Need to Know
- You may be asked to change into a gown prior to the procedure
- You may be instructed to arrive with a full bladder at the time of your exam
- Female patients may be asked to insert an ultrasound probe into the vagina for obtaining detailed images of the pelvis
Nice to Know
- The exam is radiation-free
- There are no known side effects to ultrasound
- All sonographers performing these exams are female
- Internal imaging is usually painless, but may be slightly uncomfortable for some patients
Ultrasound: What to Expect
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is A Pelvic Ultrasound Exam Conducted?
Pelvic ultrasounds can be used to evaluate different pelvic structures such as the bladder, uterus, ovaries, cervix, fallopian tubes, or prostate. Transvaginal ultrasounds and transabdominal ultrasounds can be used to obtain images of the cervix, uterus, and ovaries, which may detect fibroids, cancer, polyps, and other abnormalities. This type of ultrasound is often conducted to investigate pelvic pain or other symptoms related to the pelvic organs.
How Does A Pelvic Ultrasound Procedure Work?
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the body’s tissues, structures, and blood flow. A device called a transducer, and ultrasound gel work together to transmit and receive sound waves to produce images on the monitor. The sound waves bounce off the internal structures, creating a real-time image of the pelvic organs.
What Will Occur During The Pelvic Ultrasound Exam?
The sonographer will request that you lay on the exam table on your back. Warm, water-based ultrasound gel will be applied on the skin and/or the transducer. The sonographer will move the transducer on the skin as necessary to obtain images for the physician to interpret.
If the internal exam (transvaginal ultrasound) is necessary, you will be asked to empty your bladder and lie on the exam table with your feet in stirrups. This allows better visualization of the cervix, uterus, and ovaries. If you are allergic to latex, inform the sonographer before the procedure.
The procedure typically lasts for 30 to 45 minutes, but the duration varies depending on the structure being examined.
How Should I Prepare For A Pelvic Ultrasound?
- You may be instructed to arrive with a full bladder by drinking several glasses of water before the exam.
- You may be asked to change into a gown.
What Are The Benefits And Risks Associated With A Pelvic Ultrasound?
The benefits of Pelvic Ultrasound:
- Ultrasound images can be shown in real-time.
- Ultrasound scanning gives a clear picture of soft tissues that do not show up well on X-ray images.
- No ionizing radiation is used for this procedure, making it safe for patients of all ages.
Risks you should be aware of:
- There are no known risks for ultrasound.
Additional Information
Types of pelvic ultrasound include transabdominal ultrasound and transvaginal ultrasound. For a transabdominal ultrasound, you will need to have a full bladder to help visualize the pelvic organs better. During the transvaginal ultrasound, the transducer is inserted into the vagina, allowing for a closer look at the cervix, uterus, and ovaries. This type of ultrasound is particularly useful for detecting ectopic pregnancy, assessing blood flowing through the pelvic vessels, and evaluating other conditions affecting the pelvic organs. If you are allergic to latex, make sure to inform the sonographer before the procedure.
Keep in mind that this information is general. Your radiologist is the best source of information about how these risks and benefits may apply to you.
Locations
Avon Imaging Center
100 Simsbury Road, Suite 101Avon, CT 06001
Monday, Wednesday & Friday | 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday & Thursday | 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM
Weeknight and weekend appointments available for MRI
Hours Vary by ExamMore Information
Bloomfield Imaging Center
6 Northwestern Drive, Suite 102Bloomfield, CT 06002
Hours Vary By Exam
Monday - Friday | 8:30am - 4:30pm
Weeknight appointments available for MRI until 10pmMore Information
Enfield Imaging Center
100 Hazard Avenue, Suite 100Enfield, CT 06082
Monday - Friday | 8:30am - 5:00pm
Weeknight appointments available for MRI
Weekend appointments available for Mammography
Hours Vary by ExamMore Information
Farmington Imaging Center
399 Farmington AvenueFarmington, CT 06032
Monday - Friday | 8:00am - 4:15pm
Weeknight and weekend appointments available for MRI
Weeknight appointments available for Mammography
Hours vary by examMore Information
Glastonbury Imaging Center
704 Hebron Avenue, Suite 100 (Access to building off Oakwood Drive)Glastonbury, CT 06033
Monday - Friday | 8:30am - 4:30pm
Weeknight appointments available for Mammography and MRI
Hours vary by examMore Information
Hartford Imaging Center
85 Seymour Street, Suite 200Hartford, CT 06106
Monday - Friday | 8:00am - 4:00pm
Hours Vary by Exam
More Information
West Hartford Imaging Center
941 Farmington AveWest Hartford, CT 06107
Monday - Friday | 8:30am - 4:00pm
Weeknight and weekend appointments available for Mammography and MRI
Hours vary by examMore Information
Wethersfield Imaging Center
1260 Silas Deane Highway(Suite 100: CT & MRI | Suite 104: All Other Exams)
Wethersfield, CT 06109
Monday - Friday | 8:30am - 4:30pm
Weeknight and weekend appointments available for MRI
Weeknight appointments available for Mammography
Hours vary by exam.More Information