What Is This Scan?
A pelvic ultrasound is a safe, painless examination that uses high-frequency sound waves to assess the female pelvic organs, including the uterus, ovaries, cervix and surrounding structures. It is commonly used to investigate pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, infertility and many gynaecological conditions.
Depending on the reason for your examination, the scan may include a transabdominal ultrasound (performed over the lower abdomen), a transvaginal ultrasound (performed internally for greater detail), or both.
At IMPACT Radiology, our examinations are performed using premium ultrasound equipment by experienced sonographers and interpreted by specialist radiologists to provide a thorough assessment of your pelvic health.
Conditions We Commonly Assess
Uterus
- Uterine fibroids
- Adenomyosis
- Congenital uterine abnormalities
- Endometrial polyps
- Endometrial thickening
- Endometrial hyperplasia
- Intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) position
Ovaries
- Simple ovarian cysts
- Haemorrhagic cysts
- Endometriomas
- Dermoid cysts
- Polycystic ovaries (PCO)
- Ovarian tumours
- Ovarian torsion
Fallopian Tubes & Surrounding Structures
- Hydrosalpinx
- Tubo-ovarian abscess
- Free pelvic fluid
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Pelvis
- Endometriosis (selected features)
- Pelvic masses
- Follow-up of known pelvic abnormalities
Why Might My Doctor Request This Scan?
Your doctor may request a pelvic ultrasound if you have:
- Pelvic pain
- Heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding
- Bleeding after menopause
- Pain during intercourse
- Suspected ovarian cyst
- Suspected fibroids
- Infertility investigations
- Follow-up of a known ovarian cyst
- Monitoring of endometrial thickness
- Assessment of an abnormal pelvic examination
- Investigation of a pelvic mass
Preparation
Preparation depends on the type of examination.
Transabdominal Pelvic Ultrasound
A comfortably full bladder is required.
Please:
- Drink approximately 750–1000 mL of water one hour before your appointment.
- Do not empty your bladder before the examination.
A full bladder improves visualisation of the pelvic organs.
Transvaginal Pelvic Ultrasound
You will usually be asked to empty your bladder immediately before this part of the examination.
A transvaginal scan provides much greater detail of the uterus, ovaries and endometrium and is often recommended where clinically appropriate.
What Happens During the Scan?
The examination usually begins with a transabdominal ultrasound using a probe placed on the lower abdomen.
If additional detail is required, a transvaginal ultrasound is often recommended. A specially designed, covered ultrasound probe is gently inserted into the vagina to obtain high-resolution images of the pelvic organs.
The procedure is performed respectfully and privately. You may choose to decline the transvaginal examination at any time.
The scan typically takes 20–30 minutes.
