Have you ever called to schedule a pelvic ultrasound and been asked about your periods or told that ideally the scan should be scheduled between day 5-10 of your cycle? You might wonder why timing is so important.
A pelvic ultrasound is an investigation performed by a sonographer or sonologist to capture images of the pelvic organs, including the uterus and ovaries. These images provide crucial insights for your doctor, whether it’s to investigate symptoms, plan a pregnancy, or support shared decision-making for your healthcare.
The Role of Your Menstrual Cycle in a Pelvic Scan
If you have periods, the timing of your scan can significantly impact the quality of the images. For most people, a menstrual cycle lasts around 28 days and is divided into two phases:
1. The First Half: Leading to Ovulation
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- During this phase, the uterus prepares for a possible pregnancy. The first week involves shedding the previous month’s lining (your period).
- Afterward, the uterine lining thickens due to increasing oestrogen levels, creating a triple-layered structure ideal for implantation.
- Optimal Timing: Scans done between days 5–10 of your cycle provide the clearest view of the uterine lining (endometrium) and allow us to check for polyps, fibroids, or other abnormalities.
2. The Second Half: After Ovulation
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- Post-ovulation, the uterine lining becomes thicker and appears bright on ultrasound, making it harder to see delicate structures.
- While scans during this phase can be useful, they are typically done for specific medical questions requested by your doctor.
What We Need to Know When Booking Your Scan
When scheduling a pelvic ultrasound, we may ask:
- Do you have regular periods?
- When was your last period?
- What day of your cycle are you on now?
These questions help us tailor the timing of your scan to ensure the best possible images and information for you and your doctor.
Special Considerations
If you don’t have regular periods, experience unpredictable spotting, or don’t get periods at all (due to menopause, medications, surgery, or medical conditions), our team is here to help. We’ll ask the right questions and work with you to schedule the scan at the most appropriate time for your situation.
If you’ve been prescribed medication to induce a period (withdrawal bleed) or have special instructions from your doctor, please let us know. Sharing details from your referral, including uploading it online, can help us arrange a scan tailored to your needs—especially if your doctor’s handwriting is difficult to read!
Our Commitment to You
Our goal is to ensure you, and your referring doctor receive high-quality information from your scan. Most often, this means scheduling your pelvic ultrasound between days 5–10 of your cycle.
Our skilled and friendly reception team is trained to guide you through the process, ensuring your scan is booked at the right time and with minimal hassle.
Thank you for trusting us with your care. We look forward to providing you with expertise and support before, during, and after your scan.