Your doctor has requested an ultrasound of your pelvis. Ultrasound is a safe and painless procedure that uses sound waves to "see" inside your body. A pelvic ultrasound can help determine the cause of pain or bleeding in the reproductive organs. At Cedars-Sinai Medical Center's S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center, we have a specialized team of physicians, nurses, and technologists who are experts in ultrasound radiology.
Drink 32oz on any liquid one hour before your examination time. Try to drink all the liquid within 30 minutes.
Do not urinate before the exam. Arrive for your exam with a full bladder.
We want to make your waiting time as pleasant as possible. Consider bringing your favorite magazine, book or music player to help you pass the time.
Please leave your jewelry and valuables at home.
Upon arrival, you will be asked to change into a hospital gown.
Once in the examination room, the diagnostic medical sonographer will explain your procedure and answer any questions you may have.
You will be positioned on your back on the exam table.
The technologist will apply warm gel to the skin of your lower abdomen. The gel is very similar to hair styling gel and helps the sound waves travel from the machine into your abdomen.
A transducer, a small, microphone-like device, is placed over the area being examined. This will happen several times. You will feel mild pressure from the transducer and some discomfort from a full bladder.
The soundwaves will bounce off the organs and tissue in your body. This creates "echoes." The echoes are reflected back to the transducer. A television monitor shows images as the transducer converts the echoes to electrical signals.
These moving images may be viewed immediately, recorded or photographed for further study.
Routinely, in addition to the regular transabdominal pelvic ultrasound a transvaginal ultrasound will be performed for further evaluation of your reproductive organs. Please see information for transvaginal pelvic ultrasound.
Your exam will take approximately 30 to 60 minutes.
Your study will be reviewed by a imaging physician and the results sent to your doctor. Your doctor will discuss these results with you.
If you have problems related to your procedure, please call (310) 423-8000.
To request a copy of your images on a CD or film, call (310) 423-8000. To request a copy of your report, call (310) 423-8000.
