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An ultrasound procedure, despite initial apprehensions, is actually quite simple and painless. Your physician might recommend this diagnostic test to investigate issues with your reproductive organs, detect any cysts or tumors, understand difficulties with urination, or monitor the growth of a fetus. While pelvic ultrasounds are performed on individuals of any gender, they are more common among females. On the day of your ultrasound appointment, you can maintain your regular eating, drinking, and medication habits. If you're undergoing a transabdominal ultrasound, ensure your bladder is adequately filled prior to the procedure. Conversely, for a transvaginal ultrasound, empty your bladder beforehand.
Procedures
Preparing Generally
Stick to your regular diet on the day of your ultrasound appointment. A full stomach typically won't interfere with the pelvic ultrasound procedure, so feel free to consume your usual meals. There's no need to alter your diet or avoid specific foods. Enjoy whatever foods you prefer.
- You can consume caffeinated beverages before undergoing an ultrasound, including coffee, soda, and other caffeinated drinks. This won't lead to dehydration or hinder your ability to fill your bladder.
- Note that a pelvic ultrasound differs from an abdominal ultrasound, which may necessitate fasting.
Continue taking all prescribed medications unless instructed otherwise by your doctor. Discontinuing your medication is typically unnecessary as it usually won't impact the results of your ultrasound. Your doctor will advise you if any medications need to be temporarily stopped.
- This includes medications such as diuretics or fluid pills.
- If you plan to take over-the-counter medications, consult with your doctor beforehand.
Opt for loose-fitting attire that can be easily removed. During the ultrasound, the technician will need access to your pelvic area, requiring you to partially or fully remove your clothing. Choose garments that are simple to take off or can be easily shifted aside.
- Consider wearing a loose dress or a loose-fitting shirt paired with stretchy pants.
Prepare to change into a hospital gown if instructed. Your doctor or technician may request that you change into a hospital gown to facilitate the ultrasound procedure. If asked, remove your clothing and put on the gown provided.
Variation: Your technician might permit you to keep your clothes on if they can be shifted away from your pelvic area. For example, you may be able to lift your shirt and lower your pants to your hips.
Remove any jewelry prior to the ultrasound. To prevent interference with the ultrasound, your technician will likely advise you to take off all jewelry. It's advisable to leave your jewelry at home. If you're wearing any, remove it and place it in a secure location, such as your purse or wallet.
- If you have a belly ring, it will need to be removed.
Consult your doctor for personalized recommendations. Your doctor may advise you to either fill or empty your bladder before the ultrasound. Depending on your specific requirements, they might provide additional instructions. Contact your doctor at least 24 hours prior to your appointment to inquire about any special guidelines.
- For example, your doctor might suggest abstaining from eating immediately before the exam, although this is typically unnecessary.
Preparing for a Transabdominal Ultrasound
Consume 4 to 6 cups (0.95 to 1.42 L) of fluids 1 hour before your ultrasound. A full bladder is necessary for optimal visualization of your organs during the procedure. Empty your bladder before drinking fluids and then consume at least 4 cups (0.95 L) of any fluid approximately an hour before your appointment. You may need to drink more if your bladder fills slowly.
- If you have infrequent urination, indicating a slow-filling bladder, increase your fluid intake accordingly.
- Prior to filling your bladder, empty it to prevent any discomfort or inconvenience during the ultrasound.
- A full bladder displaces the intestines, facilitating abdominal visualization.
Tip: If you struggle to maintain a full bladder, don't fret. Your doctor can insert a catheter to expedite bladder filling.
Ensure your bladder is comfortably full. While you may experience some discomfort from a full bladder and feel the urge to urinate, it should not be painful. If you're in pain, relieve your bladder and then attempt to refill it with less fluid.
- You can start refilling your bladder shortly before the ultrasound appointment. If your bladder isn't adequately filled at the time of the ultrasound, your doctor or technician will provide you with water.
Position yourself comfortably on the exam table. Remaining still during the ultrasound is crucial, so find a comfortable position. Use the provided pillow to support your head and neck, ensuring a relaxed experience and clear imaging.
- Minimal movement ensures accurate results.
Allow the technician to apply gel to your abdomen and glide the wand over it. Expect a cool sensation as the technician applies gel to your lower abdomen. Relax as the transducer wand is moved over your abdomen; it's painless. You might experience slight discomfort due to a full bladder.
- Depending on the ultrasound machine, you might hear a swishing sound during the procedure.
Observe the ultrasound screen for visualizations of your pelvic region. Your technician may display the images during the procedure, especially if you're pregnant. Look at the attached screen to view the black-and-white images, although they may be difficult to interpret.
- If the images are unclear, your technician or doctor will provide explanations.
Allow the technician to remove the gel from your abdomen post-ultrasound. Following the procedure, the technician will use a towel to wipe the gel off your lower abdomen, preventing any residue on your clothing.
- If you feel any remaining gel, request an additional towel for self-cleansing before getting dressed.
- Expect the ultrasound procedure to last approximately 30 minutes.
Empty your bladder once the ultrasound is complete. Retain urine until the ultrasound concludes. Upon approval from the technician, visit the restroom to relieve yourself.
- If your doctor plans a transvaginal ultrasound, you'll return to the exam room post-voiding for enhanced visualization of the uterus and ovaries. Otherwise, you can proceed to get dressed.
Dress and resume your daily routine. Once the ultrasound concludes, change into your regular attire. There's no need for any special post-procedure measures; you can go about your day as usual.
- Your doctor will review the results with you either immediately or during a follow-up appointment. Consult with your doctor to determine if further visits are necessary.
Undergoing a Transvaginal Ultrasound
Empty your bladder just before your ultrasound appointment. Prior to your doctor's appointment or while changing into the examination gown, visit the restroom. A transvaginal ultrasound requires a fully empty bladder to ensure unobstructed organ visualization.
- If you feel the urge to urinate during the exam, inform your doctor or ultrasound technician.
- If you're scheduled for both pelvic and transvaginal ultrasounds, your doctor may advise arriving with a full bladder and emptying it after the pelvic ultrasound.
Position yourself on the examination table and place your feet in the stirrups. For a transvaginal ultrasound, stirrups attached to the examination table support your feet and legs. This ensures your comfort while facilitating the ultrasound procedure. Climb onto the table, find a comfortable position, lie back, and position your feet in the stirrups.
- If you encounter difficulty positioning your feet, seek assistance from a nurse or technician.
Relax your pelvic muscles as the technician inserts the transducer. Practice slow, deep breathing to aid in muscle relaxation, minimizing discomfort. The ultrasound technician will cover the transvaginal transducer with a sheath and lubricate it before gently inserting it into your vagina. Remain relaxed as they maneuver the transducer into place.
- The technician may adjust the transducer's position to enhance pelvic area visualization.
- You may experience slight discomfort but should not feel pain during the procedure.
Observe the ultrasound monitor to view the images. If you're interested, you might have the opportunity to see the ultrasound images displayed on a monitor connected to the ultrasound machine. The images will appear in black and white, possibly with some blurriness. Your technician or doctor will provide explanations about the images.
- The technician may temporarily turn the screen away from you, but you'll still have the chance to view the images later. Don't worry, as this adjustment may help them obtain clearer images.
Remain relaxed as the technician removes the transducer. Once the ultrasound is complete, the technician will gently remove the transducer. While you shouldn't feel pain, you may experience some discomfort. Practice deep breathing to relax your body and minimize any discomfort.
- Your ultrasound session typically lasts between 15 to 30 minutes.
Revert to your regular attire and resume your daily activities. After completing the procedure, change back into your clothes and carry on with your usual routine. There's no need for any special post-procedure care following a transvaginal ultrasound.
- Your doctor will discuss your results with you either at the end of your appointment or during a follow-up. Inquire about the availability of your results from your doctor.
Helpful Tips
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Your doctor may opt for a transabdominal ultrasound to monitor fetal growth, assess reproductive organs, or identify abnormalities. A transvaginal ultrasound might be conducted for better visualization of the uterus and ovaries, early pregnancy detection, or diagnosis of menstrual issues.
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A pelvic ultrasound is generally safe with minimal risks. Discomfort may arise from a full bladder, lying on a firm surface, or insertion of a transvaginal transducer.
Cautions
- If you carry excess weight on your abdomen, have excess gas, attend a transabdominal ultrasound with an empty bladder, or recently underwent a barium procedure, your doctor may struggle to obtain a clear ultrasound image.
- Consider postponing your ultrasound if you have a bladder infection on the day of the procedure, as filling your bladder may cause significant discomfort.
- For males, a larger-than-normal prostate may hinder the clarity of the ultrasound image.
- Notify your doctor of any latex allergies, as the doctor or ultrasound technician may use latex gloves during the examination. Alternative latex-free gloves can be provided if necessary.
