Female Pelvic Ultrasound

Preparation for the scan

Your bladder must be full at the time of your scan in order that your pelvic organs can be clearly seen and adequately examined.

Please drink one litre of fluid an hour before your appointment time.

The examination

Clear gel will be applied to the skin over the area to be examined. This helps transmit the sound waves through the skin. The gel is water-soluble, washes off easily, and will not stain clothing. The ultrasound probe, which is a small, smooth, hand-held instrument, is run over the skin to produce pictures on a screen.

To allow easy access to the pelvic area, please wear loose fitting clothes.

This part of the examination is not painful, although some gentle pressure may be applied to the abdomen.

The examination will take on average 10 to 20 minutes and there are no side or after effects.

Who will perform my scan?

The ultrasound examination will be performed either by a specialist doctor, called a radiologist, or a highly trained health care practitioner called a sonographer. There will also be an imaging assistant in the room.

Transvaginal scan

This type of scan may be performed if more detailed images are required of the uterus and ovaries. It can be performed throughout the menstrual cycle even when you are having your period.

You will be requested to empty your bladder after we have obtained the images for the first part of the scan. You will be asked to remove your underwear and then made comfortable on a couch in a position, which allows a transvaginal scan to be performed easily. This is an internal scan where the tip of a small ultrasound probe is gently inserted into the vagina. The vaginal probe is disinfected before use, covered with a protective sheath and lubricated with gel to make its insertion into the vagina easy.

By moving the probe gently in different directions the pelvic structures can be seen. The procedure is not usually painful but can sometimes cause discomfort. Any concerns can be discussed with the sonographer performing the examination.

This part of the scan usually takes five to 10 minutes.

Finally

We hope that you have found this leaflet useful. If you have any questions or you are worried about anything, please contact your family doctor (GP) or contact the department on 01305 254428.

You can also contact NHS 111 25 hours a day or visit https://111.nhs.uk/

About this leaflet

Author: Alison Bromley, Ultrasound Superintendent
Written: May 2019
Updated and approved: May 2025
Review date: May 2028
Edition: v2

If you have feedback regarding the accuracy of the information contained in this leaflet, or if you would like a list of references used to develop this leaflet, please email patientinformation.leaflets@dchft.nhs.uk