Most people associate an ultrasound in Memorial City with pregnancy and how the gynecologist might use the process to monitor your baby’s development in the womb. Besides assessing your child’s developmental stages, the medical professional might use an ultrasound to address several gynecological issues and analyze your reproductive system. Therefore, do not look surprised the next time you go for your regular gynecological appointment and your doctor suggests an ultrasound when you are not pregnant.
Why would you need an ultrasound?
Your healthcare provider is most likely to recommend the imaging test, thanks to its ability to showcase images of your different body parts without using tests that use radiation like X-rays. Ultrasound technology uses sonography (sound wave technology) to scan your organs. During an ultrasound, the sound waves travel through your skin without harming you until they hit an obstruction and then send feedback in the form of an echo. The continuous communication gives accurate images of your pelvic regions, allowing your doctor to detect possible problems. Ultrasounds work effectively to provide images of your soft tissues like ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, endometrium, cervix, vagina, and bladder. Once the imaging device sends feedback, your gynecologist will detect abnormalities and advise if you need further investigations.
The various conditions that might need an ultrasound as a diagnostic tool include:
- Check for blockages in your fallopian tube
- Check for the existence of ovarian cysts
- Diagnose endometriosis
- Look for tumors
- Detect pelvic inflammatory diseases
- Assess irregularities in your uterus
- Check for the presence of uterine fibroids
Your gynecologist may also use the imaging test to check out fertility issues. The images after the test can confirm the presence of fertility problems or rule them out. If you have issues, the medical professional might address them, enhancing your chances of getting pregnant.
Besides detecting reproductive issues, your healthcare provider might also use an ultrasound test to assess your IUD. The contraception form tends to shift positions, especially with heavy menses or sexual intercourse.
What types of ultrasounds are you likely to have?
The ultrasound type your gynecology is likely to suggest depends on your reason for the test. Though you may only need one type, specific instances might prompt the medical expert to suggest two types to provide accurate information for treatment. The different ultrasound types include:
Transvaginal ultrasound
Your gynecologist inserts a long and thin transducer into your vagina during the ultrasound. Thanks to its ability to deliver real-time images, the medical provider might use it to take immediate action once there is a problem.
Transabdominal ultrasound
The ultrasound type entails applying gel to your abdomen before using a transducer to sense issues in your abdomen. Due to the transducer’s attachment to a computer monitor, your doctor will be able to see images of any abnormalities in your pelvic floor.
Besides the two types, your primary physician might also suggest a Doppler ultrasound to assess your blood flow. For instance, the doctor can suggest a test to evaluate blockages in the blood vessels running through your abdomen.
An ultrasound might not need further analysis. Thus, your doctor might start treatment immediately after the imaging test. The test might also be ideal if you do not want blood draws and incisions. Contact your gynecologist to know other uses of the imaging test.
