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Pelvic Ultrasound

Pelvis ultrasounds use high frequency sound waves to assess your bladder, female reproductive organs (uterus, ovaries), and the surrounding area including blood vessels, kidneys, and the bowel.

Please inform the sonographer performing your exam if you have had surgery related to your bladder or reproductive organs. The pelvis ultrasound can also assess the position or presence of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD).

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY EXAM?

  • Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment. 

  • Take all prescribed medications as directed. 

  • Wear comfortable clothes. 

  • 90 minutes prior to your appointment, empty your bladder. Then drink one litre of water within the next 30 minutes. 

  • If you have a problem keeping a full bladder, you may arrive early to drink your water at the clinic. If you are too uncomfortable, you may void some urine to relieve the pressure but try not to empty the bladder. 

  • It does not affect the ultrasound if you are menstruating on the day of the appointment.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING MY EXAM?

  • You may be asked to change into a gown. 

  • A warm, non-scented, hypo-allergenic ultrasound gel will be applied to the area being scanned. 

  • Your technologist (sonographer) will ask you to lower or arrange your clothing so that the area of concern is exposed to apply gel and scan the area. 

  • The sonographer will move the transducer (probe) around the area between your hipbones and below your bellybutton to take images of the organs and bladder. 

  • The sonographer will ask you to perform various breathing techniques that aid in obtaining the best images of your organs. 

  • You may be asked to lie on your side, sit or stand to bring your organs into a better position. 

  • You may experience mild to moderate pressure while the sonographer takes the images. 

  • An endovaginal ultrasound may be necessary for a more detailed picture, if applicable. Your sonographer will explain the procedure in detail to make sure you understand and consent to the exam. You will be asked to empty your bladder for this scan and a small probe will be gently inserted into the vagina. 

  • The radiologist will review the images. 

  • It is not unusual for the sonographer to ask the radiologist to come into the scan room after your exam to speak to you about your results. You will then be free to leave.

WHEN WILL I GET MY RESULTS?

  • We do our best to have our radiologists interpret the information and forward the results to your doctor by the next business day.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

  • This exam is covered under your Alberta Health Care Plan.