Pelvic Ultrasound Referral

• Lower abdominal pain
• Irregular or heavy periods
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Suspected ovarian cysts
• Pelvic swelling or lump
• Difficulty getting pregnant
• Early pregnancy problems

• Monitoring early pregnancy
• Fertility evaluation
• Assessing suspected growths in the uterus or ovaries
• Evaluating the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding
• Investigating signs of an ectopic implantation
• Assessing the source of persistent pelvic pain
• Review and monitoring of diagnosed pelvic conditions

• Ovarian cysts- Fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)- A hormonal condition marked by enlarged ovaries with multiple small cysts.
• Uterine fibroids- Non-cancerous growths in the uterus
• Ectopic pregnancy- A pregnancy that develops outside the uterus
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)- Infection affecting the pelvic organs
• Endometrial thickening- An abnormal increase in the thickness of the uterine lining
• Uterine abnormalities- Structural changes in the shape or formation of the uterus

Several types of pelvic ultrasounds are used depending on symptoms and clinical needs.

• Transabdominal ultrasound- An ultrasound performed by moving a probe over the lower abdomen, often performed with a full bladder.
• Transvaginal ultrasound- An internal scan using a small probe inserted into the vagina for clearer, more detailed images.

A pelvic ultrasound shows the size, shape, and structure of the uterus and ovaries. It can identify cysts, fibroids, pregnancy location, fluid buildup, and other abnormalities.

• Excess bowel gas or certain body types may influence image quality
• Small abnormalities may sometimes go unnoticed
• Deep-seated pelvic structures may not be fully evaluated in some cases
• Additional imaging, such as MRI, may sometimes be required

• For a transabdominal scan: Drink plenty of water about an hour before the test and avoid urinating before the scan.
• For a transvaginal scan: This scan is usually performed with an empty bladder.
• Choose loose, comfortable clothes that allow easy access for the scan.
• Carefully follow the instructions given by your doctor.