Pelvic Ultrasound Near Fredericksburg, VA

Receive expert attention and advanced imaging for optimal pelvic health.

What is a Pelvic Ultrasound?

A pelvic ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves to produce clear images of your pelvic area, including the uterus, ovaries, and bladder. The test can be done externally on the abdomen or internally, depending on what’s required for an accurate evaluation. At the Center for Advanced Gynecology, we typically recommend the trans-vaginal ultrasound, as it provides a closer, more precise view of the pelvic organs, ensuring better image quality.

Why is a Pelvic Ultrasound Performed?

Pelvic ultrasounds are crucial for diagnosing and tracking a range of conditions. Some common uses include:

Assessing unexplained pelvic pain
Investigating unusual vaginal bleeding
Diagnosing ovarian cysts and fibroids
Checking for abnormalities in the pelvic region
Examining the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes
Evaluating causes of menstrual irregularities
Monitoring fetal development during pregnancy
Assisting in IUD placement
Determining the severity of endometriosis

Who Needs a Pelvic Ultrasound?

For residents of Fredericksburg, a pelvic ultrasound may be recommended by your healthcare provider if you experience:

Persistent pelvic pain
Unusual or excessive bleeding
Possible pelvic masses like cysts, fibroids, tumors, or polyps
Suspected endometriosis
Symptoms of ectopic pregnancy or other pregnancy-related complications
The need for IUD placement or monitoring
Infertility concerns
A family history of ovarian cancer

Benefits of a Pelvic Ultrasound

A pelvic ultrasound offers several advantages for individuals in Fredericksburg, including:

No radiation exposure
More affordable than a CT or MRI
Delivers real-time images for precise diagnosis
Provides clear, detailed views of pelvic organs and structures
Assists in guiding procedures like biopsies or IUD placements
Safe with minimal discomfort

What are the Risks?

Pelvic ultrasounds are generally safe with minimal risks involved. Some individuals may feel slight discomfort when the transducer is pressed or inserted, but the ultrasound waves themselves pose no harm. A sterile, unscented gel is applied to the ultrasound probe along with a single-use plastic cover, and while rare, some people may experience a reaction to the gel or the sheath.

What to Expect During Your Appointment

For residents in Fredericksburg, during your pelvic ultrasound, your provider will ensure you feel comfortable and informed throughout the procedure. You will begin by lying on an exam table. For a transabdominal ultrasound, you will need a full bladder to help improve the visibility of the pelvic organs. You may be asked to drink water beforehand and hold your urine. For a transvaginal ultrasound, you will be asked to empty your bladder and lie on the table as if undergoing a pelvic exam, with your feet placed in stirrups.

Your provider will either move the transducer over your abdomen after applying a water-based gel or gently insert a probe into the vagina for a transvaginal ultrasound. The transvaginal approach is often preferred for clearer images of the uterus, ovaries, and surrounding pelvic structures.

You may be asked to adjust your position or hold your breath briefly to capture better images. The entire process usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes. Afterward, any gel will be wiped off, and you can return to your normal activities. At the Center for Advanced Gynecology, your provider performs the ultrasound, ensuring you get immediate answers based on the findings during your visit.

Why Choose The Center For Advanced Gynecology

The Center for Advanced Gynecology, founded in 2018, is committed to enhancing your health by providing expert care in a variety of specialties, with a primary focus on gynecological services and advanced surgical techniques when necessary. Our team is skilled in non-surgical treatments for conditions such as chronic pelvic pain, painful intercourse, pudendal neuralgia, and various types of vaginal, vulvar, and bladder pain. Since our inception, we have seen a growing demand from the Fredericksburg community for comprehensive care, leading us to expand our practice to include routine gynecological services, cancer screenings, Pap smears, menopausal management, hormone therapy, breast care, contraceptive options, urinary incontinence, and pelvic organ prolapse treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

A transvaginal ultrasound involves inserting a probe into the vagina for a closer view of the pelvic organs. In contrast, a transabdominal ultrasound is performed by scanning through the abdominal wall to assess the pelvic region. A transrectal ultrasound, which is typically used for examining the rectum and lower colon, involves inserting a probe into the rectum. This type is less commonly performed in a gynecology setting.

Preparation for a pelvic ultrasound is minimal. If you're having a transabdominal ultrasound, you may need a full bladder. For a transvaginal ultrasound, you’ll likely be asked to empty your bladder. If you're menstruating, it's recommended that you remove your tampon. Any additional instructions will be provided by your provider before your appointment.

Most people experience little to no discomfort during a pelvic ultrasound. For a transabdominal ultrasound, you may feel mild pressure as the transducer moves over your abdomen. If undergoing a transvaginal ultrasound, there may be slight discomfort upon probe insertion, but it is usually minimal and less so than a pap smear.

A typical pelvic ultrasound lasts about 15 to 30 minutes. During the procedure, you will lie on your back while the necessary images are taken. One of the benefits of having your ultrasound at the Center for Advanced Gynecology is that your provider will perform the ultrasound and provide immediate results, eliminating the need for a follow-up appointment.

If an abnormality is detected during your pelvic ultrasound, further tests may be required, such as an MRI, follow-up imaging, a biopsy, or even surgery, depending on the findings.

Yes, a pelvic ultrasound can detect issues with the fallopian tubes, although healthy tubes are usually not visible. However, if the tubes become blocked, dilated, infected, or contain an ectopic pregnancy, they may be detected as thickened or fluid-filled on the ultrasound.

Yes, pelvic ultrasounds are commonly used to monitor pregnancy, track fetal development, and screen for any complications. Early in the pregnancy, a transvaginal ultrasound is typically used for a clearer image, while a transabdominal ultrasound is more commonly used after the first trimester.

Once the ultrasound is completed, you can resume your regular activities immediately. Your provider will review the images with you and discuss any next steps if abnormalities are detected.