Ultrasounds

What are ultrasounds?

Ultrasounds are a type of diagnostic imaging test.

During an ultrasound, the technician at Physicians and Surgeons for Women uses an ultrasound wand to transmit sound waves into your body. These sound waves bounce off your organs and return to the wand, which sends them to a computer that translates the sounds into moving images.

Ultrasounds are a safe diagnostic imaging tool and the preferred imaging device for women during pregnancy. 

What are the types of ultrasounds?

There are many types of ultrasounds. Physicians and Surgeons for Women perform pelvic ultrasounds to evaluate your reproductive organs. The two types of pelvic ultrasounds include:

Transabdominal ultrasound

During a transabdominal ultrasound, the technician moves the ultrasound wand over your abdominal area to create images of your reproductive organs or evaluate your baby.

Transvaginal ultrasound

During a transvaginal ultrasound, the technician inserts a specialized ultrasound wand into your vagina to gather the diagnostic data.

When would I need ultrasounds?

Physicians and Surgeons for Women offer ultrasounds for obstetric and gynecologic services and will review when you need an ultrasound test.

Obstetrics

For obstetrics, your provider at Physicians and Surgeons for Women may perform two to three ultrasound tests during your pregnancy. They perform ultrasounds to evaluate your uterus and your baby.

Gynecologic care

You may need an ultrasound to determine the underlying cause of other issues such as pelvic pain or abnormal bleeding. Ultrasounds also diagnose conditions such as fibroids, ovarian cysts, and structural abnormalities.

How do I prepare for ultrasounds?

Your provider at Physicians and Surgeons for Women will provide you with instructions on how you need to prepare for your ultrasound. In most cases, no special preparation is necessary.

Your provider may request you drink 24 ounces of fluid one hour before your ultrasound and not urinate before the test. Extra fluid in your bladder may improve imaging to help diagnose conditions like an ovarian cyst.

What happens during ultrasounds?

Ultrasounds are an in-office procedure at Physicians and Surgeons for Women. Most ultrasounds take 30 minutes or less.

During the ultrasound, the technician at Physicians and Surgeons for Women places the wand on your abdomen or in your vagina to obtain the best images.

After your ultrasound, you will be scheduled for an appointment with your provider to review your results and determine a plan of care that best fits your needs. You can resume your usual activities after your ultrasound unless otherwise directed.

To schedule your ultrasound at Physicians and Surgeons for Women, call the office today.