Pelvic Ultrasound in Charlottesville, VA

Receive expert care with advanced imaging for your pelvic health.

What is a Pelvic Ultrasound?

A pelvic ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create detailed images of your pelvic organs such as the uterus, ovaries, and bladder. This procedure can be performed internally or externally, depending on the specific needs of the examination. At the Center for Advanced Gynecology we prefer and recommend the more accurate trans-vaginal pelvic ultrasound because it gets closer to the pelvic organs for better images.

Why is a Pelvic Ultrasound Performed?

Pelvic ultrasounds are important for diagnosing and monitoring various conditions. Common reasons include:

Evaluating pelvic pain
Investigating abnormal vaginal bleeding
Diagnosing ovarian cysts, fibroids
Checking for abnormalities in the pelvic organs
Evaluating the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes
Assessing causes of menstrual irregularities
Monitoring fetal development during pregnancy
Guiding an IUD placement
Assessing severity of endometriosis

Who Needs a Pelvic Ultrasound?

Your healthcare provider might recommend a pelvic ultrasound if you have:

Pelvic pain
Irregular or heavy bleeding
Suspected pelvic masses such as cysts, polyps, tumors, or fibroids
Suspected endometriosis
Signs of ectopic pregnancy or other pregnancy-related issues
A need for placing or monitoring an IUD
Infertility
Family history of ovarian cancer

Benefits of a Pelvic Ultrasound

A pelvic ultrasound can provide many benefits, including:

No exposure to radiation
Cost-effective compared to a CT or MRI
Provides real-time images for accurate diagnosis
Offers detailed views for assessing pelvic organs and structures
Helps guide certain procedures, such as biopsies or IUD placements
Safe with minimal discomfort

What are the Risks?

Pelvic ultrasounds are safe procedures with no significant risks. You might experience slight discomfort when the transducer is applied or inserted, but there are no known risks from the ultrasound waves used. A sterile unscented lubricating gel is used on the ultrasound probe along with a single-use probe cover and it is possible to have a reaction to the gel or plastic sheath.

What to Expect During Your Appointment

During your pelvic ultrasound, your provider will ensure you are comfortable and understand the process. Initially, you will lie on an exam table. If undergoing a transabdominal ultrasound, a full bladder will be required to enhance the visibility of pelvic organs. You might be asked to drink water beforehand and hold your urine. For a vaginal ultrasound you will be asked to empty your bladder and will lie on the exam table as if having a pelvic exam with your feet in stirrups.

Your provider will either move the transducer over your lower abdomen (applying a water-based gel to your skin) or gently insert a probe into your vagina (known as a transvaginal ultrasound wand). A transvaginal ultrasound is generally preferred as it provides clearer images of the uterus, ovaries, and other pelvic structures.

You might be asked to change positions or hold your breath momentarily to capture clearer images. The procedure typically lasts between 15 to 30 minutes.

Once the exam is finished, any gel will be cleaned off, and you can dress and return to your usual activities. Here at the Center for Advanced Gynecology, your provider does your ultrasound so you will get answers to what is found at the time of your visit.

Why Choose The Center For Advanced Gynecology

The Center for Advanced Gynecology, established in 2018, is dedicated to improving your health by offering expertise in various areas, with a specific focus on gynecological care and advanced surgical techniques when surgery is needed. Our team provides specialized expertise in non-surgical treatment of chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, pudendal neuralgia, and vaginal, vulvar, and bladder pain. Since opening our doors, we have recognized the need in our community for more than just specialty care and have a growing practice in routine gynecologic care, cancer screening, Pap smears, menopausal management, hormonal imbalances, hormone replacement therapy, breast care, contraceptive care, urinary incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse.

Frequently Asked Questions

A transvaginal ultrasound involves inserting a probe into the vagina to get closer to the female pelvic organs. A transabdominal ultrasound scans through the abdomen wall to visualize the pelvic organs, and a rectal ultrasound involves inserting a probe into the rectum, typically used to examine the rectum and lower colon. Transrectal ultrasounds are not commonly done in our gynecology office.

There isn’t much preparation needed for a pelvic ultrasound. For a transabdominal scan, you might need a full bladder. For transvaginal ultrasounds, instructions will typically include emptying your bladder. If you are menstruating you will want to remove your tampon. Your provider will share any other specific instructions with you prior to your appointment.

Most people do not feel any significant discomfort during a pelvic ultrasound. If you are undergoing a transabdominal/lower abdomen ultrasound, you might experience mild pressure as the transducer is moved across your lower abdomen. For transvaginal exams, there might be slight discomfort upon insertion of the probe, but this is generally minimal. It is generally less uncomfortable than a pap smear.

A typical pelvic scan lasts between 15-30 minutes. You will be asked to lie on your back while your provider captures the necessary images. One advantage to having an ultrasound done at the Center for Advanced Gynecology is that your provider performs the ultrasound and gives you results in real time, avoiding the need for a return visit to get the results.

If your pelvic ultrasound reveals any abnormalities in your reproductive organs, the next steps might include further diagnostic tests such an MRI, repeat imaging to assess for change, a biopsy, or surgery.

Yes. Normal healthy fallopian tubes are not usually seen on a pelvic ultrasound. However, tubes can be seen when they are thickened or fluid filled. This occurs when they are blocked and dilated, infected, or contain an ectopic pregnancy.

Yes, pelvic ultrasounds are a standard tool to monitor normal pregnancy progress, fetal development, and screen for potential issues. Transvaginal ultrasounds are used in the first 12-14 weeks of a pregnancy and then usually a transabdominal approach is used.

Generally, you can resume your usual activities immediately after the procedure. Your provider will discuss the ultrasound images with you and suggest further steps if any abnormalities are found.