Women’s health is a priority, and ensuring optimal well-being involves paying attention to every aspect, including pelvic health. While often overlooked, pelvic health is crucial, impacting overall wellness and quality of life. One essential tool in monitoring and maintaining pelvic health is regular ultrasound scans specifically designed for this area.
The Significance of Pelvic Health Scans
Pelvic health scans are non-invasive procedures that provide valuable insights into the health of organs within the pelvis, including the uterus, ovaries, and bladder. These scans are instrumental in detecting various conditions early on, such as fibroids, cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease, and even certain cancers. Early detection significantly increases treatment success rates and enhances overall prognosis.
Breaking the Taboo
Despite their importance, discussions around pelvic health often carry a stigma, causing many women to neglect seeking necessary screenings. It’s vital to normalise conversations about pelvic health and ultrasound scans, empowering women to prioritise their well-being without hesitation or embarrassment.
Accessible and Empowering Care
In Lanarkshire, accessing pelvic health scans is simple and empowering. With numerous healthcare facilities offering these services, women have the opportunity to take control of their health proactively. These scans are typically painless, quick, and conducted in a comfortable environment, ensuring minimal discomfort during the procedure.
Why Early Detection Matters
The adage “prevention is better than cure” holds particularly true for pelvic health. Detecting issues in their early stages allows for timely interventions, preventing complications and significantly reducing the impact on one’s life. Regular pelvic health scans empower women to stay ahead of potential health concerns, promoting peace of mind and confidence in their well-being.
Take Charge of Your Pelvic Health Today
Prioritizing pelvic health scans is a proactive step towards comprehensive self-care. Schedule regular check-ups, discuss any concerns with healthcare professionals, and encourage fellow women to do the same. Together, let’s break barriers, promote awareness, and embrace a culture of proactive pelvic health care.
Don’t delay—schedule your pelvic health scan today and take a significant step towards a healthier, happier you!
Polycystic ovarian syndrome, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease, pelvic organ prolapse — all of these conditions have one thing in common. They’re diagnosed using pelvic ultrasound technology.
Developed by a team of Scottish researchers over 50 years ago in the aftermath of World War II, this technology has come a long way since then and is, quite literally, saving lives the world over.
Learn more about what to expect from a Wellwoman scan and why ultrasound technology is so important for women’s health.
Pelvic Ultrasound: A Closer Look
Also referred to as sonography, ultrasounds are both popular and beneficial because of how efficient and accurate they are. They’re also non-invasive, which means that there’s no downtime associated with this test.
Ultrasound technology uses very high frequency sound waves to capture detailed images of the internal structure of the body. The end result is a sonograph. It appears as white pixels against a black background, detailing internal organs or areas of soft tissue.
In the case of a pelvic ultrasound, this includes organs such as the bladder, ovaries, fallopian tubes, the lining of the uterus, vagina, and rectum. A pelvic ultrasound may also encompass areas of the lower abdomen.
Ultrasound scanning is the best way for a doctor to see and assess what’s happening inside the body, without having to cut you open.
How is an ultrasound different from an x-ray, you might wonder?
While the overall premise is the same, an ultrasound can provide more detailed imagery in some cases, and does not expose you to radiation.
A pelvic ultrasound is somewhat of an umbrella term that encompasses several different types of sonography. Let’s take a look at the different types of ultrasound beneficial to women:
An Abdominal Ultrasound
The purpose of this test is to analyse organs inside the belly, specifically, the lower part of the belly.
During the ultrasound, a sonographer applies warm gel to the lower abdomen area. They then use a tool known as a transducer, pressing it onto the skin to see the organs and soft tissue underneath.
The gel helps the transducer move easily over your skin during the scan. While you could have an x-ray of your abdomen, it does not offer as much detail as ultrasound, especially if you have renal stones or gallstones.
If you have abdominal pain, have experienced trauma to the abdomen, or even have unexplained uterine pain, an abdominal scan is useful.
A Transvaginal Ultrasound
This type of scan is incredibly beneficial in women because it examines several different reproductive organs at once, from inside the vagina.
For example, a sonographer can examine the vagina, uterine lining, fallopian tubes, pelvic cavity, bladder, and ovaries in just one scan.
During this ultrasound, a sonographer inserts a transducer into the vagina. The transducer is covered with a warm gel to assist with lubrication. They then move the transducer around gently to obtain imagery of different reproductive organs.
When Is a Pelvic Ultrasound Necessary?
So, when is it a good idea to visit your doctor and when might they recommend any of these pelvic ultrasounds?
Some of the most common troublesome symptoms include:
Painful sexual intercourse
Infertility — issues trying to fall pregnant
Painful urination, i.e. a burning sensation when urinating
Unexplained pelvic or abdominal pain
Unexplained or sudden swelling in your abdomen
Trauma to the abdomen or pelvic area
Irregular or exceptionally painful menstruation and PMS symptoms
Menstruation after menopause
Prolapse/incontinence
Thanks to the innovative technology of ultrasound, it can diagnose a myriad of different conditions. From hernias to kidney stones, ovarian cysts, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), ectopic pregnancy, and more.
Not only is ultrasound helpful in diagnosing these conditions, but it’s also used for important procedures such as biopsies and IUD placement in the uterus.
Preparing for an Ultrasound: What To Expect
Different types of pelvic ultrasounds require different levels of preparation. For some, you don’t need to prepare much at all.
When it comes to pelvic ultrasounds of the reproductive organs, you’ll need to arrive for your scan with a full bladder. Begin drinking about one litre of water an hour before your scan so that it’s nice and full when you arrive.
For an ultrasound of the abdomen, you might need to fast for a few hours before your scan. This means cutting out food or drinks (except water) for at least 6 hours before the test.
Bear in mind that the doctor who refers you for an ultrasound will brief you on how to prepare before the scan. You might also receive instructions via email or telephone a few days before.
Is It Painful?
Ultrasound scans are completely harmless and do not cause any pain. This is just one of the reasons they’re so widely used today. For the most part, they’re performed over the skin.
The most discomfort you might feel is a feeling of pressure against a full bladder.
Transvaginal or rectal scans are a little different. While they’re by no means painful, they are uncomfortable for some women. The important thing is to relax and breathe, and trust that your sonographer knows exactly what they’re doing.
Looking For Private Ultrasound Scanning?
If you need a pelvic ultrasound and prefer the idea of a private clinic, then our team at Bothwell Medical Rooms & Core Clinic are your Glasgow and Lanarkshire go-to for a Wellwoman scan.
We offer private clinics in both Bothwell and Hamilton for all your diagnostic needs. Get in touch with our team for efficient service that fits in with your schedule.
A wellwoman pelvic ultrasound scan is a medical procedure. It captures live images from inside your body using high-frequency sound waves. It’s also known as sonography.
What are the benefits of choosing a private ultrasound?
Going private not only gives you the flexibility to work around your schedule. It also gives you faster diagnostic and earlier information. There are many reasons why going private may be the best solution for you. With the recent pandemic and many organisations dealing with months of backlog, the long wait times can often lead to a delay in diagnostics. This often leads to an increase in anxiety for many people.
We offer the most accessible and affordable diagnostic imaging in Lanarkshire. Access to quick and effective diagnosis should be possible for everyone. We are a leading service within our field, recognisable for the top-quality service we provide. An efficient, compassionate team of professionals with a client 1st approach to healthcare. We specialise in diagnostic ultrasounds. This means all our exams are performed and reported by our expert Consultant Sonographers and Radiographers.
Pelvic Scan – Well Woman
This gynecological scan is available to women of pre-menopausal age.
We will perform a detailed scan to look at the size, shape, and condition of the:
uterus
the lining of the womb
both ovaries
pelvic area
Common examples for having this ultrasound scan are the detection or exclusion of:
We will provide a Sonographer report within 24 hours of examination taking place with a Medical Follow Up Recommendation if necessary.
Pre-scan preparation
May include transvaginal/internal scan with consent.
Need to expose lower part of the abdomen so ideally wear 2 piece garments i.e trousers or skirt and top.
Drink 0.75 Ltr (1.5 pints) clear fluid approx 1 hour before the appointment time. Milk and fizzy drinks are not recommended.
Both transabdominal and transvaginal scans will be performed for optimum clarity and results. Please do not empty your bladder prior to examination.
*if you choose not to have a transvaginal scan we may be able to complete the scan trans abdominally however please note that results may not be as accurate.
Contact the team today on 01698 854474 or email info@bothwellmedicalrooms.co.uk
