Pelvic Ultrasound

How it works

A pelvic ultrasound is a medical test that uses sound waves to evaluate the organs of the female pelvis. These sound waves bounce off the organs and internal tissues, and send an echo back to the transducer, the handpiece that transmits sound waves. A computer converts the sound waves into a picture of your organs, which appear on a video screen. A pelvic ultrasound can image the cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, vagina, and bladder.

What we look for

• Check the location of an IUD
• Look for causes of abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Evaluate pelvic or abdominal pain
• Evaluate couples with infertility
• Diagnose ectopic pregnancies (pregnancy located outside the uterus)
• Look for growth of uterine fibroids, ovarian or paraovarian cysts, or tumours in the pelvic organs

What to expect

A pelvic ultrasound can be performed transvaginally or transabdominally based on your unique concerns and needs. If you are having a transvaginal ultrasound, you will need to have an empty bladder. If you are having a transabdominal ultrasound, your bladder will need to be full, so we recommend avoiding the bathroom in the 1 to 2 hours before the exam and drinking plenty of fluids. Wear loose and comfortable clothes to the exam, as you may need to wear a gown during the procedure.