This web page is designed to give you some information about having an Ultrasound Scan of your pelvis to assess your ovaries, uterus (womb) and surrounding structures.  It will help you prepare for your examination and give you some idea of what to expect when you attend.

An Ultrasound scan is a way of producing detailed pictures of the body using sound waves.  The sound waves are at a pitch that is too high to be heard by the human ear.  A computer converts the information into a moving picture that is displayed on a television screen.

You may require special preparation. 

Please read your appointment letter carefully and follow the instructions it gives.  The success of the examination may well depend on this.

Please attend with a full bladder if your appointment letter states this.  Failure to have a full bladder when requested may result in your appointment being delayed or postponed to another day.  You will be able to go to the toilet as soon as your scan is finished.

We always try to scan you as near to your appointment time as possible.  Emergency cases must take priority however and this can sometimes cause delays.  Please be patient, but feel free to ask one of the staff if you think that you may have been overlooked.

Your Ultrasound scan will be performed in a separate examination room where your privacy and dignity will be maintained.  There are two methods that are routinely used to examine the female pelvis:

Transabdominal scan:

In order to scan using this method you will be required to attend for your examination with a full bladder (please see your appointment letter). 

To enable the scan to be performed, gel is applied to the lower part of the abdomen. 

An Ultrasound probe is gently moved across the lower tummy to obtain pictures. 

In many cases you will not have to undress completely, but will be asked to remove clothing from the area, which will be examined during the scan.

Transvaginal scan:

This is an internal scan (similar to an internal examination that your doctor may perform). 

A very slim Ultrasound probe is gently inserted into the lower part of the vagina (birth canal) in order to obtain very detailed pictures. 

You will be asked to undress from below the waist. 

You will be given a gown and will be kept covered throughout the examination.

Very often a combination of both types of examination is used.  If you are asked to attend for a scan with a full bladder, you may still be required to have an internal transvaginal scan as well.

Most women do not find this method of examination uncomfortable, but if you have never had an internal examination or smear in the past, please contact the Radiology Department on the number given on the top of your appointment letter.  The staff will be happy to deal with any concerns or queries you may have.

The scan will take approximately 15-20 minutes. 

Your scan will be performed by either a Radiologist (medical doctor who specialises in interpreting diagnostic imaging) or a Radiographer who is specially trained in ultrasound scanning.  Whoever performs your scan will explain what happens and will show you what to do.

This examination will help us make the correct diagnosis so you will be able to be given the correct treatment.

There are no known risks or after effects associated with the scan procedure.

Normally you can expect to receive the results of your scan when you next see the doctor who sent you for the examination.

After your examination, the Radiologist or Radiographer who performed the scan will study the pictures taken during your examination.  A report is then prepared and this is sent to your doctor who asked for the examination.  The report is normally sent out the day following the examination.

Yes.

If you need an ambulance/ transport, you should ask your GP Surgery to arrange it. You will need to give them three working days notice.  Please note that hospital transport is provided on medical need only.

If your appointment time is not convenient it is essential you contact the hospital department immediately so that a more appropriate time can be arranged.  This will enable us to reallocate valuable scanning time to someone else.

RVI X-ray Appointments               0191 282 4330 (8.30am-5.00pm)

If you have any questions, doubts or worries, just ask.  The Radiology staff want to make you feel as relaxed as possible.  This makes the scan easier for you and means that we get better pictures to aid your diagnosis.

This is a teaching hospital and we sometimes have junior medical staff and trainees in our department.  Trainees and junior staff may be present at the time of your examination.  If you are uncomfortable with this arrangement, please inform the Ultrasound staff at the time of your appointment.  This will not affect your care or treatment.

Information produced by:

Yasmin McGrady, Superintendent Sonographer

Reviewed: August 2012

Next Review: Sept 2015