Ultrasound Pelvic

A pelvic ultrasound is a safe and painless test that uses sound waves to make images of the pelvis. During the examination, an ultrasound machine sends sound waves into the pelvic area and images are recorded on a computer. The images show the internal structures of the pelvis, such as the bladder, and in females, the ovaries, uterus, cervix, and fallopian tubes.

What to Bring

• Your physician order (your physician may have already sent this to us)
• Personal ID
• Insurance Card

How to Prepare

• You will need to drink 32oz of water one hour prior to the appointment time.
• In an emergency situation, you may be given fluids through an intravenous catheter (IV) or through a urinary catheter to help fill the bladder.
• If you have a history of pelvic problems, you should inform the technologist.
• If you wear an on-body device (insulin pump, insulin regulators, Neulasta, other chemo/insulin devices, etc), you must inform your x-ray technologist. Some of these devices cannot be in the room during the exam.
• No risks are associated with a pelvic ultrasound. Unlike X-rays, radiation is not involved with this test.

What to Expect

• You may be asked to remove clothes and to wear a gown during your exam.
• The room is usually dark so the images can be seen clearly on the computer screen.
• During the exam you will be asked to lie on a table.
• Warm gel will be placed over the lower abdomen over the pelvic area. This will help with the transmission of the sound waves.
• You may feel slight pressure on the lower abdomen as the transducer is moved. You may be asked to lie in different positions or hold your breath briefly as images are obtained.
• After initial images, you will be asked to empty your bladder and scanning will resume.
• In females, a transvaginal ultrasound may be part of your exam. The transducer will be covered with a latex free cover and sterile gel will be applied. The transducer will be inserted into the vaginal canal by you or our technologist. The sonographer will move the transducer to obtain images. You will feel pressure and in some cases mild discomfort. This should go away once the procedure is complete.
• Please allow 60 minutes from registration to completion of test.

Getting the Results

• A radiologist (a doctor who is specially trained in reading and interpreting diagnostic and ultrasound images) will interpret the ultrasound results and send the information to your provider.

Screening Forms for this Test:

• Transvaginal Ultrasound Acknowledgement Waiver