Why have a pelvic ultrasound scan:
The aim of the scan is to examine in detail the uterus, ovaries and bladder. Some benign conditions that can cause discomfort include polyps in the cavity of the uterus and fibroids in the muscle wall of the uterus. Simple cysts are often found in the ovaries, which can cause a range of different symptoms. It is very rare for these conditions to be harmful and most of the time no treatment is needed, some will even go away on their own. Fibroids can cause periods to become more painful and heavy, whilst polyps can cause intermittent bleeding.
The best way to have a pelvic / gynae scan is a trans-vaginal scan.
Do I need to prepare for this scan?
Trans-vaginal ultrasound
This is an internal scan and for this examination you will not need to have a full bladder. This examination is usually painless and is routinely used unless there is a contra-indication. It is the most detailed, sensitive and appropriate method of looking at the uterus and ovaries. It can detect signs of early diseases and conditions that cannot be seen by the transabdominal approach, and therefore it is the method of choice for pelvic assessment and screening.
At this clinic, female sonographers, who will be happy to discuss the examination with you, undertake this examination.
This scan CANNOT be carried out if you have never had sexual intercourse.
If this is the case or for any other reason you wish to decline the trans-vaginal scan, then we can do a trans-abdominal scan. This will require a full bladder – please see under Trans-Abdominal Scan for the precise instructions.
Pelvic Scan (Transvaginal)
In order to obtain the clearest images you will be offered an INTERNAL ultrasound examination where a female operator places the ultrasound probe in the vagina. There is NO need to have a full bladder for this scan. The scan can be carried out if you are bleeding.
If you have any queries please contact us on 01883 734038 or email us on ultrasound.oxtedhealthcentre@nhs.net
Trans-abdominal ultrasound
Putting ultrasound gel on the skin of the abdomen carries this out. For this type of examination you will need to have a full bladder.
Please drink one pint of water completely one hour before the time of your appointment as it takes this long to reach your bladder. Do not go to the toilet until after your scan.
Failure to do so may mean this examination will need to be rescheduled.
If you are concerned about this you can always come earlier and wait in the clinic waiting room.
How do I get the results
After the examination the sonographer will explain the findings to you.
However, as we do not always have your full medical history or all your test results we may not be able to comment on everything we see on the scan. A comprehensive report will be sent to your doctor after the examination & you will be asked to contact your doctor after the scan.
