Overview

A pelvic ultrasound in females looks primarily at the uterus and ovaries, but the bladder may also be visualized.  In males, the pelvic ultrasound usually focuses on the bladder and the prostate gland.

Preparation for Your Exam

You may eat regular meals prior to the exam.  The only special preparation is to have a full bladder at the time of the exam.  Therefore, you should drink 32 ounces of water (four eight-ounce glasses, or one quart) before the exam.  Start drinking it one hour before the exam, and finish drinking it half an hour before the exam.  Do not urinate before the exam.

During The Exam

The patient lies on a table with the abdominal area exposed.  The sonographer (technologist who performs the exam) will put a warm water-based gel on the skin surface.  The gel helps to transmit sound waves by excluding air.  An instrument called a transducer, which is about the size of a microphone, will be moved over the skin surface by the sonographer.  When more detailed views of the uterus, ovaries or surrounding tissues are required, a special sterilized high resolution probe may be utilized by scanning through the vagina.

How long will it take? About twenty minutes.

Will it hurt? No.

Getting Your Results

The exam images will first be viewed by a radiologist, a physician specializing in analyzing these exams.  Our radiologists will review the results of your Ultrasound with your doctor who will then explain them to you.  Your doctor should have access to your exam results within 24 hours.