Pelvic Ultrasound

Pelvic Ultrasound Preparation - click for PDFPelvic Ultrasound Image

For patient safety, patients exceeding the posted weight restrictions will not be done at London X-Ray Associates. The weight limit for all Ultrasound exams is 350 lbs.

Overview

Ultrasound uses sound, not x-rays, to produce images. A probe placed on the surface of the body sends a thin high-frequency sound beam (above the range that humans can hear) into the body. The sound bounces off of structures within the body and back to the probe. A computer is able to construct images based on the time required for these echoes to return. Ultrasound of the pelvis takes between 10 and 30 minutes to complete.

Common reasons for an Ultrasound of the Pelvis

Some of the more common reasons why your doctor would order a pelvic ultrasound would include:

  • Pelvic pain
  • Pelvic fullness or lump
  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Rectal or bladder pressure
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Fever of unknown origin
  • Abnormal blood/urine tests

Who should not have an Ultrasound of the Pelvis?

Ultrasound is an extremely safe procedure and there are very few conditions that would prevent it from being performed. Since a probe must be placed in contact with the skin, ultrasound may not be possible in those with open sores or large open wounds over the area of interest.

How do I prepare for the test?

Ultrasound of the pelvis uses the full bladder as a "window" to see into the pelvis. You must finish 5 glasses of water (40 ounces) at least 1 1/2 hours prior to the procedure. Your bladder must be full. Do not empty your bladder.

Who performs the examination?

An ultrasound technologist (a person trained to take ultrasound images) performs the examination. At London X-ray Associates, all of our technologists have met and maintain registration standards with the international governing body, American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.

What happens during the examination?

After registering with the receptionist you may be asked to change into a gown. You will be taken to the examination room, which contains an ultrasound machine and an exam table. You will be asked to lie on the table on your back. Your pelvis will be exposed and the technologist will apply gel to your skin to improve contact with a probe. The technologist will move the probe to various positions over your pelvis taking ultrasound pictures. The technologist may ask you to change position.

What can I expect after the examination?

Ultrasound of the pelvis has no after-effects and you should be able to return to activities of daily living.

What are the risks of the procedure?

Ultrasound is an extremely safe procedure that does not expose the body to x-rays. Ultrasound transmits very small quantities of sound energy into the body but this produces no known harmful effects when standard techniques are used.

Who interprets the results and how do I get them?

The results are interpreted by one of our radiologists (a doctor who is trained to interpret x-rays and other medical images) and the results are sent to the doctor who ordered the ultrasound by courier or fax. Arrangements to discuss the results of the ultrasound can be made with the doctor who ordered the test.

Are childcare (baby sitting) services available while I have my exam?

No childcare services are available. Please prearrange the following:
Adult supervision in the waiting room must be provided at all times for children while you, the caregiver, are having your exam completed. London X-Ray Associates staff will not be able to provide any childcare needs. We ask that all children be supervised by an adult, other than the patient, while at London X-Ray Associates.
Thank you.