Ultrasounds

What is an Ultrasound? 

An ultrasound, also known as a sonogram, is a medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create pictures of your internal body structures. At The Woman’s Health Pavilion, we offer pelvic ultrasounds, which visualize the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and their surroundings. A small device called a transducer will be moved over the skin of your pelvis or placed inside of your vagina to capture these images. Ultrasound examinations are safe tests and do not use radiation.  

While most people think of ultrasounds just as a means to confirm a pregnancy, you may also receive an ultrasound for other health inquiries or diagnoses, including: 

• Assessment of irregular, excessive, or absent periods 
• Evaluation of pelvic pain  
• Diagnosis or monitoring of fibroids, ovarian cysts, and uterine polyps 
• Evaluation and monitoring of the uterine lining  
• Confirming the location of an intrauterine device (IUD)  
• Assistance in guiding IUD insertion and endometrial biopsies 
• Assistance in the evaluation of infertility 
• Assessment of early pregnancy loss or an ectopic pregnancy  
• Monitoring during pregnancy of both maternal and fetal structures  

Our offices offer a variety of ultrasound examinations including Transabdominal, Transvaginal, and Saline Sonograms. The type of ultrasound procedure performed depends on the reason for your ultrasound. Typically, only one type of sonogram is necessary, but multiple methods may be needed to capture sufficient images to aid in your diagnosis and/or treatment plan. 

Here at The Women’s Health Pavilion, we offer the following ultrasound examination options: 

• Transabdominal: This is what most commonly people think of when they think of an ultrasound. Our Ultrasound Technician will place a transducer on your lower belly using a cool conductive gel which glides over the skin to examine the organs in the pelvis. The transducer sends out sound waves which are then captured in moving image form on a computer screen. This is a non-invasive procedure and virtually painless.  

• Transvaginal: This is an ultrasound that is performed by placing a long, thin transducer probe covered with a plastic or latex sheath for protection into the your vagina. This type of ultrasound can provide a different and possibly more detailed view than a transabdominal ultrasound. While patients oftentimes feel some pressure during these examinations, transvaginal ultrasounds are typically not painful.  

• Saline Sonogram: Also referred to as a saline infusion sonogram, this type of imaging involves the patient having a transabdominal sonogram while at the same time having a small amount of a sterile saline solution injected into the uterus. Saline sonograms are an excellent way for our providers to visualize a patient’s uterine lining in detail, oftentimes revealing uterine polyps, fibroids in the uterine cavity, scar tissue, or an abnormal uterine shape.  This type of ultrasound can be helpful when looking into causes of heavy bleeding, pelvic pain or infertility. While Saline Sonograms may cause some discomfort, your provider will discuss expectations and a plan for pain management at the time of recommending this procedure.  

Will I need to schedule a separate appointment to get my Ultrasound?  

Each of our 7 offices are equipped with a state-of-the-art 4D ultrasound machine and staffed daily with a specially trained and experienced Ultrasound Technician. If an ultrasound is indicated, typically it can be done at the office on the same day as your visit. However, there are certain scenarios which may require a separate visit. For example, your provider may request that you come back on a specific day of your menstrual cycle to obtain optimal imaging.  

Do I need to prepare for my ultrasound appointment? 

Unless indicated by your provider, you typically will not need to do any special preparation. While imaging gathered from over your pelvis is generally clearer when your bladder is full, our vaginal probes offer superior images even when your bladder is empty. Come as you are! 

Are routine ultrasounds part of my maternity care? 

Yes, modern maternity care recommends several ultrasound examinations over the course of a pregnancy. An ultrasound will be performed to confirm your pregnancy and due date, as well as monitor your baby’s growth at regular intervals throughout the pregnancy. Ultrasounds will also be performed to monitor your cervical length, the placenta, and the positioning of your baby as indicated. We collaborate with high-risk specialists (MFM) to perform ultrasounds that assess for genetic abnormalities, fetal heart function, and comprehensive anatomy scans. These specialists regularly visit a few of our offices to make these scans more convenient for our patients, otherwise we will refer you to the hospital for certain ultrasounds.  

Will my insurance pay for my ultrasounds? 

Medically necessary ultrasound examinations are generally covered by your insurance carriers, though copays, co-insurance and deductibles may apply. The Woman’s Health Pavilion accepts most major medical insurance plans. If you would like to confirm that your insurance is accepted, or you need to discuss billing or payment issues, you are welcome to contact the billing department directly.