Pelvic Ultrasound

Pelvic ultrasounds can be used to evaluate different pelvic structures such as the bladder, uterus, ovaries, cervix, or prostate.

Transvaginal exams can be used to obtain images of the cervix, uterus, and ovaries, which may detect fibroids, cancer, polyps, and other abnormalities.

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the body’s tissues, structures, and blood flow. A transducer/probe and ultrasound gel work together to transmit and receive sound waves to produce images on the monitor.

The sonographer will request that you lay on the exam bed on your back. Warm, water-based ultrasound gel will be applied on the skin and/or the transducer. The sonographer will move the transducer on the skin as necessary to obtain images for the physician to interpret.

If the internal exam is necessary, you will be asked to empty your bladder and lay on the exam bed with your feet in stirrups.

The procedure typically lasts for 30 to 45 minutes, but the duration varies depending on the structure being examined.

• You may be instructed to arrive with a full bladder
• You may be asked to change into a gown

The benefits of Pelvic Ultrasound:

• Ultrasound images can be shown in real-time
• Ultrasound scanning gives a clear picture of soft tissues that do not show up well on x-ray images
• No ionizing radiation is used for this procedure

Risks you should be aware of:

• There are no known risks for ultrasound