Pelvic Ultrasound

Pelvic Ultrasounds (Internal/External) in clinic

Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images. The sound waves are transmitted into your body from a small handpiece that looks a bit like a microphone (called an Ultrasound Probe). Some of these waves are reflected and are processed by the ultrasound machine to form pictures. These pictures are shown on a TV screen and recorded.

Ultrasound has been around for about 60 years now and studies have shown that it is a safe technique with no harmful side effects.

What to expect at your Scan Appointment

The examination will be performed by Dr Alice Huang.

You will be shown into the ultrasound room by Reception staff and asked to lie down on the examination chair. A jelly like substance is then placed on your skin or internally in the area of interest. The sound waves don’t travel through air so this allows transmission of the sound waves into your body. The probe produces sound waves that will form the images. You will be completely unaware of these sound waves and there should be no discomfort during the examination apart from a little pressure.

You may be asked to hold your breath - this is very important because when you breathe the organs go up and down in the abdomen. When you hold your breath the organs stay still allowing Dr Huang to get a better view of them.

Preparation

• There are varying preparations depending on the type of scan being performed.
• You may be asked to come with a full bladder, however most scans don’t require preparation at all.
• You will be told what to do when you make your appointment.
• A standard scan takes approximately 10-20 minutes but please allow a little extra time as sometimes it can take a little longer than anticipated.

Female Pelvis

The best technique for looking at the female pelvis is by performing an internal scan. This procedure is only performed with your consent and where appropriate for the area Dr Alice Huang is concerned about. Dr Huang will explain in detail what is involved. Remember, you are under no obligation to have this done although the ovaries etc are seen well and clearer images are taken. The sterilised probe (which is also covered by a protective sheath) is inserted into the vagina and manipulated very gently to show the anatomy in the pelvis.

Results

Your scan will be read and reported by Dr Alice Huang. The report will then be recorded on either the Melbourne IVF database (for IVF, ICSI or IUI cycles) or in your clinical records with Dr Alice Huang (for Ovulation Induction cycles and out of cycle scans). Because the images are digital (just like a digital camera) we will keep them on our system in your clinical record.