Pelvic

A pelvic ultrasound scan allows your Sonographer to see your bladder, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

The test is done in two ways:

Transabdominal

• Tendon tears and tendonitis in key problem areas such as the ankle and shoulder

Transvaginal

• A thin, lubricated transducer is placed inside the vagina.

A pelvic ultrasound test is done for the following reasons:

• Find the cause of urinary problems.
• Find out what’s causing pelvic pain.
• Look for causes of vaginal bleeding and menstrual problems.
• Check for growths or masses like ovarian cysts or uterine fibroids.
• Look for the correct placement of an intrauterine device (IUD).

These are the most common reasons, but there may be other reasons for your doctor to recommend a pelvic ultrasound.

If you have transabdominal ultrasound, you must drink 4 to 6 glasses of water about an hour before the test. This will fill your bladder and make for a clearer picture.

If you are having both transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasounds done, you’ll start with a full bladder. You will be asked to empty it before the transvaginal ultrasound.

For a transabdominal ultrasound

You will lie on your back on an examination table. A gel-like substance will be applied to your abdomen.
The transducer will be pressed against the skin and moved around over the area being studied.
Images of structures will be displayed on the computer screen. Images will be recorded on various media for the health care record.
Once the procedure has been completed, the gel will be removed.
You may empty your bladder when the procedure is completed.

For a transvaginal ultrasound

If asked to remove clothing, you will be given a gown to wear.

You will lie on an examination table, with your feet and legs supported as for a pelvic examination.

A long, thin transvaginal transducer will be covered with a plastic or latex sheath and lubricated. The tip of the transducer will be inserted into your vagina. This may be slightly uncomfortable.

The transducer will be gently turned and angled to bring the areas for study into focus. You may feel mild pressure as the transducer is moved.

Images of organs and structures will be displayed on the computer screen. Images may be recorded on various media for the health care record.

Once the procedure has been completed, the transducer will be removed.

• With a transabdominal ultrasound, you will feel light pressure from the transducer as it passes over your belly. If you have an injury or
  pelvic pain, the pressure may be painful.
• With a transvaginal ultrasound, you may feel slight discomfort from the transducer probe as it is put into your vagina. If at any time
  you become uncomfortable do let the sonographer know and they will stop the scan.
• You will not hear or feel the sound waves.

• There is no particular type of care required after a pelvic ultrasound. You may resume your regular diet and daily activities unless your doctor advises you differently.
• There are no confirmed adverse biological effects on patients or instrument operators caused by exposures to ultrasound at the intensity levels used in diagnostic ultrasound.
• But depending on your particular results, the doctor may give you additional or alternative instructions after the procedure.