Pelvic ultrasound

When should the ultrasound scan be performed?

Generally the scan is best performed in the first 10 days of the cycle. There are times when this is not appropriate and your doctor will advise you. If you are uncertain when to come please discuss this with us.

How is the examination performed?

There are 2 parts to the routine pelvic scan

• An initial scan is performed through the abdomen (transabdominal scan) using the full bladder as a window. It provides a broad perspective of the organs in the pelvis but generally not a lot of detail.
• A scan through the vagina (transvaginal scan) using a slender probe which provides significantly more detailed images. 

We routinely perform a transvaginal ultrasound imaging scan of the pelvis, unless you feel this is not appropriate for you or you have never had vaginal sexual intercourse.

transvaginal view of uterus

transabominal view of uterus

What preparation do I need on the day of the scan?

You should drink 1-2 glasses of water one hour prior to your scheduled ultrasound appointment. . You should not empty your bladder after drinking until you have had your scan. If your bladder becomes uncomfortably full you may empty a small amount but do not empty it completely.This facilitates imaging of the uterus and pelvic organs using a transabdominal approach, which is our first line imaging technique.