Private Pelvic Ultrasound

A pelvic ultrasound is a diagnostic test that captures images of the inside of your body. Unlike X-rays and other imaging technologies, ultrasound doesn’t involve radiation. Instead, it uses sound waves. This makes ultrasound a safe and pain-free procedure, so if you have concerns about your health, there’s no reason to put off an examination.

Pelvic ultrasounds enable your healthcare provider to examine and diagnose conditions related to various parts of the body, including:

•     Cervix
•     Fallopian tubes
•     Ovaries
•     Seminal vesicles
•     Uterus
•     Vagina

Sometimes, pelvic ultrasounds are called gynaecological ultrasounds, pelvic scans, transabdominal ultrasounds, and transvaginal ultrasounds.

There are few things in life more important than health, and that’s why pain, abnormalities, and other unusual symptoms can cause anxiety. Fortunately, healthcare has come a long way. With the right technology, you and your trusted specialist can find answers to your questions and take the appropriate next steps.

Pelvic ultrasounds are one such technology. Pelvic ultrasounds are generally performed if you are experiencing pelvic pain, infertility, abnormal vaginal bleeding, other menstrual issues.

A private ultrasound can also help diagnose palpable masses – ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids, for example – uterine and ovarian cancers.

If your doctor has requested a pelvic scan or if you believe you need one, it’s vital to schedule your appointment as soon as possible.

The faster you uncover the root cause of your symptoms, the earlier you can take action. Click here to book your examination at Harley Street Ultrasound. We offer same-day results, so you don’t have to sit around worrying.

A transabdominal ultrasound is performed through your abdomen. It is a quick and non-invasive procedure that unfolds like this:

• Your specialist will guide you to the examination room. You will have an opportunity to ask any questions or raise any concerns before the scan starts.
• You will lie on your back. Your specialist will ask you to lift or remove any clothing covering your stomach.
• Your specialist will apply some cool gel to your skin.
• Then, the specialist will move a wand-like device called a transducer over your skin. This should not be painful. If you feel any discomfort, please let your specialist know.
• When your specialist has all the images they need, they will gently remove any excess gel and give you privacy to redress and regroup.

A transvaginal ultrasound is performed inside your vagina. The process should not be painful and is typically over in a matter of minutes. Here’s what you can expect:

• Your specialist will guide you to the ultrasound room. You can ask any question you might have about the scan before it begins.
• Your specialist will give you privacy to undress from the waist down.
• You will lie on your back on the examination table. You may put your feet in stirrups to ensure the process is as comfortable as possible.
• The specialist will cover a small, tampon-like device called a transducer in gel. They will insert it gently into your vagina – it should not hurt. If it does, let your specialist know. We are here to make your experience a positive one.
• When the specialist has captured enough images, they will remove the transducer and give you privacy to redress.

A pelvic ultrasound test is done for the following reasons:

• Find the cause of urinary problems.
• Find out what’s causing pelvic pain.
• Look for causes of vaginal bleeding and menstrual problems.
• Check for growths or masses like ovarian cysts or uterine fibroids.
• Look for the correct placement of an intrauterine device (IUD).

These are the most common reasons, but there may be other reasons for your doctor to recommend a pelvic ultrasound.

Pelvic ultrasounds have no known risks. Unlike other medical imaging technologies, ultrasound doesn’t use radiation. It uses harmless sound waves to capture images of the organs inside your body.

Pelvic ultrasounds are also pain-free. You shouldn’t experience any pain during a transabdominal ultrasound. A little discomfort is normal when the transducer is inserted during a transvaginal ultrasound. However, this discomfort should subside quickly.

If you feel pain at any point during your examination, let us know. The dedicated team behind Harley Street Ultrasound is here to make you feel comfortable and relaxed. If there is something we can do to help, please don’t hesitate to ask.

For a transabdominal ultrasound

You will be asked to remove any clothing, jewellery, or other objects that may interfere with the scan.

If asked to remove clothing, you will be given a gown to wear.

You will lie on your back on an examination table. A gel-like substance will be applied to your abdomen.

The transducer will be pressed against the skin and moved around over the area being studied.

If blood flow is being assessed, you may hear a “whoosh, whoosh” sound when the Doppler probe is used.

Images of structures will be displayed on the computer screen. Images will be recorded on various media for the health care record.

Once the procedure has been completed, the gel will be removed.

You may empty your bladder when the procedure is completed.

For a transvaginal ultrasound

You will be asked to remove any clothing, jewellery, or other objects that may interfere with the scan.

If asked to remove clothing, you will be given a gown to wear.

You will lie on an examination table, with your feet and legs supported as for a pelvic examination.

A long, thin transvaginal transducer will be covered with a plastic or latex sheath and lubricated. The tip of the transducer will be inserted into your vagina. This may be slightly uncomfortable.

The transducer will be gently turned and angled to bring the areas for study into focus. You may feel mild pressure as the transducer is moved.

If blood flow is being assessed, you may hear a “whooshing” sound when the Doppler probe is used.

Images of organs and structures will be displayed on the computer screen. Images may be recorded on various media for the health care record.

Once the procedure has been completed, the transducer will be removed.

In most cases, pelvic ultrasounds are pain-free. If you are undergoing a transabdominal ultrasound, you will likely feel at ease throughout.

However, you will need a full bladder, which can be uncomfortable for some. The good news is ultrasounds don’t take very long.

If you are scheduled for a transvaginal ultrasound, you may feel a small amount of discomfort as your consultant inserts the transducer into your vagina.

The discomfort should be minor and short-lived. Your specialist may ask you to put your legs in stirrups – if you find this pose too difficult, speak out. There are always alternatives, and we are happy to make adjustments.

If you are scheduled 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. Pelvic ultrasounds 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 doctor advises otherwise.

There is no particular type of care required after a pelvic ultrasound. You may resume your regular diet and daily activities unless your doctor advises you differently.

There are no confirmed adverse biological effects on patients or instrument operators caused by exposures to ultrasound at the intensity levels used in diagnostic ultrasound.

But depending on your particular results, the doctor may give you additional or alternative instructions after the procedure.

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 pelvic 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 on the NHS advising them that you need an urgent appointment.