A pelvic ultrasound is a noninvasive diagnostic pelvic exam that produces images that are used to assess organs and structures within the female pelvis.

Pelvic Sonogram

Pelvic Ultrasound Brooklyn NYCA pelvic ultrasound allows quick visualization of the female pelvic organs and structures, including:

  • Uterus
  • Cervix
  • Vagina
  • Fallopian tubes
  • Ovaries

Ultrasound uses a transducer that sends out ultrasound waves at a frequency too high to be heard. The ultrasound transducer is placed on the skin, and the ultrasound waves move through the body to the organs and structures within.

The sound waves bounce off the organs like an echo and return to the transducer. The transducer processes the reflected waves, which are then converted by a computer into an image of the organs or tissues being examined.

The sound waves travel at different speeds depending on the type of tissue encountered – fastest through bone tissue and slowest through the air.

The speed at which the sound waves are returned to the transducer, as well as how much of the sound wave returns, is translated by the transducer as different types of tissue.

A Pelvic Sonogram/Ultrasound may be done to:

  • Find out what is causing pelvic pain
  • Look for the cause of vaginal bleeding
  • Look for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
  • Find an intrauterine device (IUD)
  • Look at the size and shape of the uterus and the thickness of the uterine lining
  • Look at the size and shape of the ovaries
  • Check the condition and size of the ovaries during treatment for infertility
  • Confirm a pregnancy and whether it is in the uterus. Pelvic ultrasound may be used early in pregnancy to check the age of the pregnancy or to find a tubal pregnancy (ectopic pregnancy) or multiple pregnancies
  • Check the cervical length in a pregnant woman at risk for preterm labor
  • Check a lump found during a pelvic examination
  • Check uterine fibroids found during a pelvic examination. Pelvic ultrasound may also be done to check the growth of uterine fibroids
  • Guide a procedure to remove an ovarian follicle for in vitro fertilization.

Other Terms that are used to describe this procedure:

  • Pelvic Ultrasound
  • Pelvic Ultrasonography
  • Pelvic Sonography
  • Pelvic Scan
  • Lower Abdomen Ultrasound
  • Gynecologic Ultrasound
  • Transabdominal Ultrasound
  • Transvaginal Ultrasound
  • Endovaginal Ultrasound

Pelvic Ultrasound FAQ

How Do I Prepare for a Pelvic Ultrasound?

Normally, your healthcare provider will provide you with recommendations on how to prepare for an ultrasound procedure. Generally, it is advised to drink a minimum of 24 ounces of clear fluid at least one hour before the appointment. In the vast majority of cases, no sedation or fasting is required unless the vaginal ultrasound is part of another procedure that requires anesthesia. Keep in mind that based on your medical condition, your doctor might request specific preparation.

What Happens After a Pelvic Ultrasound?

Once your vaginal ultrasound is completed, you will be able to resume your regular diet and activity unless your healthcare provider advises you differently. Keep in mind that there is no special care required after an ultrasound procedure. Furthermore, there are no confirmed adverse biological effects on patients caused by exposure to ultrasound.

What Are the Main Goals of Pelvic Ultrasound?

This procedure is normally performed for the purpose of:

  • Detecting issues with the structure of your uterus or ovaries
  • Looking for cancer in your ovaries, uterus, or bladder
  • Looking for growths like noncancerous tumors, fibroids, or cysts
  • Discovering the cause of pain or abnormal bleeding
  • Monitoring your baby’s growth during pregnancy
  • Checking for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID — an infection of your uterus, ovaries, or fallopian tubes)
  • Diagnosing an ectopic pregnancy (a fertilized egg that grows outside of the uterus)

What Happens During a Pelvic Ultrasound?

During a vaginal ultrasound procedure, your doctor will make use of a special device called a transducer that transmits sound waves. These sound waves bounce off your organs and tissues and then echo back to the transducer. A computer will then convert these sound waves into a picture of your organs, which will appear on a screen.

What Are the Risks of a Pelvic Ultrasound Examination?

The examination itself does not carry any risks. Unlike X-rays, vaginal ultrasound does not use radiation. Additionally, this procedure is not painful, but you might experience a certain degree of discomfort when the transducer is inserted.

Dr. Amir Marashi, MD
Brooklyn GYN Place
142 Joralemon Street, Suite 4CF
Brooklyn, NY 11201‎
(Brooklyn Heights)
718-624-0604

Disclaimer:

The information provided on this site is intended to educate the reader about certain medical conditions and certain possible treatment. It is not a substitute for examination, diagnosis, and medical care provided by a licensed and qualified health care professional. If you believe you, or someone you know suffers from the conditions described herein, please see your health care provider immediately. Do not attempt to treat yourself or anyone else without proper medical supervision.
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