PRP's Pelvic Ultrasound Service Information
Reflected sound waves are used to image the the female pelvic organs and structures including the uterus, cervix, vagina, fallopian tubes and ovaries. Ultrasound can be used to image the pelvis (including obstetrics and gynaecology), blood vessels and musculoskeletal soft tissues. Ultrasound is an extremely safe and painless procedure.
Preparation
Please bring your referral, Medicare and Pensioner Health Care Cards with any previous imaging relating to the region being scanned.
You will be instructed to drink 750 mls of water. This is around 3 large glasses. It is a good idea to also eat, as your bladder will fill quicker. Start drinking about 1.5 hours prior to your appointment, and finish ½ hour prior.
Instructions on how to prepare for the test will be provided when you arrange the appointment.
What happens during the procedure
When you arrive, check in with reception and they will show you where to sit.
The sonographer will call you and you’ll be asked to change into a gown and taken to the ultrasound room. They will check your details prior to the scan.
The sonographer will be with you throughout the scan and will usually ask questions about your medical history and the reason for the examination so that the optimal examination for your problem will be done.
The ultrasound scan consists of 2 parts; Firstly, the probe is placed on the lower abdomen for the basic images of the uterus and ovaries. Once this is done you can then empty your bladder.
Secondly there is an internal (called transvaginal) scan. This allows finer detail of the lining of the uterus and ovaries that can only be seen transvaginally. The probe goes a little way inside the vagina, and it is not much bigger than a tampon. The sonographer will need to move the probe a little bit from side to side, but this should not be uncomfortable.
If at any stage the procedure becomes uncomfortable, just let the sonographer know. They can either adjust or finish the scan. You will be advised about the timing of the report which will be sent to your referring doctor. You can then change and be guided back to reception.
How long does it take?
The appointment is for ½ hour, but the transvaginal part of the ultrasound should only be around 5-7 minutes.
After your examination
There are no restrictions after having an ultrasound.
Your images and report
After your examination, the most pertinent images from your study will be available on the myPRP patient portal. A report, along with the images will be sent directly to your referring doctor. PRP will store digital copies of all studies on our secure database for comparison with any future examinations.
It is important that you return to your doctor with your examination results. Whether they are normal or abnormal, your doctor needs to know promptly so that a management plan can be formulated.