What is the objective of this scan?
The aim of the pelvis ultrasound scan is to assess the female pelvic organs:
- Uterus
- Thickness and condition of the endometrium (lining of the womb)
- Ovaries
- Adnexae (area around the womb)
Reasons for this scan may include:
This scan is performed for a wide range of reasons some of which include:
- Pain
- Bloating
- Irregular or erratic vaginal bleeding
- Abnormal blood tests
- Irregular or erratic periods
- Discomfort
- Spotting between periods
- Painful / Heavy Periods
- Asses for abnormal growths e.g. tumors
- Detect fibroids
- Detect cysts
- Assessment for polycystic ovaries (PCO)
- Assess presence of polyps
- Assess coil (IUD) position
- Assess possible cause for painful sexual Intercourse
- Assess possible pelvic inflammatory disease
- Assess endometrial thickness
- Post-menopausal bleeding
- Effects of Hormone Replacement Therapy
What is included with this ultrasound scan?
An electronic ultrasound report of the examination including any measurements same day as your appointment.
What does the scan involve?
During the scan you will be asked to uncover your pelvic area and a small amount of jelly will be placed over your skin. An ultrasound camera will then be placed on top and moved along your pelvis. This will result in a picture appearing on the ultrasound monitor which will be translated by a medical ultrasound practitioner.
The examination itself usually lasts around 15 minutes and is pain free.
Sometimes you may also require an internal scan. This scan is known as a transvaginal ultrasound and provides much clearer viewing of the uterus, ovaries and pelvic region and will only be performed with your consent.
If consent is given, then you will be asked to empty your bladder. You will need to take everything bottom half off and a sheet will be provided to cover yourself with. You will be laying on your back and the probe will be placed inside your vagina which will be moved around to obtain information. This procedure is usually pain free however occasionally you may experience some discomfort and if so the professional can adjust to keep discomfort to a minimum. You will be able to pause or stop this procedure at any time if you feel the need to.
At the end of the examination the Ultrasonographer will give you a verbal report with a formal ultrasound scan report with any recommendations being sent to you which you can take to your regular healthcare professional.
Preparation for the scan
A full bladder is required for this scan – Please drink 1 litre of fluid approximately 1.5 hours before your scheduled appointment and please try your best not to empty your bladder before the examination
