Pelvic ultrasound

A pelvic ultrasound uses a combination of abdominal and, if appropriate, vaginal scanning to obtain images of the uterus, ovaries and bladder.

Your doctor may refer you for a pelvic ultrasound at Mayo Clinic Healthcare if you have had any of the following:

  • Panful, heavy periods, called menorrhagia.
  • Bleeding between periods.
  • Postmenopausal bleeding.
  • Pelvic pain.
  • Difficulty conceiving.
  • Suspected ovarian cyst or ovarian torsion.
  • Screening for ovarian cancer if you have a family history or are worried.

A pelvic ultrasound can evaluate:

  • The size, shape, texture of the uterus and whether fibroids are present.
  • Endometrial thickness and whether it is typical for your age and where you are in the menstrual cycle.
  • Possible causes of intermenstrual bleeding, such as endometrial polyps.
  • The size and shape of the ovaries, the number of follicles present, and whether there are any large cysts.
  • Subtle signs of endometriosis, such as adhesions and nodules, which may trigger further investigation.
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How should I prepare for a pelvic ultrasound?

A full bladder is required, so you will need to drink 1 to 1.5 litres in the hour before the scan.

A full bladder improves the image quality because it moves the bowel out of the way and provides an acoustic window.

Avoid wearing lotion or creams on your skin the day of your appointment, as they can interfere with the scan.

What happens during a pelvic ultrasound?

A scan across the lower abdomen with a full bladder will always be performed as part of a pelvic ultrasound. The sonographer will apply a small amount of gel to your abdomen area to help get better images. The sonographer gently presses a wand, called a transducer, on your abdomen and moves it around. The transducer sends signals to a computer that develops them into images that can be seen on a screen.

If possible, a transvaginal scan also will be performed. The transvaginal scan gives much clearer pictures than a transabdominal scan because a higher frequency transducer can be used and the organs are just a few centimetres away from the camera. A transvaginal scan would only be performed with your consent and is not performed on anyone who has not been sexually active in the past.

How long does it take to get the results of a pelvic ultrasound?

After the sonographer or radiologist conducts the pelvic ultrasound, the images will be reviewed. The radiologist or sonographer identifies any issues and shares those findings with your private consultant. At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, you should generally receive your results within 48 hours.

Book an appointment

If you need an accurate ultrasound of your pelvis with quick results, request an appointment at Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London online or call us at +44 (0) 207 871 2575.