Most women at some stage see a Doctor for Gynaecological reasons – but it’s something that isn’t often talked about at the coffee shop – like ‘what did you actually have to get done?’
So let’s talk about gynae ultrasound. Or your Doctor may have described it to you as a pelvic scan. This scan may have been requested for many reasons, including; painful periods, irregular periods, you may be considering pregnancy in the future, you may be trying to get pregnant and nothing has happened yet, suspected endometriosis, pelvic pain…. the list goes on.
At Haven Ultrasound, we specialise in Gynaecology Ultrasound, with specialist trained Sonographers and onsite reporting Doctors with a special interest in gynaecology. You can rest assured, you are in safe hands whereby you will be explained the process step by step, and you will be treated with respect at all times. Here at Haven, depending on the reason for your referral, we offer routine pelvic scans (standard gynae scan), complex pelvic scans (if your medical history is more complex) and specialised deep infiltrating endometriosis scans (specialist scans for the investigation into endometriosis)
A pelvic or ‘gynae’ scan usually involves a scan across your lower abdomen first (transabdominal). This enables your Sonographer to assess your pelvic area and gain an understanding of your anatomy. However, the best way to assess your uterus, ovaries and pelvic area is by having an internal ultrasound (called a transvaginal ultrasound). This is a special ultrasound transducer that is inserted into your vagina to visualise the pelvic region clearly.
The only preparation for a pelvic scan is for you to drink 2 small glasses of water within the hour before your scan, and then don’t go to the bathroom. A full bladder helps your Sonographer scan across your abdomen. After this abdominal scan, you will be asked to go to the toilet and empty your bladder, if you consent to the internal scan. Again, this is the best way for your pelvic region to be assessed, but if you have any reservations with this scan please discuss this with your Sonographer, as we can talk this through with you step by step. Your modesty is a high priority alongside your comfort the whole time.
The internal scan shouldn’t be ‘painful’, it may feel uncomfortable, and women often describe it as ‘not as bad as a pap smear’. The transvaginal transducer undertakes high level disinfection, with the latest technology available and a latex free cover is also used for the procedure. This internal transducer is then inserted into your vagina with your consent. Measurements and images of your uterus, ovaries and surrounds will be taken by your Sonographer. You will see colour images on the screen also, which we use to assess areas of blood flow. You may even see a 3D or 4D image of your uterus! Not quite as exciting as a pregnancy 3D/4D scan, but a very detailed way for us to assess your uterus using the latest and greatest technology. As our insides are not ‘fixed’ into place, it is important for your Sonographer to assess the mobility of your insides also. This may involve some specific assessments to see if there are regions of pain and no areas appear ‘stuck’. Our specialist trained Sonographers work alongside our Doctors at Haven to ensure your pelvic assessment is of the highest standard, and we can gain as much information as possible to report back to your Doctor and help with planning whatever may be next for you. Haven is here to help and be with you every step of the way, it is a safe haven for all women of all ages. Please contact our friendly receptionist to book an appointment.
