uterus
• Cervix
• Fallopian tubes
• Preparation

This examination requires a full bladder. We recommend you empty your bladder 1.5 hours before the examination and immediately start to drink at least 600mL of water and finish drinking 1 hour before the examination. Hold on to a full bladder until the staff member performing your scan tells you to empty.

Pelvic ultrasound is a commonly performed imaging examination. During the procedure a device called transducer is used to transmit sound waves These sound waves bounce off the organs like an echo and return to the transducer. These waves produce images of the lower abdominal structures and organs. A pelvic ultrasound can be generally done by two different methods: trans-abdominally or transvaginally.

Pelvic ultrasound is a noninvasive procedure and it should not hurt. During transabdominal ultrasounds most women don’t feel any pain or discomfort, however if you are having transvaginal ultrasound you might experience some discomfort as the transducer is inserted into your vagina.

A pelvic ultrasound is commonly used for the investigation of symptoms such as pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding and menopause. The procedure is also used to monitor diagnosed conditions such as uterine fibroids, and endometriosis, or for targeted screening assessment in the evaluation of infertility and gynecologic cancers.

Most pelvic ultrasound can take between 15 and 45 minutes.