Pelvic Ultrasound
A pelvic ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to capture images of structures in the pelvic region. For women, this scan focuses on the ovaries, uterus, cervix, and fallopian tubes. Typically, the goal of a pelvic ultrasound is to assess your reproductive and urinary systems.
Reasons for a Pelvic Ultrasound
Your doctor may order a pelvic ultrasound to investigate issues such as:
- Pelvic pain
- Urinary problems
- Discomfort with appendix
- Bleeding (vaginal or not)
- Menstrual problems, such as irregular periods or lack of periods
- Growths, masses, or excess fluid
- Changes in bladder shape
- Placement of intrauterine device (IUD)
The female pelvic ultrasound often consists of two parts:
1. Transabdominal Ultrasound: An external ultrasound using a transducer and gel on your lower abdomen with a full bladder to assess pelvic organs.
2. Transvaginal Ultrasound: An internal ultrasound using a wand-shaped transducer inserted into the vagina, providing clearer images of the uterus and ovaries.
What Happens During a Transvaginal Ultrasound?
Before: After completing the transabdominal ultrasound, the Sonographer will explain the transvaginal procedure and ask for your consent. You will empty your bladder and undress from the waist down, remaining covered during the exam.
During: The transvaginal ultrasound transducer is covered with a disposable non-latex transducer cover and a lubricating gel will be applied to make inserting it easier. Your Sonographer will have you insert the transducer yourself. They will hand the transducer to you under the drape so you may insert it into your vagina. This allows you to ensure you are comfortable prior to your Sonographer taking the handle of the transducer to obtain the images. If you are unable to insert the transducer yourself due to a mobility issue, you may request assistance from your Sonographer.
After: Once the images are captured, the Sonographer will remove the transducer, allow you privacy to dress, and inform you when the exam is complete. The images will be reviewed by a Radiologist, and a report sent to your doctor.
Potential Risks With Transvaginal Ultrasound
Most patients experience little to no discomfort with a transvaginal ultrasound, though some may feel mild discomfort or pain. If at any point you feel pain and would like to end the examination, inform the Sonographer, and the exam will be stopped.
The Right to Decline a Transvaginal Ultrasound
Your comfort and consent are our top priorities. If you’re not comfortable with a transvaginal ultrasound, you are welcome to decline the test. Should you choose to proceed, you can ask to pause or stop the exam at any time. Our goal is to provide high-quality imaging while ensuring you feel safe and at ease. Don’t hesitate to ask the Sonographer any questions you may have.
Duration
A pelvic ultrasound, including both the transabdominal and transvaginal portions, lasts approximately 30 minutes.
Cost
Pelvic ultrasounds are typically covered by Alberta Health Care or other provincial health plans (except in Quebec).
FAQ
Both male and female Sonographers perform pelvic ultrasounds. A female staff member will be present during transvaginal exams if a male Sonographer is performing it. Let us know your preference in advance, if possible. Accommodation may not always be possible for same day requests, but exams can be rescheduled to another day to meet your preference if required.
Yes, as long as you’re comfortable. We will ensure privacy throughout the exam and can provide wipes or sanitary products afterward.
This decision is entirely up to you. We see a variety of patients of different backgrounds, experiences and comfort levels, so we provide all patients referred for a pelvic ultrasound with the details and explanation of the transvaginal ultrasound so they may decide if they are comfortable proceeding with the exam. Some patients may attempt the transvaginal exam and if they are not tolerating it well, they may choose to discontinue at any point of the exam.
We understand some individuals may experience more pain or discomfort and risks of minor bleeding, especially if the person is not currently sexually active. If you’re concerned about discomfort or risks, discuss them with your Sonographer before deciding to proceed.
A large majority of patients have no side effects after the exam.
Some patients have a small amount of vaginal discharge after the exam that is the lubricating gel being discharged from the vagina. Some patients may experience some light vaginal bleeding after the examination, this is likely due to the vaginal tissues being irritated by the ultrasound transducer, this is normal and will very likely stop a day or so after the exam.
The transvaginal ultrasound is a very common examination and complications are extremely rare. However, if you’re concerned about an extended period of new pain or heavy bleeding lasting longer than 2 days after the examination, please follow up with your physician.
Exam Preparation
Being prepared for your pelvic ultrasound helps us take the best possible images for diagnosis. Please visit our exam prep page for more instructions specific to pelvic ultrasound.