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Ultrasound of Female Pelvis: English Instructions
If you are unable to keep this appointment, please cancel and/or reschedule 24 hours in advance by calling 205-930-3278.
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Where:
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Report to the Radiology Department on first floor of . You should arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment time in order to be registered. |
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Purpose:
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An ultrasound is a safe, painless medical examination that uses sound waves to provide a picture of the internal organs and detect disease. You will not be able to hear or feel the sound waves. This test provides a picture of the pelvis including the uterus and ovaries. The scan is safe and there is no radiation involved. |
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Preparation:
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Do not drink carbonated beverages because they create too much gas within the stomach and intestines. Drink fluids such as water, tea, coffee, and fruit juices.
Your normal medications may be taken prior to the examination.
It is absolutely necessary for your bladder to be full for this exam. Therefore, you must drink 32 ounces of fluid approximately 1 hour prior to the exam. AND PLEASE DO NOT EMPTY YOUR BLADDER!!If your bladder is not full at your appointment time, you may have to be rescheduled.
Please do not bring children with you to the appointment. |
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What to Expect:
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The procedure should take approximately 20 minutes. Upon arrival you will be asked to change into a gown. We will then ask for a brief history including the date of your last menstrual period, use of hormone replacement or birth control, previous pregnancies and any surgeries of the pelvis. You will then be placed on a stretcher and a water-based gel will be spread over your pelvic area. This gel helps to provide us with quality images. A plastic device called a transducer will be placed on your skin and moved back and forth to obtain the images necessary to answer your physician's questions. Sometimes an adequate study cannot be obtained just by scanning over your pelvic area. If this is the case, another type of pelvic ultrasound may be offered to you. It is called a transvaginal ultrasound examination and entails the following: you must empty your bladder; you will then be placed on a stretcher with stirrups similar to those in your gynecologist's . We have a transducer specifically designed for this study. Most patients find the transvaginal ultrasound similar to a pelvic examination done in your gynecologist's. |
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After Care:
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After the test, you may resume all normal activities. Your attending physician will discuss the results of your ultrasound examination with you. |
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Questions: |
Please call 205-930-3278 if you have additional questions. |
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