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.

  Transvaginal ultrasound requires covering the ultrasound transducer in a plastic or latex sheath, which may cause a reaction in patients with a latex allergy.

  During a transabdominal ultrasound, you may experience discomfort from having a full bladder or lying on the examination table.

  If a transabdominal ultrasound is needed quickly, a urinary catheter may be inserted to fill the bladder.

  There may be risks depending on your specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your doctor prior to the procedure.

  Certain factors or conditions may interfere with the results of the test. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Severe obesity
  • Barium within the intestines from a recent barium procedure
  • Intestinal gas
  • Inadequate filling of bladder (with transabdominal ultrasound). A full bladder helps move the uterus up and moves the bowel away for better imaging.

EAT/DRINK : Drink a minimum of 24 ounces of clear fluid at least one hour before your appointment. Do not empty your bladder until after the exam.

Generally, no fasting or sedation is required for a pelvic ultrasound, unless the ultrasound is part of another procedure that requires anesthesia.

For a transvaginal ultrasound, you should empty your bladder right before the procedure.

Your doctor will explain the procedure to you and offer you the opportunity to ask any questions that you might have about the procedure.

Based on your medical condition, your doctor may request other specific preparation.

A pelvic ultrasound may be performed in your doctor’s office, on an outpatient basis, or as part of your stay in a hospital. Procedures may vary depending on your condition and your hospital’s practices.

Generally, a pelvic ultrasound follows this process:

For a transabdominal ultrasound

1. You will be asked to remove any clothing, jewelry, or other objects that may interfere with the scan.
2. If asked to remove clothing, you will be given a gown to wear.
3. You will lie on your back on an examination table.
4. A gel-like substance will be applied to your abdomen.
5. The transducer will be pressed against the skin and moved around over the area being studied.
6. If blood flow is being assessed, you may hear a “whoosh, whoosh” sound when the Doppler probe is used.
7. Images of structures will be displayed on the computer screen. Images will be recorded on various media for the health care record.
8. Once the procedure has been completed, the gel will be removed.
9. You may empty your bladder when the procedure is completed.

For a transvaginal ultrasound

1. You will be asked to remove any clothing, jewelry, or other objects that may interfere with the scan.
2. If asked to remove clothing, you will be given a gown to wear.
3. You will lie on an examination table, with your feet and legs supported as for a pelvic examination.
4. A long, thin transvaginal transducer will be covered with a plastic or latex sheath and lubricated. The tip of the transducer will be inserted into your vagina. This may be slightly uncomfortable.
5. The transducer will be gently turned and angled to bring the areas for study into focus. You may feel mild pressure as the transducer is moved.
6. If blood flow is being assessed, you may hear a “whoosh, whoosh” sound when the Doppler probe is used.
7. Images of organs and structures will be displayed on the computer screen. Images may be recorded on various media for the health care record.
8. Once the procedure has been completed, the transducer will be removed.

There is no special type of care required after a pelvic ultrasound. You may resume your normal diet and activity unless your doctor advises you differently.

There are no confirmed adverse biological effects on patients or instrument operators caused by exposures to ultrasound at the intensity levels used in a diagnostic ultrasound.

Your doctor may give you additional or alternate instructions after the procedure, depending on your particular situation.