Abdominal/Pelvic Ultrasound

Answers from a quick, painless scan, often at the same visit as your consultation.

If you’ve been having pain, bloating, unusual bleeding or other symptoms you can’t explain, an ultrasound scan can often show us what’s going on. It’s one of the most useful tests in women’s health: quick, painless, and very safe. Our team will explain what we’re looking for, talk you through each step and go through what we see in plain language. Whether you’ve been referred for a scan, or you’d simply like some answers, you’re welcome to book directly.

Questions we hear every day

“What is an ultrasound scan?”
It uses harmless sound waves to create a picture of what’s inside your body, rather than X-rays or radiation. A small handheld probe is moved over your skin with a gel, and the images appear on a screen. It’s the same technology used to look at babies during pregnancy, and it’s safe to repeat whenever it’s needed.

“What can a pelvic scan show?”
It can show the womb, the womb lining, the ovaries and the surrounding area. It’s commonly used to look for causes of pelvic pain, heavy, painful or irregular periods, bleeding between periods or after the menopause, ovarian cysts, fibroids, polyps, signs of conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis and adenomyosis, and to check the position of a coil (IUD). It’s also useful when you’re trying to conceive.

“What is an abdominal scan?”
An abdominal ultrasound scan is an external scan that uses sound waves to examine and help investigate abdominal pain, bloating and other symptoms.. If you’ve been having tummy pain, bloating or other symptoms and aren’t sure where to start, our doctor can talk it through with you and advise which scan is best.

“What’s the difference between a tummy scan and an internal scan?”
A transabdominal scan is done over your lower tummy. A transvaginal scan uses a slim, smooth probe, gently placed in the vagina, and it gives a closer, clearer view of the womb and ovaries. Often, we use both, because together they give the fullest picture. We’ll explain which is best for you, and why.

“Is the internal scan uncomfortable?”
Most women find it mildly uncomfortable at worst, and it’s usually over in a few minutes. You’ll be offered privacy to undress, a sheet to cover yourself, and you can choose to insert the probe yourself if you’d prefer. You can ask us to stop at any time, and a chaperone is available if you’d like one. If you’ve never had sex, or you’d rather not have an internal scan, we can often use a tummy scan instead. Just tell us.

“Do I need to prepare?”
Often yes, but it depends on the scan. For a tummy scan of the pelvis, you may need a comfortably full bladder, because it helps us see the womb and ovaries more clearly. For other abdominal scans, you may be asked not to eat for a few hours beforehand. We’ll give you clear instructions when you book, so you know exactly what to do.

“Can I have a scan during my period?”
Yes, in most cases. Sometimes, the timing in your cycle helps us see things more clearly, and we’ll let you know if so.

“Will I get the results straight away?”
Our team can usually tell you what they see during the scan, and explain what it means for you. You’ll then receive a written report, and if you need treatment or more tests, we’ll talk about what comes next.

“What if it shows something?”
Try not to worry. Most scan findings, such as simple ovarian cysts, fibroids and polyps, are common and often harmless, and some need no treatment at all. If we need to look closer, we’ll explain why and arrange the right next step, such as a repeat scan, blood tests, an MRI or a specialist opinion.

“Do I need a referral?”
No, you’re welcome to book directly with us. If you’ve been referred by your GP or another doctor, please bring the referral with you.

“Is it confidential?”
Yes. Your visit and results are private and handled with discretion.

How we can help

Your appointment will be built around you and your symptoms. Depending on your needs, this may include:

-A private, unhurried consultation to talk through your symptoms, so we choose the right scan
-A pelvic ultrasound (transabdominal and/or transvaginal) to look at the womb, ovaries and womb lining
-An abdominal ultrasound, where it’s suitable for your symptoms
-A clear explanation of the findings, with a written report you can keep or share with your GP
-Assessment and care for what we find, including period problems, cysts, fibroids, polyps, PCOS,
endometriosis and adenomyosis
-Coil checks, to confirm your Mirena or copper coil is in the right place
-Fertility support, including looking at your womb and ovaries when you’re trying to conceive
-Blood tests, swabs and examinations, if they’d help find the cause of your symptoms
-Treatment and advice, including hormonal treatments and contraception
-Referral for further tests or specialist care if needed, such as MRI or surgery, with a clear summary to take with you
-Follow-up, so you’re never left wondering what happens next

When to book

It’s a good time to see us if you have pelvic or tummy pain, heavy, painful or irregular periods, bleeding between periods, after sex or after the menopause, bloating that won’t settle, a lump or swelling you’ve noticed, or if you’ve been told you may have a cyst or fibroid. It’s also a good option if you’re trying to conceive, if you’d like to check your coil, or if you simply want some peace of mind.

Please seek urgent medical help (your nearest emergency department) if you have sudden, severe pelvic or tummy pain, very heavy bleeding with dizziness or fainting, a high temperature with pain, or if you’re pregnant or might be and have bleeding with pain.

Looking for a pregnancy scan? We offer those too. See our pregnancy scan page.

Book an appointment online or call 061 609 777. We’ll take it from there.