A pelvic ultrasound is a noninvasive diagnostic exam that produces images that are used to assess organs and structures within the female pelvis. A pelvic ultrasound allows quick visualization of the female pelvic organs and structures including the uterus, cervix, vagina, fallopian tubes and ovaries.
At StarCare, our doctors perform the ultrasound exam ourselves in our offices. Our offices are equipped with the state of the art 3/4 D color ultrasound. Immediate feedback and diagnosis are given to the patient while the ultrasound exam is performed live. Prompt treatment can be started without delay immediately after the exam. This is especially important under emergency situation, like ovarian torsion, ruptured ovarian cyst, ectopic pregnancy, and internal bleeding. In the radiology department, most ultrasound exams are performed by technicians, and the still images are reviewed by the Radiologist to give a diagnosis later.
We perform pelvic ultrasound to diagnose and assist in the treatment of the following:
- Uterine fibroid tumor
- Ovarian cyst and tumor
- Endometrial polyp and cancer
- Presence and position of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD)
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Heavy period and any abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Postmenopausal bleeding
- Pelvic pain, painful sex, painful period
- Monitoring of ovarian follicle size for infertility evaluation
- Ectopic pregnancy
Ultrasound may also be used to assist with other procedures such as endometrial biopsy, breast biopsy, and amniocentesis. Transvaginal ultrasound may be used with sonohysterography, a procedure in which the uterus is filled with fluid to distend it for better imaging.
What are the risks of a pelvic ultrasound?
There is no radiation used and generally no discomfort from the application of the ultrasound transducer to the skin during a transabdominal ultrasound. You may experience slight discomfort with the insertion of the transvaginal transducer into the vagina.