Pelvic ultrasound scan

A pelvic ultrasound scan uses high frequency sound waves to create a picture of the area between your hip bones (your pelvis). It it sometimes called a gynaecological ultrasound.

The ultrasound scanner has a probe that gives off sound waves. The probe looks a bit like a microphone. The sound waves bounce off the organs inside your body, and the probe picks them up. The probe links to a computer that turns the sound waves into a picture on the screen.

Ultrasound scans aren't painful but can cause some discomfort. You might have it at one of the following:

• your GP surgery
• local community clinic
• in your hospital x-ray department

A specialist healthcare professional called a sonographer usually does the test. 

Why do I need a pelvic ultrasound?

The scan shows the ovaries, womb and surrounding structures. You might have this test to help diagnose:

• cancer in your ovaries, fallopian tubes or peritoneum
• womb cancer
• gestational trophoblastic disease 

To have an ultrasound scan of the pelvis, your doctor or radiographer moves a probe over the lower part of your tummy. 

How you have a pelvic ultrasound

Preparing for your scan

Check your appointment letter for any instructions about how to prepare for your scan.

They might ask you to drink plenty before your scan so that you have a full bladder. This gives the sonographer a better view of your organs during the scan.

Take your medicines as normal unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Before the scan

Before the test you might be asked to remove your clothing and put on a hospital gown. Or you might only need to lower your underwear a little. The sonographer will tuck a paper towel into your underwear to protect it from the ultrasound gel.  

During the scan

You lie on a couch next to the ultrasound machine. The lights are usually turned down to help the sonographer see the images more clearly.

The sonographer will spread a clear gel onto your skin over the lower part of your tummy. The gel feels cold. It helps to transmit the sound waves to the probe. The scan appears on a screen next to you. 

You might feel a little pressure as the sonographer presses the probe against your skin and moves it around. Tell them if this is uncomfortable. 

Internal ultrasound

You may also have an internal vaginal ultrasound straight after your pelvic ultrasound. This is when your doctor gently puts the probe into your vagina. This is also called a transvaginal ultrasound scan.

We have separate information about what happens during a transvaginal ultrasound scan. 

What happens afterwards

You can eat and drink normally after the test. You can go straight home or back to work afterwards.

Possible risks

An ultrasound scan is a very safe procedure. It doesn’t involve radiation and there are usually no side effects.

Getting your results

You should get your results within 1 or 2 weeks. The doctor may be able to let you know if they have seen any abnormal areas.

Waiting for results can make you anxious. Ask your doctor or nurse how long it will take to get them.

Contact the doctor who arranged the test if you haven’t heard anything after a couple of weeks.

You might have contact details for a specialist nurse who you can contact for information if you need to. It can help to talk to a close friend or relative about how you feel.