What is a Pelvic Ultrasound?
A pelvic ultrasound is a diagnostic exam using high frequency sound waves to study the organs and vessels of the pelvis such as the uterus and ovaries. Ultrasound is safe and does not involve the use of any injections or radiation.
How is the examination performed?
A Registered Ultrasound Technologist will perform your examination and can answer any questions you may have. A pelvic ultrasound is done by placing a small amount of warm ultrasound gel on your pelvis and by pressing a small probe or transducer over the area to be imaged. Also, most of the time an internal or transvaginal exam will be performed by inserting a small probe called a transducer into your vagina.
Who is a candidate for a Pelvic Ultrasound?
A pelvic ultrasound can sometimes be ordered for pelvic pain, post-menopausal bleeding or irregular menses, for example.
Will I need to prepare for the exam?
Yes, please drink 32 ounces of water one hour prior to your appointment. A full bladder is necessary in order to accurately visualize anatomy best. Please do not use the restroom until after your exam.
What will I experience?
You will be asked to lie down on your back and expose your stomach and pelvis area. The Technologist will place some warm gel on you and begin pressing the transducer or probe onto your pelvic region. The Technologist may be giving you some breathing instructions that help in obtaining the best possible images. A series of images will be taken that last about 30 minutes.
Depending upon your age, a transvaginal ultrasound is performed. A smaller, specially designed transducer is inserted into your vagina to obtain better images.
What happens next?
The Technologist will give you a towel to
wipe off the gel and you are done. The Technologist will analyze your images and send them to the radiologist’s computer for interpretation.
The Radiologist, a State of New Mexico licensed and board certified Physician, that specializes in radiology interpretation, will read your images. A report will be recorded and transcribed then sent to your Physician who will explain the results to you.