3 Purposes of a Pelvic Ultrasound and Why You Might Need One
While you may be familiar with the use of a pelvic ultrasound to provide that first magical look at your baby, it is also a vital diagnostic tool we use at our practice to help us discover and treat a variety of conditions.
A pelvic ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of your pelvic organs. This is crucial to determine if you have conditions such as fibroids, cysts or endometriosis. We also use it to not only confirm your pregnancy but also track the fetal development over the gestation period.
A pelvic ultrasound does not use radiation, so it is an incredibly safe procedure that provides us with valuable information. It enables us to tailor your care plan so we can better serve you. We want to take the mystery out of this procedure and help you understand the valuable purposes of a pelvic ultrasound and the information you need to be partners in your care.
3 Purposes of a Pelvic Ultrasound and Why You Might Need One
What Does a Pelvic Ultrasound Look For?
While we use a pelvic ultrasound for a variety of reasons, the following are the three main purposes of this procedure:
1. A Pelvic Ultrasound Can Confirm Pregnancy and Monitor Your Baby
Can a pelvic ultrasound detect pregnancy? Yes, an ultrasound can confirm your pregnancy. We can also use it to determine how far along you are and even monitor your baby’s heartbeat.
We want to do everything we can to help ensure you have a healthy pregnancy, and a pelvic ultrasound can provide us with warning signals that you are at risk of a miscarriage or for having an early delivery.
We will also evaluate any conditions that can impact your pregnancy plan. For example, some women have a condition called placenta previa, which is a low-hanging placenta.
2. A Pelvic Ultrasound Can Diagnose and Monitor Gynecological Conditions
Do you have heavy bleeding and painful periods? There are several gynecological conditions that can cause these symptoms, including fibroids, polyps and polycystic ovary syndrome. A pelvic ultrasound is vital for getting to the heart of what is causing your problems so we can begin providing relief.
3. A Pelvic Ultrasound Can Determine the Cause of Pelvic Pain
There are dozens of situations that can cause unexplained pelvic pain. The purpose of a pelvic ultrasound is to help us diagnose the source of your pain. Pelvic pain can also be related to bladder issues such as urinary retention.
Is a Pelvic Ultrasound Uncomfortable?
There are two types of pelvic ultrasounds: a transabdominal ultrasound and a transvaginal ultrasound.
During the transabdominal ultrasound, a transducer is placed on your abdomen. The transducer produces sound waves that are transformed into images. You shouldn’t experience any discomfort unless you have areas of your abdomen that are tender.
During a transvaginal ultrasound, a wand-like transducer is placed into the vagina. While this may be uncomfortable, it shouldn’t hurt. Some women report cramping after having a transvaginal ultrasound.
We understand that some women may feel anxious about having a transvaginal ultrasound, and we’re here to help you feel at ease. Our goal is to make the procedure as comfortable as possible for you. If you experience any discomfort at any time, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We want to ensure that you feel relaxed and confident during this important diagnostic test.
When You Need The Best in Medical Imaging, Schedule an Appointment with Chapel Hill OBGYN
We have state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment that utilizes both 3D and 4D capabilities. For many mothers, this means seeing a clear image of their baby’s face for the first time.
Our ultrasonographer is certified by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, and we offer this 3D/4D ultrasound technology at our Chapel Hill location.
Are you having extremely painful periods and you’re not sure what’s causing them? Maybe you need to confirm a pregnancy? Just contact us for an appointment and see why we’ve been repeatedly named the provider of choice for Orange and Durham counties.
The content within this article and others on this website is only for educational purposes and should not be considered medical advice. For any questions or concerns, please consult with your healthcare provider.
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Johns Hopkins Medicine, “Pelvic Ultrasound,” https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/pelvic-ultrasound
The Cleveland Clinic, “Pelvic Ultrasound,” https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/4997-pelvic-ultrasound
