PELVIC ULTRASOUND

Why Have a Pelvic Ultrasound?

Pelvic ultrasounds are most commonly performed on females to assess the uterus and ovaries and during pregnancy to assess the foetus (see Obstetric Ultrasound). In men it is usually used to assess the prostate gland. Other reasons for having a pelvic ultrasound include assessing the size and shape of pelvic organs.

Who performs the examination?

Ultrasounds are performed by specialist staff called sonographers. All X-RAY & IMAGING sonographers have a minimum of 10 years clinical ultrasound experience.

What happens during the examination?

In most cases you will be required to remove some or all of your clothes that cover your pelvic region and put on one of the gowns provided. The sonographer will then apply a gel to your pelvic region and pass a marker pen shaped instrument known as a transducer over the gelled area. Images of your pelvic organs should appear on a screen in front of you. As all bodies are different, it usually takes the sonographer several minutes to find the organs which are to be examined and obtain clear and accurate images of them.

Once the sonographer is satisfied that the pictures are accurate the examination is over. The images are reviewed and interpreted by a radiologist and are printed for you to take with you to your next doctor's appointment.

In most cases the whole process takes less than an hour from entering the building and leaving with your results.

What does it show?

Pelvic ultrasounds can show the size and shape of the organs being observed. The images can also give information as to any lumps or swellings to see if further investigation is required.

Most lumps appear symmetrical and are filled with fluid. These are common cysts and are not dangerous or threatening in most cases. Others are solid or partly solid which may be harmful and require further investigation, usually by means of a biopsy.

Below is an ultrasound image of a normal ovary

Do I need to do any preparation for a Pelvic Ultrasound?

Yes. You are required to fast for 4 hours before your appointment.

You are also required to have a full bladder in order to ensure concise images are taken. Around 90 minutes before your appointment start drinking a litre of water and hold it in your bladder until after your examination.

Where can I have this examination and how much does it cost?

It is possible to have this examination performed at any X-RAY & IMAGING practice.

As with all our general ultrasound, X-RAY & IMAGING bulk bill ($0) to all patients entitled to Medicare, DVA or Work Cover who have a doctor's referral.