Frequently Asked Questions
Transvaginal Ultrasound: The discomfort from a transvaginal ultrasound is generally less than that of a PAP/cervical smear and should subside once the procedure is complete.
Sexual Activity: These scans should be avoided in women who have not been sexually active.
Post-Menopause: Women with vaginal atrophy after menopause may feel uncomfortable during the scan. To reduce discomfort, a lubricating gel containing a local anesthetic is applied. Using hormone estrogen in the form of vaginal tablets or cream for one or two weeks prior to the scan can also help.
A pelvic ultrasound scan typically lasts 5 to 10 minutes. However, for women with complex gynecological conditions, such as multiple fibroids or extensive endometriosis, the examination may take an additional 5 to 10 minutes.
Transvaginal Ultrasound: A full bladder is not necessary. The scan is easier and more comfortable when the bladder is empty.
Transabdominal Ultrasound: It is recommended to fill your bladder before the scan to improve the visibility of pelvic structures.
Yes, you can have a pelvic ultrasound scan while bleeding. Vaginal bleeding does not affect the quality of the ultrasound detection. Ultrasound can be safely performed during menstrual periods and in cases of irregular vaginal bleeding.
We adhere to strict infection control policies and follow detailed procedures for cleaning the transducers and all other equipment. The ultrasound transducer is carefully cleansed with antiseptic and sterilizing agents before and after each scan. Additionally, gloves and replacement covers are used during the procedure to provide extra protection against infection.
Latex allergies are rare but can cause severe reactions, such as rashes. If you believe you are allergic to latex, please inform us beforehand. We will ensure that latex-free gloves and probe covers are used during your examination to prevent any allergic reactions.
You can receive your medical evaluation within minutes after the scan. We can email the report to your healthcare provider and provide you with copies of your evaluation and ultrasound images. We can also provide video of an early pregnancy scan.
Yes, an ultrasound scan can detect endometriosis and assess its severity. This information is crucial in deciding whether conservative treatment or surgery is the best approach. Detecting endometriosis that involves the bowel, bladder, and uterus is particularly beneficial for women who may need surgery. This information helps in planning the operation and reduces the risk of complications.
Normal Fallopian Tubes: Typically, they are very thin and usually cannot be seen on ultrasound.
Damaged Fallopian Tubes: These can appear on ultrasound because they are filled with fluid.
Detection of Obstructed Tubes: A HyCoSy/HyFoSy test can detect obstructed tubes. Detailed information about this procedure is available on our web page in the section for “women with fertility problems.”
Yes, ovarian cancer can be accurately detected with an ultrasound. The most effective way to detect ovarian cancer is through a systematic and detailed evaluation of the tumor and adjacent structures in the pelvis and abdominal cavity. This approach provides immediate information about the nature of the tumor, often eliminating the need for other expensive and time-consuming tests.
There is no evidence suggesting that ultrasound is harmful during pregnancy. However, it is crucial to ensure that the ultrasound energy remains at a low level. The use of pulse Doppler devices to measure blood flow should be avoided in the early weeks of pregnancy because they produce higher energy than standard ultrasound pulses. Our equipment adheres to international safety standards for use during pregnancy, and the mechanical energy is continuously monitored throughout the process.
Normal Intrauterine Pregnancy: Can be detected by ultrasound 3 days after a missed period.
Post-Fertility Treatment: For women who conceive through treatments like ovarian stimulation or IVF, pregnancy may be visible 17 days after ovulation.
Confirming Pregnancy: Slight variations in conception timing can occur. It’s recommended to have a blood b-hCG test to confirm pregnancy in the womb, especially for women with conditions like fibroids or adenomas.
Symptoms or History of Ectopic Pregnancies: Women with pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, or a history of ectopic pregnancies should seek medical attention as soon as possible after a positive pregnancy test.
An ultrasound scan can confirm your baby’s heartbeat 2 weeks after a missed menstrual period or 4 weeks after conception. For women who have conceived through IVF, the heartbeat may be detectable 4 weeks after ovulation.
Experienced operators can detect almost all ectopic pregnancies that are a few millimeters in size. However, ectopic pregnancies tend to develop more slowly than intrauterine pregnancies and often take longer to reach a detectable size on ultrasound.
Positive Pregnancy Tests: Most women with positive pregnancy tests, where the ultrasound cannot recognize a pregnancy, either have a normal pregnancy that is younger than expected or are experiencing a miscarriage.
Small Percentage: A small percentage of these women may have developed an ectopic pregnancy.
Blood Test: In such cases, a blood test is arranged to measure the level of gestational hormones. Based on the results, we can provide advice on the possible outcome of the pregnancy and the need for further monitoring.