Private Ovarian Screening

You might need an ovarian ultrasound to check the size and texture of your ovaries and identify any cysts. Not all cysts are cancerous - ultrasound imaging gives your specialist the information they need to determine whether your cysts contain cancer. If your doctor suspects cancer, you may require surgery.

Keep in mind that when it comes to your health, it’s important to act fast. If you are experiencing the symptoms of ovarian cancer or your GP recommends an ultrasound, the sooner you schedule your appointment, the sooner you gain peace of mind.

Our team is here to make your experience as comfortable as possible. If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Even if you experience one or more of the symptoms listed below, it's unlikely you have cancer. Ovarian screening gives you the answers you deserve, which means you can rest easy or kick-start your treatment as quickly as possible.

The most frequently experienced ovarian cancer symptoms include:

• Constantly bloated (more than 12 times a month)

• Swollen stomach

• An uncomfortable feeling in your tummy or pelvic region

• Loss of appetite or feeling full or sick when eating

• Recurring indigestion

• Back pain

• Persistent fatigue

• Pain during sex

If you are over 50 years of age or have a family history of ovarian cancer, you could be at a higher risk.

In the majority of cases, ovarian cysts do not cause harm. Cysts are not uncommon, and many people with ovaries experience ovarian cysts at some point during their lifetime. What's more, most people with ovarian cysts do not experience discomfort. And many disappear on their own without treatment or medical intervention of any kind.

Despite this, some ovarian cysts pose risks. If a cyst ruptures, you may experience severe pelvic pain. If a cyst is cancerous (malignant), it requires immediate treatment. Although ovarian cancer is rare, it can be fatal.

The sooner you get answers about your health, the sooner you are empowered to take the next steps. So, if you have any concerns, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with Harley Street Ultrasound.

There are two types of ovarian ultrasound: external (also called transabdominal) and vaginal (also called transvaginal or TVS). Both use safe, pain-free ultrasound technology to capture images of your ovaries.

Unlike other diagnostic imaging tools, ultrasound does not use radiation. Instead, it generates images using harmless sound waves.

Ultrasound does not carry any health risks so that you can feel comfortable and confident.

Please take the opportunity to ask any questions or raise any concerns - your experience is our number one priority.

If you are undergoing an external scan, you'll need to drink four to six glasses of water about one hour beforehand. This ensures your bladder is full, enabling our team to get the clearest possible picture. Alternatively, if you are scheduled for both an external and transvaginal ultrasound, you can use the restroom before the latter.

You will need to partially undress to allow your sonographer to access the target area. We will provide a privacy sheet so you remain comfortable throughout.

Depending on the type of ovarian screening you require, the process will unfold a little differently:

• During a transabdominal scan, your consultant will apply a cool, clear gel to the lower section of your stomach. Then, they will move a wand-like device over the area. Called a transducer, this device sends sound waves into your body. You shouldn’t feel any pain during your examination – if you feel uncomfortable, let your consultant know.

• During a transvaginal scan, you will lie on your back with your knees bent and legs supported. Your consultant will insert a small, lubricated ultrasound probe into your vagina – the probe is about the same size as a tampon. The lubricating gel might feel cold but will soon warm to the temperature of your body. The test should not hurt. Notify your consultant if you feel any pain.

Ultrasounds are not only excellent diagnostic tools. They are also extremely safe and pain-free. The process involves no radiation, and you shouldn't experience any unwanted side effects. In addition, you can return to your regular day-to-day activities immediately following your examination.

We understand that waiting for a diagnosis is nerve-wracking. That's why we aim to deliver results as fast as possible. You can access your ultrasound images on the same day as your appointment via your computer, smartphone, or another internet-connected device. You can then share your high-resolution digital images with your doctor or specialist.

For a transabdominal ultrasound, you will need to drink about four large glasses of water in the hour before your test. This fills your bladder, which makes your organs show more clearly in the ultrasound images. Transvaginal ultrasounds are best performed with an empty bladder. You will have an opportunity to use the bathroom before your exam.

No. Ovarian Screenings don't demand any special after-care or downtime. You can return to your normal diet and regular activities immediately following your appointment unless your specialist advises otherwise.

Once your Ovarian Screening is complete you are free to get dressed and carry on with your day as normal.

There is no recovery time needed and no restrictions on eating, drinking, or daily activities afterwards. You may notice a small amount of discharge from the gel used during the scan, which is completely normal and will clear quickly.

Your Specialist Senior Sonographer will have shared their findings with you in real time throughout the scan, so you will not leave without a clear picture of what was seen.

Your Full Medical Report with Tailored Advice and any recommended next steps will be ready the Same Day.

If your results are reassuring, you leave with that peace of mind. If anything requires further investigation, your report will set out a straightforward path forward and your Specialist will ensure the right next steps are in place before you go.

You shouldn't have to wait around for important answers about your health. That's why, at Harley Street Ultrasound, we are dedicated to fast results. You get secure access to your Ovarian Ultrasound images on the same day as your appointment.

Easier yet, you can view and share these images from any internet-connected device – including your smartphone.

Many of our patients are concerned that if they come to us for an ultrasound, they won’t be able to go back to public health. That simply is not the case.

Our goal is to give you answers as quickly as possible and get you on the right treatment path fast – no strings attached.

When you come to us, you will be seen by a qualified specialist who can determine if your situation is serious or not that same day.

We don’t want you to wait weeks on end for an appointment because every minute counts when it comes to something as important as your health.

If your situation is serious, our specialist will write to your doctor in the NHS advising them that you need an urgent appointment.