Ultrasound Scan of the Female Pelvis

Expert Gynaecological Ultrasound Scan: Clarity from a Specialist

An ultrasound scan is one of the most powerful tools in gynaecology for understanding your health. But a scan is only as good as the person performing it and interpreting the results. When you are seeking answers for pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, or fertility concerns, you deserve more than just a set of images—you deserve an immediate, expert diagnosis.

At Happiher, our pelvic ultrasound service is fundamentally different. Your scan is performed by Dr. Manou Kaur, a specialist consultant gynaecologist. This unique “scan and consultation in one” approach means you receive a real-time diagnosis and a clear management plan in a single, efficient appointment.

What is a Gynaecological Ultrasound Scan?

A pelvic ultrasound uses sound waves to create a detailed, live image of your pelvic organs, including your uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. It is a completely safe, radiation-free procedure. There are two parts to a comprehensive scan:

1. Transabdominal Scan: This is performed first. A probe is placed on your lower abdomen to get a broad overview of your pelvic organs.
2. Transvaginal Scan: This is the most important part for a detailed gynaecological assessment. A slim, specialised probe is gently placed inside the vagina. This provides a much closer, higher-resolution view of the uterine lining, the structure of the ovaries, and can detect subtle abnormalities that may not be visible from the abdomen.

The Specialist Advantage: Why a Consultant-Led Scan Matters

Choosing a scan performed by a consultant gynaecologist offers profound benefits over a standard sonographer-led service.

• An Expert Diagnosis, Not Just a Report: A sonographer is a highly skilled technician trained to take pictures. A consultant gynaecologist is a medical expert trained to interpret those pictures in the context of your specific symptoms and medical history, providing an immediate diagnosis.
• Specialist Skill in Complex Conditions: Dr. Kaur has advanced expertise in using ultrasound to diagnose challenging conditions like deep infiltrating endometriosis and adenomyosis, which are often missed in routine scans.
• Immediate Answers & A Clear Plan: There is no waiting for a report to be written and sent to a doctor. Dr. Kaur will explain what she is seeing on the screen as she performs the scan. You leave the appointment with a full understanding of the findings and a clear plan for the next steps.
• Efficiency and Peace of Mind: This one-stop approach saves you the time, cost, and anxiety of multiple appointments, providing immediate reassurance and a direct path to treatment if needed.

When is a Pelvic Scan Recommended?

A specialist ultrasound is the cornerstone for investigating a wide range of gynaecological issues:

• Pelvic Pain: To look for causes like ovarian cysts, adenomyosis, or endometriosis.
• Heavy or Irregular Periods: To assess the uterine lining and check for fibroids or polyps.
• Fertility Concerns: To assess your ovarian reserve (egg count), check for PCOS, and examine the structure of the uterus.
• Checking the Position of a Coil (IUD).
• Monitoring Existing Conditions: To track the growth of known fibroids or cysts.

Your Patient Journey: What to Expect

1. The Consultation: Your appointment begins with a discussion of your symptoms and history. This is a vital part of the diagnostic process.
2. The Scan: You will first have the transabdominal scan, for which you will need a comfortably full bladder. After this, you will be asked to empty your bladder before the transvaginal scan, which is typically quick and minimally uncomfortable. Dr. Kaur will explain the findings to you throughout.
3. The Plan: Immediately following the scan, Dr. Kaur will summarise the diagnosis and discuss the recommended next steps with you, whether it’s reassurance, medical management, or planning for a procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does a transvaginal scan hurt?
   For most women, it is not painful. The probe is slim (often smaller than a tampon) and is inserted gently. It can cause a feeling of pressure, but it should not be painful. If you have a condition that causes tenderness, Dr. Kaur will be extremely gentle.
2. Do I need to have a full bladder?
   Yes, but only for the first part of the scan (the transabdominal part). A full bladder helps to push the bowel out of the way, giving a clearer view. You will be able to empty your bladder before the internal scan.
3. Is it safe to have a scan if I think I might be pregnant?
   Yes, ultrasound is completely safe throughout all stages of pregnancy.
4. Can a scan diagnose everything?
   Ultrasound is an incredibly powerful tool, but it has its limitations. For example, while it can show signs of endometriosis, the only way to definitively diagnose the condition is with a laparoscopy. Dr. Kaur will explain what can and cannot be seen and if any further tests are needed.

Get the Clarity You Deserve

Move beyond uncertainty with a specialist-led scan that provides immediate, expert answers.