It can be unsettling when you’re not sure what’s happening below your belt, but pelvic ultrasounds give you and your doctor a peek inside to put your mind at ease, whether you want to ensure the health of your growing baby or get to the bottom of bothersome symptoms, like perplexing cramping or bleeding.
Ultrasound technology has been around since the 1950s and is safe, comfortable, and radiation-free.
At our office in Lawrenceville, Georgia, Dr. Daniel Esteves and our team offer in-house ultrasound screenings. Read on to learn about pelvic ultrasounds, including what they can tell you and what to expect during your test.
A pelvic ultrasound is a diagnostic test that uses sound waves to create images. These images allow us to get a better look at the organs and other tissues in your pelvis, such as your cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, vagina, and uterus.
Your ultrasound takes place in our office. Depending on the test’s purpose, we use one of two techniques as part of our women’s health care services: transabdominal, where we use an external device on top of your abdomen, or transvaginal, where we insert an internal device into your vagina.
Your pelvic ultrasound may be used to assess, monitor, or diagnose a range of happenings and conditions, such as:
After your ultrasound, we discuss your results with you, including any additional steps we recommend.
The third type of ultrasound, a transrectal exam, is used most commonly to detect prostate problems in men. However, we may turn to the transrectal ultrasound for women if a transvaginal exam isn’t feasible or we need to examine the rectum. During this procedure, we insert a probe into your rectum that sends sound waves to your internal tissues.
During a transabdominal pelvic ultrasound, you’ll feel a cool, wet sensation when we apply a lubricating gel to your abdomen or pelvic region.
A transvaginal pelvic ultrasound is a bit more invasive since the device is placed in your vagina. The process isn’t usually painful, although you may notice added tenderness if you’re already experiencing pain. You may notice a sense of fullness or pressure during this test, but we take special care to keep you at ease.
A transrectal ultrasound, which also uses a cool gel for lubrication, may cause some mild discomfort, which you can minimize by lying still.
To learn more about pelvic ultrasounds, call our office or request an appointment through our website today.
