Imagine going to a hospital with certain symptoms, only for your doctor to require a gynaecological ultrasound. This may seem alarming, especially if you’re not pregnant. However, it may be nothing serious, and the doctor just requires an ultrasound to rule out certain conditions.
Most people associate ultrasounds, especially gynaecological ultrasounds, with pregnancy. However, this shouldn’t be the case since these tests are used for various purposes. Besides viewing an unborn child, gynaecological ultrasounds are also used to check internal organs.
There are different types of gynaecology ultrasounds, and the doctor will require a specific procedure depending on your condition and the symptoms you’re experiencing. Discussed below are the different types of ultrasounds you might need to have:
Transabdominal Ultrasound
As the name suggests, this ultrasound is performed on the abdomen while one is lying on their back. Transabdominal ultrasound is used to visualize internal organs like the uterus, stomach, kidneys, bladder, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.
After lying comfortably, your doctor will apply a gel to your stomach and later use a transducer to make back-and-forth movements. While the gel might sometimes be cold, it’s necessary to apply it to make the transducer’s movements effortless.
The gel also prevents the accumulation of air between your skin and the sensor, allowing the machine to produce better imaging. Suppose you’re a gynaecologist struggling to get or produce excellent images. In that case, you might need to visit this page to find more about how to enroll in gynaecology ultrasound courses to help you get the most out of ultrasound procedures.
Transvaginal Ultrasound
A transvaginal ultrasound is an imaging examination that helps your doctor view your pelvic cavity and other organs in the pelvis. These organs include the ovaries, uterus, cervix, and fallopian tube.
A transvaginal ultrasound is similar to a pelvic exam. The doctor might ask you to place your feet in stirrups during the exam. Then, your doctor will use a transducer wand to perform the examination. The rod is usually dressed in a protective sheath to facilitate lubrication and comfort. The doctor will insert the wand into your vagina and make gentle movements to view the vital organs. The images are then reflected on a screen.
This ultrasound is necessary to identify growth abnormalities around your pelvic area that might signify a health issue. Your doctor can also prescribe a transvaginal ultrasound to monitor your pregnancy. A doctor can also order a transvaginal ultrasound to diagnose health issues causing symptoms like abnormal bleeding, infection, or pelvic pain.
Your doctor may also order a special transvaginal ultrasound procedure called a sonohysterogram. This procedure involves inserting a small amount of fluid into your vagina. The liquid is used to enlarge the uterus cavity for better lining imaging. However, this procedure is not for everyone. If you’re pregnant or have pelvic inflammatory disease, your doctor can’t order a sonohysterogram.
Doppler Ultrasound
This type of ultrasound is required if the doctor wants to observe blood flow within your vessels. For this procedure, your doctor will use a tiny hand-held device against your skin on the area to be examined while making movements.
A doppler ultrasound might be used instead of an invasive procedure involving dye injection into the blood vessels. This ultrasound can also view the blood flow of the unborn baby, uterus, and placenta.
3D Ultrasound
A 3D ultrasound can either be done transabdominally or transvaginally. This ultrasound is necessary for doctors and parents who want a more accurate image of an unborn baby. A 3D ultrasound helps identify facial abnormalities and neural tube defects early in pregnancy.
How Do You Prepare For A Gynaecological Ultrasound?
Preparations for transabdominal ultrasounds and transvaginal ultrasounds are different. When undergoing a transabdominal ultrasound, a doctor will require you to drink a few glasses of water around one to two hours before the procedure. You are also not allowed to urinate until the procedure is over. On the other hand, transvaginal ultrasounds require an empty bladder. Your doctor will request you go to the bathroom before starting the procedure.
What To Expect During Gynaecological Ultrasounds
Most gynaecological ultrasounds are non-invasive. Therefore, they might only require you to lie on your back as your doctor performs the procedure. Nevertheless, a transvaginal ultrasound could be more uncomfortable than a transabdominal ultrasound.
Conclusion
When you experience any gynecological issue, you want excellent treatment to ensure you get well. For this reason, it’s vital to seek medical help from a reputable gynaecologist trained in performing ultrasounds. Only then can you get a precise diagnosis and proper treatment plan. Remember, gynaecological ultrasounds aren’t for expectant mothers only. The procedure can also help identify abnormal growths in your uterus and detect other medical issues.