Pelvic Ultrasound

A pelvic ultrasound is a noninvasive examination of the female pelvis. It is one of the best tests for evaluating the uterus and ovaries. In this exam, a transducer is placed either on the belly (abdominal ultrasound) or into the vagina (vaginal ultrasound). The transducer sends out sound waves that bounce off the organs and return to the transducer. These waves are then converted into a picture a screen. There is no radiation in this procedure.

Pelvic ultrasounds can visualize:

• The size and shape of the uterus and ovaries
• The thickness of the uterine lining, or endometrium
• The length of the cervix
• Presence of fibroids in the uterus
• Presence of ovarian cysts
• Uterine and ectopic pregnancies
• Fetal anatomy

Pelvic ultrasounds are performed in a radiology facility or in your doctor’s office. The procedure has no serious side effects and allows immediate answers to questions about abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain, as well as the well being of a fetus.