GYN Ultrasound & 3D Ultrasound
At One to One FemaleCare our physicians perform ultrasounds to examine the uterus, ovaries cervix and fallopian tubes, and identify or diagnose any problems.
A pelvic ultrasound, or sonogram, is an maging procedure used to diagnose and observe disorders in females. This procedure is also used to assess the health and growth of an embryo or fetus in pregnant women.
Reasons for a Pelvic Ultrasound
Many pelvic disorders can be detected by using ultrasound as a diagnostic test. These include the following:
- Uterine anomalies
- Endometrial polyps
- Ovarian cysts
- Kidney stones
- Urinary tract infections
Additionally, a Doppler ultrasound technique may be utilized to observe the blood flow of the region explicitly. This may help determine the existence of tumor angiogenesis or plaque formation on vessels near the organs of the area. In women, a pelvic ultrasound may be used to evaluate the following:
- Fallopian tubes
The Pelvic Ultrasound Procedure
The patient should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and may be asked to change into a gown before the procedure. The test usually takes about 30 minutes to complete. An ultrasound is generally painless, but the procedure may be slightly uncomfortable, depending on the type being performed.
A transabdominal ultrasound is the most common type of pelvic ultrasound. Usually the patient will lie face-up on the examining table. A soft gel is spread across the area to be observed to help sound waves travel between the machine and the body. The actual imaging itself is completely painless, but if the area to be imaged was tender beforehand, some discomfort may occur.
A transvaginal ultrasound is similar to a gynecological exam for women. The transducer is lubricated with a small amount of gel and then placed inside the vagina.
The images will be analyzed, and the physician will later discuss the results with the patient.
A transvaginal ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging test used for examining female reproductive organs. It may be performed to diagnose the cause of various abnormalities, including menstrual irregularities, pelvic pain, infertility, and uterine fibroids, or it may be performed to monitor a fetus' growth during the early stages of pregnancy.
Reasons for a Transvaginal Ultrasound
A physician may decide a transvaginal ultrasound is necessary when the patient suffers from:
- Abnormalities such as cysts or fibroid tumors
- Menstrual problems such as abnormal bleeding
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Pelvic pain
The Transvaginal Ultrasound Procedure
Other than emptying the bladder beforehand, no preparation is usually required for a transvaginal ultrasound. On the day of the procedure, it is best for the patient to arrive wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, although she may be asked to change into a gown before the transvaginal ultrasound begins.
During the transvaginal ultrasound, the patient will lie down on her back with her feet in stirrups. The transducer, responsible for producing images, will be wrapped in protective covering and gel and then inserted into the vagina. As the transducer is moved around, the images it produces will be immediately sent to a nearby television screen. A transvaginal ultrasound usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes to perform, and is virtually painless.
The results of a transvaginal ultrasound are usually available a few days after the exam when the doctor will discuss the results with the patient. If the test results indicate any abnormalities, the doctor will develop a customized treatment plan based on the patient's condition.
The enhancement with 3D ultrasound has improved the detail and accuracy of these pelvic images which aids in our practitioners diagnosis.
Call the office today to find out more about our OB-GYN Services