Ultrasound › Gynecologic Ultrasound

Pelvic Ultrasound for Uterine and Ovarian Assessment

A pelvic ultrasound examines the uterus, ovaries and bladder using sound waves alone, with no radiation involved at any point. Every study is interpreted by a board certified radiologist.

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30 to 45 minute exam

No radiation

Two approaches used

Report in 24 hours

Advanced imaging clear answers right here in Texas

What a Pelvic Ultrasound shows

Detailed views of the uterus ovaries and lining

Pelvic ultrasound is the starting point for nearly every gynecologic question. It measures the uterus, examines the endometrial lining thickness, locates both ovaries and identifies cysts, fibroids and fluid collections.

Two approaches are used together. A transabdominal scan gives the wide overview, while a transvaginal probe sits closer to the organs and resolves far finer detail.

Conditions a pelvic ultrasound commonly evaluates

  • Fibroids: number, size and position within the uterine wall
  • Ovarian cysts: simple cysts, complex lesions and their characteristics
  • Abnormal bleeding: endometrial thickness and polyps
  • Pelvic pain: torsion, inflammation and other acute causes
  • Fertility assessment: follicle tracking and lining measurement
  • IUD position: confirming correct placement within the cavity
  • Early pregnancy: location, viability and gestational dating

What the exam itself is like

The transabdominal portion comes first with gel applied to the lower abdomen and the probe moved across it. This requires a full bladder, which pushes bowel out of the way and creates a clear window.

You then empty your bladder for the transvaginal portion. A slim probe covered with a protective sheath and gel is inserted a short distance, which most patients describe as comparable to a routine speculum exam.

Why both approaches are used

The abdominal view shows the overall picture including large fibroids extending upward. The transvaginal view sits millimetres from the ovaries and endometrium, resolving detail the abdominal approach cannot reach. Together they give a complete assessment.

Pelvic Ultrasound at a glance

Scan time

30 to 45 minutes

Time at the center

Roughly 60 minutes

Radiation

None

Preparation

Full bladder initially

Referral

Required from your physician

Approach

Transabdominal and transvaginal

Report turnaround

Typically 24 hours

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Before your appointment

How to prepare for a pelvic Ultrasound

The bladder instructions matter here, since the first half of the study depends entirely on getting them right.

1

Arrive with a full bladder

Drink around thirty two ounces of water one hour before your appointment and do not empty your bladder afterward. A full bladder lifts the bowel out of the way and creates the acoustic window.

2

Expect to empty it partway through

The transvaginal portion requires an empty bladder, so you will visit the restroom between the two halves of the study. This is planned rather than a change of approach.

3

Wear a two piece outfit

You will undress from the waist down for the transvaginal portion and a drape is provided. Separate top and bottom is simply more practical than a dress.

4

Note your cycle dates

The lining thickness and ovarian appearance both change through the month. Knowing where you are in your cycle allows the radiologist to judge whether findings are normal for that point.

Other MRI studies

Other scans available at our center

Looking for something else? Start here.

Pregnancy Ultrasound

Obstetric imaging through every trimester

Abdominal Ultrasound

Liver, gallbladder and kidney screening

Soft Tissue Ultrasound

Groin lumps, hernias and superficial masses

Vascular Ultrasound

Pelvic and leg vein Doppler studies

Pelvic MRI

Detailed fibroid mapping and soft tissue staging

CT Urography

Kidney, ureter and bladder evaluation

Common questions

Pelvic ultrasound questions patients ask

The abdominal approach scans through the belly wall with a full bladder and gives a wider view. The transvaginal probe sits much closer to the organs and resolves far greater detail of the ovaries and lining.

A full bladder pushes gas filled bowel loops upward and out of the way, creating a clear path for sound waves to reach the uterus and ovaries. Without it the view is largely blocked.

It measures each cyst and describes whether it appears simple and fluid filled or complex with solid components, which is the distinction that determines whether follow up is needed.

Yes and it is sometimes preferred. Certain assessments such as endometrial thickness are clearest just after bleeding ends. Tell the sonographer and a tampon can be removed for the transvaginal portion.

It should not. The abdominal portion involves pressure on a full bladder which can feel uncomfortable and the transvaginal probe is slimmer than a speculum. Tell the sonographer if anything becomes painful.

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Send the referral and we will explain the bladder preparation, verify coverage and reserve a time at 18057 HWY 105 Suite 250 in Montgomery TX.

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