How to Prepare for a Pelvic Ultrasound

by admin Health Care

If your doctor has recommended you get a pelvic ultrasound, it’s natural to feel confused or nervous about what to expect. Regardless of whether it’s your first pelvic ultrasound or you’ve had many before, it’s helpful to know how to prepare for the procedure. Today, let’s walk through what a pelvic ultrasound is, how to prepare for it, and why taking a few simple steps can help your appointment go more smoothly.

 

What Is a Pelvic Ultrasound?

With high-frequency sound waves, ultrasound creates real-time images of the organs in your pelvis. This can be done via one of two methods:

  • Transabdominal ultrasound: A small handheld device (transducer) will be guided over the lower part of your abdomen.
  • Transvaginal ultrasound: The transducer is inserted a few inches into the vaginal canal to get a closer and more detailed look.

Your doctor will choose the best method, sometimes both, depending on your symptoms and the reason behind the exam.

Here are some common reasons why you may need a pelvic ultrasound:

  • Irregular menstrual cycles
  • Pelvic pain or cramping 
  • Unexplained bleeding
  • Monitoring fibroids or ovarian cysts
  • Early pregnancy evaluation
  • Checking for fertility concerns

 

How to Prepare for a Pelvic Ultrasound

First, it is a good idea to understand the type of ultrasound you will be receiving. 

  1. For a transabdominal ultrasound, you are usually asked to arrive with a full bladder. This is because a full bladder can give a clearer view of the pelvic organs as it pushes the intestines out of the way. Specifically, you may be instructed to drink approximately 1 liter of water one hour before the appointment and to refrain from urinating until after the ultrasound.
  2. For a transvaginal ultrasound, you may not need a full bladder. Instead, you might be asked to empty your bladder to make the exam more comfortable and accurate. 

If you are unsure which type was ordered, please do not hesitate to clarify by calling your provider’s office. This can help avoid any surprises.

 

What to Wear and Bring 

It’s a good idea to wear breathable, two-piece clothing that allows for easy removal from the waist down. 

Also, be sure to bring: 

  • Your photo ID and insurance card
  • Referral forms or medical records, if instructed
  • A list of medications you are taking
  • Your questions and concerns

You can also still have a pelvic ultrasound even when menstruating. It does not usually interfere with the imaging, but please be sure to inform the technician. 

 

Tips for a Smoother Experience

Here are some additional things to keep in mind:

  • Hydrate ahead of time, but avoid overhydration. If asked to arrive with a full bladder, you still do not want it to be bursting for your own comfort.
  • Arrive early in case there is any paperwork to complete.
  • Ask questions. Your provider and technician are there to help you.
  • Stay calm. A pelvic ultrasound is a routine examination that provides your care team with information about your health.

If you follow the above guidelines, as well as your physician’s recommendations, this will streamline your experience.

 

After the Ultrasound

Once the technician captures the images, they will be reviewed by a radiologist, who will provide their impressions in a report. In some cases, the doctor may contact you to discuss the results right away, but in other cases, it can take a few days before you receive a formal communication. 

Luckily, there is no downtime or recovery needed after a pelvic ultrasound. You are free to get back to your day as usual – grab a snack, head back to work, or run some errands as though nothing happened. Of course, if you’ve drunk a lot of water, using the restroom afterward will be your first priority. 

 

When to Call Your Doctor 

If you experience:

  • Persistent or unusual pelvic pain 
  • Irregular bleeding that does not resolve 
  • Unusual discharge 
  • Difficulty urinating 
  • Frequent urinary urgency 

Do not wait, as these symptoms may warrant a follow-up or a pelvic ultrasound. Even if your results come back as usual, trust your instincts and discuss the next steps with your provider.

Although a pelvic ultrasound may sound intimidating at first, a little preparation and knowledge of what to expect can ease any pre-exam anxiety. As a diagnostic tool that plays a key role in diagnosing a range of conditions, a pelvic ultrasound can provide your healthcare provider with valuable insights. When in doubt, always ask questions and visit your provider’s healthcare clinic today!