Pelvic Ultrasound
What is a pelvic ultrasound?
A pelvic ultrasound is usually the best test for gynaecological problems in women. It uses sound waves which are emitted from a transducer which is put into contact with your skin.
Ultrasound Care’s gynaecologists and sonographers are trained experts in pelvic ultrasound, and we use the latest ultrasound machines to ensure the best possible imagery.
What happens during a pelvic ultrasound?
We use pelvic ultrasound as good views of the pelvis can be achieved with a transducer on your tummy, looking through the bladder to the uterus and ovaries. In order to best visualise the pelvis, we need you to have a comfortably full bladder at the time of your scan.
Trans-vaginal pelvic ultrasound
It is often better to use a trans-vaginal transducer to get higher resolution images of small structures in the pelvis. If this is needed, our sonographer will ask you to empty your bladder in the private en-suite area of your scan room and will give you a gown or sheet to cover yourself for your comfort and privacy.
The sterile narrow transducer is then placed into the vagina. Some women prefer to do this themselves and our sonographer will guide you on how to do this. The sterile narrow transducer is closer to your pelvic organs and allows for clearer imaging. Please let us know if you are concerned about the trans-vaginal ultrasound procedure, and your sonographers or doctor will discuss this with you before starting your scan.
Please be assured that ultrasound is usually painless and safe.
When is the best time for a pelvic ultrasound and why are they used?
Unless otherwise instructed by your primary caregiver, the best time to have a pelvic ultrasound is between days 5 and 10 of your cycle, with day 1 being the first day of your period.
Pelvic ultrasound scans can be used to assess:
- The uterus or womb
- The ovaries
- The adnexa
- The vagina
Pelvic ultrasounds are used to investigate problems in young girls, such as pain, unusual bleeding or a pelvic mass, and in women of reproductive age to investigate unusual bleeding, infertility, pelvic pain and masses. In older women, a pelvic ultrasound is used to investigate post-menopausal bleeding, pain and bloating.
How do I arrange for a pelvic ultrasound?
Once you have a referral from your doctor, please contact The Ultrasound Care clinic that is most convenient to you. We have locations all over Sydney. Our admin team will be able to arrange for an appointment time that suits your needs.
