What is a gynecological ultrasound?
A gynecological ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging study of your reproductive and pelvic organs. Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves and their echos to create images of your organs. The tests are noninvasive, safe, and painless.
Why would I need a gynecological ultrasound?
The doctors at TLC Perinatal PA use gynecological ultrasounds to examine your uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. For example, pelvic ultrasounds allow your doctor to see the:
- The size, shape, and position of your reproductive organs
- The thickness of your endometrial tissue
- Abnormal growths like fibroids or cysts on your uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries
- The length and thickness of your cervix
- The blood flow in your pelvis
If you experience symptoms like irregular, heavy, or painful periods, your doctor can recommend a gynecological ultrasound to help diagnose the condition causing your symptoms. For example, a gynecological ultrasound can show uterine fibroids or signs of polycystic ovary disease, both of which can interfere with your fertility.
Also, if you’ve been trying to get pregnant for a year without success, a gynecological ultrasound can help your doctor identify issues that could affect your fertility. An ultrasound can show abnormalities in your uterus as well as blockages or problems with your fallopian tubes which could prevent your eggs from reaching your uterus.
What should I expect during a gynecological ultrasound?
The team at TLC Perinatal PA offer both transabdominal and transvaginal gynecological ultrasounds. Both options are noninvasive, safe, and painless.
During a transabdominal ultrasound, you adjust your clothing to expose your abdomen. Your ultrasound technician applies a clear gel that helps conduct the sound waves through your body. Then your technician moves a hand-held transducer wand over your abdomen.
The transducer sends the sound waves into your body and collects the echoes as the sound waves bounce off your internal organs. The ultrasound equipment converts that information into images of your pelvic organs.
A transvaginal ultrasound works the same way, except instead of gliding the transducer over your abdomen, they insert a smaller transducer wand into your vagina. During a transvaginal ultrasound, the sound waves have a shorter distance to travel, which can provide more precise images.
If your obstetrician thinks you need an ultrasound, there’s no better place to get one than TLC Perinatal PA, whose ultrasound expert are unsurpassed in the administering and interpretation of ultrasounds. Get a referral, then call or schedule an appointment online today for state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging services.
