What to Expect From a Female Pelvic Ultrasound Exam

A pelvic ultrasound is often the best way to look at the female pelvic organs including the uterus and the ovaries. If you are pregnant, these exams are common. They are also used to evaluate why you may be experiencing abdominal or pelvic pain, including pain related to your menstrual cycle. Ultrasound images can help us diagnose fibroids in the uterus. The bladder is also in the pelvis, so some patients with renal stones need the exam.

There are two parts to your exam: The transabdominal ultrasound and the transvaginal ultrasound. An imaging wand is used for both.

Wondering why you need to come for your exam with a full bladder? We use ultrasound waves to recreate images of the internal organs deep within your pelvis. Those waves penetrate liquid or fluid much more easily than they move through air or gas. We use a full bladder like an acoustic window for the ultrasound waves to give us better images of your organs.

To learn more about Ultrasound Exams, watch this video.