Gynecological Ultrasound Specialist

What is a gynecological ultrasound?

Gynecological ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of your uterus, ovaries and other structures and areas of your reproductive organs to diagnose issues including problems with fertility and causes of abnormal menstrual bleeding. The procedure uses no radiation, but instead makes images as the sound “bounces” of the organs and other structures and returns values that are interpreted by computer software as detailed images. Ultrasounds can be used to create still pictures as well as videos of processes going on inside your body.

Why is ultrasound used in gynecology?

Many people are familiar with the use of ultrasound during pregnancy to monitor the health of the developing baby and check for abnormalities in the baby or in the uterus, placenta or umbilical cord, but ultrasound has many uses in women who aren't pregnant as well. Ultrasound is often used to diagnose issues that may be causing heavy bleeding or to try to determine the possible causes of infertility. It may also be used to assess conditions like ectopic pregnancy, endometriosis or uterine prolapse.

What is the ultrasound procedure like?

Ultrasound is performed in a darkened room so the images created by the ultrasound procedure can be easily viewed on a computer monitor. During the procedure, a gel will be applied either to your skin or to the end of the handheld device that's passed over your skin to transmit the ultrasound waves. Called a transducer, the device glides across your skin, emitting the waves that create the images. At some points, the transducer may be pressed firmly into your skin to obtain better detail. Some ultrasound procedures use along wand-like transducer inserted through your vagina to see the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Gynecological ultrasound usually takes no more than 20 minutes to perform.