A gynaecology scan is a common type of scan that creates images of the female reproductive organs. This type of scan is used to help doctors diagnose a range of medical conditions, including fibroids, ovarian cysts and ectopic pregnancy.
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Book a consultationA gynaecology scan is a type of scan (usually an ultrasound) used to examine the organs of the female reproductive system, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus (womb).
Gynaecological ultrasound scans help doctors diagnose a range of conditions that cause symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain, and help discover possible reasons for female infertility. This type of scan is also called a pelvic ultrasound scan.
Ultrasound scans use high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the inside of the pelvic cavity, either through the abdomen (a non-invasive transabdominal ultrasound) or through the vagina (a minimally invasive transvaginal ultrasound).
There are two main types of gynaecological scans: a transvaginal ultrasound and a transabdominal ultrasound, as well as several different technologies that help produce clearer or more accurate images. The type of pelvic ultrasound scan you have will depend on your symptoms and medical history.
During a transvaginal ultrasound, a long, thin ultrasound probe (called a transducer) is placed into the vagina. Also known as an internal ultrasound, this type of gynaecology scan is used to take images of the pelvic organs from the inside and helps doctors detect polyps, cysts and fibroids.
During a transabdominal ultrasound, a small ultrasound probe is passed over the skin of the abdomen to create images of the pelvic cavity. It’s an external, non-invasive scanning procedure. Depending on your symptoms and the reasons for your gynaecology scan, you may have a transabdominal and a transvaginal ultrasound at the same appointment.
Advanced pelvic ultrasounds can provide three-dimensional (3D) and moving three-dimensional (4D) images of the pelvic cavity. 3D/4D ultrasounds are used for a more detailed examination to diagnose conditions such as pelvic organ prolapse and pelvic floor injuries, and to examine possible reasons for infertility.
A Doppler pelvic ultrasound is a type of ultrasound scan that uses special equipment to measure the blood flow through the organs of the pelvis. It can be especially useful in assessing blood flow to and from the ovaries to help doctors understand possible reasons for infertility.
Your doctor may recommend a gynaecology ultrasound scan if you have the following symptoms:
Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Irregular periods
Post-menopausal complications
Pelvic pain
Pain during sex
A mass or a lump in the pelvic region
Difficulty getting pregnant
Suspected ectopic pregnancy
Gynaecological ultrasound scans are used to diagnose the following conditions:
Fluid-filled sacs that are often harmless and disappear on their own.
Non-cancerous growths that form in the lining of the womb.
A condition that causes tissue from the womb to grow elsewhere in the pelvic cavity (endometriosis can only be diagnosed via a surgical procedure called a laparoscopy - a pelvic ultrasound may highlight indirect signs of the condition).
A pregnancy that develops outside of the womb, such as in the fallopian tubes.
An infection affecting the ovaries, fallopian tubes or womb, often linked to untreated STIs in sexually active women.
Cancerous tumours affecting the ovaries or the uterus (womb), suggesting womb or ovarian cancer.
A condition that causes multiple cysts to form on one or both of the ovaries.
Transvaginal ultrasounds may be used to confirm early pregnancy.
A gynaecology ultrasound is performed by a healthcare professional called a sonographer, usually in a specialised clinic or the radiology department of a hospital.
During a gynaecology scan, ultrasound machines send high-frequency sound waves into the body via a probe called a transducer. When these sound waves travel through the skin, either of the abdomen or the vagina, they encounter the organs of the pelvis, including the ovaries, fallopian tubes and the uterus (womb).
The sound waves then get bounced back to the probe, like an echo, and computer technology turns these echoes into images that are then analysed for abnormalities.
A special conductor gel is applied to the skin of the abdomen (or the vaginal probe in the case of a transvaginal ultrasound) to help the sound waves travel through the skin. This gel will feel cold and wet, but you won't be able to feel or hear the sound waves.
An ultrasound scanner is a small machine that sits on a medical trolley next to an examination table. Attached to the scanning machine is a computer, a computer monitor and one or more ultrasound probes called transducers. A special conductor gel is also used to help the sound waves travel through the skin without interruption.
Ultrasound scans are suitable for the vast majority of patients and are a quick, safe and painless way of creating images of the inside of the body that can be used to diagnose and rule out certain medical conditions.
Unlike CT scans and x-rays, ultrasound scans don’t require the use of ionising radiation and therefore don’t carry the same, albeit small, risk of radiation exposure.
Gynaecology scans are suitable for pregnant women, but your doctor will advise you what’s best for you if you need a pelvic ultrasound scan while pregnant.
There are no known risks or side effects to having a gynaecological ultrasound. However, if you have a painful abdomen, you may feel some discomfort during a transabdominal ultrasound as the probe is pressed down onto your skin. You may also feel some discomfort if you’re required to have a full bladder.
Some patients also find having a transvaginal ultrasound uncomfortable.
Your healthcare professional will provide you with full details on how to prepare for your pelvic ultrasound scan.
If you’re having a transabdominal scan, this usually involves drinking a glass or two of water an hour before your scan so that you have a full bladder when being scanned. A full bladder acts as an extra window for providing clearer images.
If you’re having a transvaginal scan, you’ll normally need an empty bladder. It’s also a good idea to wear loose-fitting clothes that are easy to remove, as you’ll need to be undressed from the waist down.
You’ll be provided with a hospital gown and a paper sheet to cover your lower half with. You can eat and take medications as normal before a gynaecology scan, unless otherwise advised by your doctor.
Your gynaecology ultrasound is likely to take place in the following order:
Change into a Gown - You’ll need to undress from the waist down and change into a medical gown.
Medical History Discussion - Your sonographer will ask you questions about your symptoms, medical history and current overall health.
Choice Of Scan Type (Transvaginal Or Transabdominal) - They’ll explain if you're having a transabdominal ultrasound, a transvaginal ultrasound or both.
Bladder Preparation (Full or Empty Depending on Scan) - If you’re having both, you’ll have your transabdominal scan first, with a full bladder. Then you’ll need to empty your bladder before having your transvaginal scan.
Ultrasound Gel Application - A cold, clear gel will be applied to your abdomen for a transabdominal scan.
Probe Placement and Imaging - Your sonographer will place the probe onto the skin of your abdomen with fairly firm pressure, and then move it about, using the scan computer to take images.
Real-Time Monitoring on Screen - Real-time images will show on the computer monitor, which are then saved to your records.
Technician or Doctor May Ask to Change Position - You may need to move around slightly or temporarily hold your breath while the images are captured. If you’re having a transvaginal ultrasound, you’ll need to empty your bladder (a toilet will be nearby). Then your sonographer will apply a rubber sheath, like a condom, and more gel to the vaginal probe and place it inside your vagina before taking further images of your pelvic organs from the inside.
Scan Completion and Cleaning - Once your sonographer is happy they have enough images, they will remove the probe and wipe away the gel using tissue. You’ll be provided with more tissue to wipe away any excess gel, and you’ll be able to get dressed.
Discussion of Preliminary Findings - Your sonographer may discuss early findings with you at your appointment.
Once your gynaecological ultrasound is complete, you’ll be free to return home and to your normal duties. Pain or bleeding after a gynaecology scan is rare and unlikely to last longer than a few days, but if you’re concerned, contact your healthcare provider for advice
Your results will take a few days - when they’re ready, your medical team will contact you to arrange for you to return to the clinic to discuss a diagnosis and, if necessary, the treatments that are available to you.
In the UK, a private transabdominal ultrasound costs between £150 and £300, and a transvaginal ultrasound scan costs between £180 and £350.
Having symptoms such as abnormal bleeding and pelvic pain is worrying and upsetting. Having a gynaecology scan can help you get a diagnosis and the treatment you need.
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No, a pelvic ultrasound scan, either transabdominal or transvaginal, shouldn’t be painful. However, some patients find them uncomfortable if they already have a painful abdomen.
Transabdominal and transvaginal scans each take around 15 to 30 minutes. Your appointment will take around an hour, allowing for the time taken to undress and speak to your sonographer about your symptoms and overall health.
Yes, pelvic ultrasound scans, both transabdominal and transvaginal, are usually safe if you’re pregnant. Both are often used to confirm pregnancy, and a transvaginal ultrasound can be useful for identifying an early pregnancy.
If you’re having a private gynaecology scan with scan.com, you won’t need a referral letter - you can book an appointment at your convenience without having to be referred. If you’re having a gynaecology scan with the NHS, you’ll need a referral letter from your GP or specialist doctor.
Yes, pelvic ultrasound scans are safe and suitable for most patients. They don’t use ionising radiation like CT scans and x-rays do, and they don’t have the dangers of metallic objects and implants reacting with the machinery like MRI scans do.
It’s best to wear loose-fitting clothing that’s easy to remove for your appointment.
You may need a full bladder for a transabdominal scan, but your doctor will let you know before your appointment how best to prepare. This usually means drinking a glass or two of water an hour before your appointment and not emptying your bladder until after your procedure. There will be a toilet nearby. Generally, you’ll need an empty bladder for a transvaginal ultrasound, but again, follow the instructions given to you by your healthcare professional.
A gynaecology scan is considered an accurate type of ultrasound, used to diagnose conditions that cause symptoms such as pelvic pain and abnormal bleeding, including fibroids and ovarian cysts. As with any procedure, the accuracy of your scan will depend on the expertise of the sonographer and the quality of the equipment they use.