Your gynecologist or doctor may recommend an ultrasound, also known as a sonogram, to help diagnose or learn more about problems effecting your uterus or cervix. If you have an appointment for a non-pregnancy related ultrasound or sonogram, here is what you can expect.
Before the Ultrasound or Sonogram Appointment
You will be instructed by your doctor to drink a lot of fluids (not milk) prior to your ultrasound appointment. The recommended amount will vary, but generally 32oz. of liquid should be consumed an hour prior to your appointment. Having an ultrasound performed with a full bladder is more comprehensive because it is an easier environment to gather data and is therefore more effective.
You will feel uncomfortable as you wait for that last hour before your appointment without a restroom break. Be sure to wear loose fitting pants or shorts to your appointment so you can remove them easily with a full bladder. You may choose to have someone drive you to your appointment if the discomfort makes it difficult to concentrate on driving.
During the Ultrasound or Sonogram Appointment
When you arrive at the doctor’s office you will meet the ultrasound technician. They will take you to the exam room which is usually dimly lit so they can read the monitors during you ultrasound exam. They will ask you to pull your pants down below your hips to expose your stomach area. If you are having both an exterior and trans-vaginal ultrasound, you will be asked to undress from the waist down.
The External Ultrasound
The ultrasound technician will prepare your stomach area by applying a very warm gel. They will then slowly rub the ultrasound device over your stomach, in the gel. While they do this, they can view your uterus on the monitor. As they perform the exam they can take still photos of different views of the uterus, take measurements of specific regions of the uterus and view any large abnormalities.
If your ultrasound is being performed for medical diagnosis reasons, refrain from asking the ultrasound technician if “they see anything bad.” They cannot discuss, or diagnose, what they see with you until the results have been examined by the doctor.
The external ultrasound procedure will only take a few minutes. After the procedure is complete, you will be allowed to use the restroom to finally empty your very full bladder.
The Trans-vaginal Ultrasound
The preparation for the trans-vaginal ultrasound is very similar to getting ready for a PAP test. You will be asked to undress from the waist down and lay on the exam table with your feet in stirrups.
The ultrasound wand used for this procedure is covered with a condom and lubricant before it is slowly inserted into the vagina. If you have allergies to latex or lubricants, be sure to notify your doctor before the ultrasound appointment so they can prepare for your needs.
The ultrasound technician will insert the wand a few inches into your vagina to begin the exam. While they are inserting the wand, they can see the interior of your vagina, cervix and eventually the bottom of your uterus on their monitor. Again, they will take still photos and measurements of their findings.
This procedure only takes a few minutes and generally is not painful. You may feel some pain if a presence, such as cyst or tumor, is found and agitated by the trans-vaginal ultrasound wand.
After Your Ultrasound
Your doctor will examine the screen captured images of your uterus, cervix and vaginal canal and contact you will results. This may take a few days if they seek a second opinion while reading your results.
You shouldn’t feel any pain after an external or trans-vaginal ultrasound. Some women do experience a little spotting of blood afterwards, so you may want to wear a panty liner pad for the rest of the day.
