Gynaecological scan: all about the procedure

A gynaecological scan is often conducted via ultrasound as it is one of the preferred methods to scan the pelvic organs safely, which consist of the uterus, ovaries, cervix, bladder, and rectum. Gynaecological ultrasounds are an important diagnostic tool for diseases or dysfunction of the genitals and other internal organs. Here to tell us more about this gynaecological scan is a leading obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Grisham Sotra.

What is an ultrasound? And how is used for gynaecological scans?

An ultrasound works due to high-frequency sound waves emitted from a probe which are echoed back from the organs to produce an image. The image, called a sonogram, is created by measuring the length of time it takes for the echo to reach the probe, which then approximates the shape of the space it is examining. It’s similar to echolocation, which is how bats and whales determine the location and distance of objects that they may not be able to see.

The image that is produced by ultrasound is in real-time as the examination is undergoing, which enables the gynaecologist ample opportunity to investigate the organs and their behaviour and condition. Most ultrasounds are in greyscale, but a Doppler ultrasound shows blood flow in colour! Where X-rays and CT scans use radiation for imaging, and an MRI is unsafe for those with implants due to the strong magnets, the ultrasound has no risks and can be performed repeatedly with no side effects.

What can a gynaecological ultrasound scan do?

Ultrasounds can be used to investigate the cause of pelvic pain, heavy or abnormal bleeding, and if there are any irregularities in the pelvis. Gynaecological ultrasounds are used to diagnose conditions like:

• Gynaecological cancer and tumours
• Endometriosis
• Fibroids
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Issues with intrauterine devices (IUDs)
• Diseases of the bladder, urethra, and rectum

They can also be used in screening for diseases and monitoring healing progress after injury or surgical procedure.

What happens during a gynaecological ultrasound scan?

The ultrasound is performed using a probe that can be placed externally, through the abdomen (which you might already be familiar with depictions of ultrasounds for pregnancy) or internally inside the vagina, called a transvaginal ultrasound. Transvaginal ultrasounds produce a better image than an abdominal probe, which is why it may be necessary. In an abdominal ultrasound, the sound waves are transmitted through the gel and into the pelvis, whereas a transvaginal ultrasound can transmit directly into the pelvic cavity. For an abdominal ultrasound, the patient should have a full bladder so that it is easily identifiable, but for a transvaginal ultrasound, it is better for the bladder to be empty. The examination is short, around five minutes long, though for more complex conditions they could take 15 minutes or so for a thorough inspection.

Patients will be asked to verbally consent to the examination before it begins. Undressed from the waist down, a patient will need to lie down on the examination bed with their legs spread apart. The probe, which is long and thin, is sheathed in a protective latex and a special lubricant for ultrasound machines and is then inserted into the vagina. If the patient experiences pain during sexual intercourse, or if they have lumps or infections in their pelvis, then the sensation may be uncomfortable or painful. The pelvic organs are then projected onto a screen that the gynaecologist will consult, and the patient may be able to see too.

The gynaecologist will save certain frames of the projection for further study and analysis. From there, a formal diagnosis will be made and a treatment plan can be formulated.

If you would like to schedule a gynaecological scan, you can book an appointment with Dr Smotra via her Top Doctors profile.