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Pelvic Ultrasound Near Richmond, VA
Get specialized care with cutting-edge imaging for your pelvic health.
What is a Pelvic Ultrasound?
A pelvic ultrasound is a non-invasive diagnostic test that utilizes sound waves to generate detailed images of your pelvic organs, including the uterus, ovaries, and bladder. Depending on the exam's requirements, this procedure may be performed either internally or externally. At the Center for Advanced Gynecology, we highly recommend and prefer the trans-vaginal pelvic ultrasound due to its higher accuracy, as it provides clearer images by getting closer to the pelvic organs.
Why is a Pelvic Ultrasound Performed?
Pelvic ultrasounds are essential tools for diagnosing and tracking various health conditions. Some of the common reasons for this imaging test include:
- Evaluating pelvic pain
- Investigating abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Diagnosing ovarian cysts and fibroids
- Checking for abnormalities in the pelvic organs
- Examining the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes
- Assessing causes of menstrual irregularities
- Monitoring fetal development during pregnancy
- Guiding the placement of an IUD
- Evaluating the severity of endometriosis
Who Needs a Pelvic Ultrasound in Richmond?
A pelvic ultrasound may be recommended by your healthcare provider if you are experiencing:
- Pelvic pain
- Irregular or heavy bleeding
- Suspected pelvic masses like cysts, polyps, tumors, or fibroids
- Potential signs of endometriosis
- Indications of ectopic pregnancy or other pregnancy-related concerns
- Requirement for placing or monitoring an IUD
- Issues related to infertility
- A family history of ovarian cancer
Benefits of a Pelvic Ultrasound
A pelvic ultrasound offers several advantages, such as:
- No radiation exposure
- More affordable than CT scans or MRIs
- Provides real-time images for precise diagnosis
- Delivers detailed views of pelvic organs and structures
- Assists in guiding procedures like biopsies or IUD placements
- Safe and involves minimal discomfort
What are the Risks?
Pelvic ultrasounds are a safe and low-risk procedure. You may experience some slight discomfort when the transducer is positioned or inserted, but there are no harmful effects from the ultrasound waves. A sterile, unscented lubricating gel is applied to the ultrasound probe, along with a disposable probe cover, although it's possible to have a mild reaction to the gel or plastic sheath used.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
During your pelvic ultrasound, your provider will ensure you are relaxed and fully informed about the procedure. You’ll begin by lying on an exam table. If a transabdominal ultrasound is being performed, a full bladder is necessary to enhance the visibility of your pelvic organs. You may be asked to drink water and hold your urine prior to the exam. For a transvaginal ultrasound, you will be instructed to empty your bladder and position yourself on the table with your feet in stirrups, similar to a pelvic exam.
Your provider will either move a transducer over your lower abdomen, using a water-based gel on your skin to improve the image quality, or gently insert a probe into your vagina, known as a transvaginal ultrasound wand. The transvaginal method is typically preferred, as it offers clearer, more detailed images of the uterus, ovaries, and other pelvic structures.
During the procedure, your provider may ask you to adjust your position or briefly hold your breath to capture better images. The entire exam typically lasts between 15 and 30 minutes. Afterward, the gel will be wiped off, and you’ll be able to return to your usual activities. At the Center for Advanced Gynecology, your provider conducts the ultrasound and provides you with immediate feedback on the findings.
Why Choose The Center For Advanced Gynecology
The Center for Advanced Gynecology, founded in 2018, is committed to enhancing the health of patients in Richmond by offering expert care in various specialties, with a particular emphasis on gynecological health and advanced surgical techniques when necessary. Our team also specializes in non-surgical treatments for chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, pudendal neuralgia, as well as vaginal, vulvar, and bladder pain. Since our establishment, we’ve recognized the growing need for comprehensive care in our community, which is why we’ve expanded our services to include routine gynecologic care, cancer screenings, Pap smears, menopausal management, hormone imbalances, hormone replacement therapy, breast care, contraceptive services, urinary incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse management.
Frequently Asked Questions
A transvaginal ultrasound uses a probe inserted into the vagina to get a closer view of the female pelvic organs. In contrast, a transabdominal ultrasound takes images through the abdominal wall to assess the pelvic region. A transrectal ultrasound, which is typically used for examining the rectum and lower colon, involves inserting a probe into the rectum. Transrectal ultrasounds are not commonly performed in gynecology offices.
Preparation for a pelvic ultrasound is minimal. For a transabdominal ultrasound, you may be asked to have a full bladder. If you're having a transvaginal ultrasound, you'll typically need to empty your bladder. Additionally, if you're menstruating, you'll need to remove any tampons. Your provider will provide further guidance if any other specific preparations are needed before your appointment.
Most people in Richmond experience little to no discomfort during a pelvic ultrasound. If you're having a transabdominal ultrasound, you may feel mild pressure as the transducer moves across your abdomen. For a transvaginal ultrasound, there might be slight discomfort during the insertion of the probe, but this is typically minimal and generally less uncomfortable than a pap smear.
A pelvic ultrasound usually lasts between 15 and 30 minutes. During the scan, you'll be asked to lie on your back while the necessary images are captured. A key benefit of having your ultrasound at the Center for Advanced Gynecology is that your provider performs the ultrasound and shares the results with you right away, so there's no need for a follow-up appointment.
If the pelvic ultrasound shows any abnormalities, the next steps may involve additional diagnostic tests such as an MRI, follow-up imaging to track any changes, a biopsy, or possibly surgery for further evaluation and treatment.
Yes, while healthy fallopian tubes typically aren't visible on a pelvic ultrasound, abnormalities such as thickening or fluid buildup can be detected. These changes may indicate conditions such as blockages, infections, or the presence of an ectopic pregnancy.
Yes, pelvic ultrasounds are commonly used to monitor the progress of a pregnancy, check fetal development, and identify any potential issues. In the early stages (up to 12-14 weeks), a transvaginal ultrasound is usually performed, followed by a transabdominal ultrasound for the remainder of the pregnancy.
Once the pelvic ultrasound is completed, you can typically return to your normal activities right away. Your provider will review the images with you and discuss any further steps if any issues or abnormalities are detected.