On-Site Pelvic Ultrasounds

A pelvic ultrasound at Rosa Gynecology isn’t a separate errand. When your provider wants a closer look at something found during your exam, or at a symptom you’ve described, it happens here, in the same office, often the same visit.

As Dr. Williams explains on our Take Good Care podcast, the process usually starts with a hands-on exam to assess your anatomy, “and then we usually can follow up with a pelvic ultrasound that we’re able to do here in our office to further evaluate that.” No referral to an outside imaging center, no separate appointment to schedule around.

When and Why Your Provider Might Order a Pelvic Ultrasound

A pelvic ultrasound is typically a next stop, not a routine screening test done automatically at every visit. It is a safe, painless imaging test that uses sound waves to create real-time images of your pelvic organs. Common reasons your provider might order one include:

Something Felt During Your Physical Exam

An enlarged uterus, a mass, or an area that feels different than expected on a manual exam is the most common reason your provider orders one.

Heavy, Irregular, or Unexpected Bleeding

Bleeding that’s heavier than usual, happens between periods, occurs after intercourse, or doesn’t follow a predictable pattern often warrants imaging to help identify the underlying cause.

Pelvic Pain or Pressure

Persistent or new pelvic pain, unusually severe menstrual cramps, painful intimacy, or a constant feeling of fullness in your lower abdomen.

Suspected Fibroids or Ovarian Cysts

Ultrasound is the primary diagnostic tool we use to confirm, evaluate, and monitor uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, polyps, or adenomyosis.

Follow-Up on Prior Finding

If you’ve had an ultrasound before that noted something to watch, a follow-up scan tracks whether it’s changed.

Understanding Your Pelvic Ultrasound: Transvaginal vs. Transabdominal 

Both transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasounds use sound waves, not radiation, and neither requires sedation. The difference is positioning and what each is best suited to see. Neither exam should be painful. A transvaginal ultrasound may feel like mild pressure, similar to a speculum exam, while abdominal ultrasound simply involves warm gel and gentle pressure against your skin: 

Transvaginal Ultrasound

Uses a thin, wand-shaped probe inserted a few inches into the vagina. Because it sits closer to the uterus and ovaries, it typically produces the clearest images of these structures and is the more common approach for evaluating symptoms like abnormal bleeding or suspected fibroids and cysts. Cleveland Clinic has a detailed walkthrough of what to expect if you want to read more before your visit.

Abdominal Ultrasound

Employs a probe moved gently across the lower abdomen, similar to a pregnancy ultrasound. It’s less detailed for some structures but is sometimes used first, alongside a transvaginal scan, or on its own depending on what your provider is evaluating.

How to Prepare for a Pelvic Ultrasound

• For a Transvaginal Ultrasound: An empty bladder is generally preferred, and no special preparation is required beforehand.
• For an Abdominal Ultrasound: A full bladder often improves image quality, since it helps push the bowel out of the way. Our team will let you know ahead of your appointment if you should drink water beforehand.
• Menstrual Cycle Timing: Your appointment doesn’t need to be rescheduled around your period, as a pelvic ultrasound can typically be done at any point in your cycle unless advised otherwise.
• What to Wear: It’s recommended to wear loose, comfortable clothing that makes the abdominal portion easier, though you’ll change as needed for the exam.

When to Call Us: Symptoms That Shouldn’t Wait

Most reasons for a pelvic ultrasound aren’t emergencies, and you don’t need to self-diagnose before booking a visit. That said, a few symptoms are worth calling about promptly rather than waiting for your next scheduled visit:

• Any bleeding after menopause, even light spotting. ACOG recommends prompt evaluation of postmenopausal bleeding regardless of how minor it seems, since it’s the guideline standard for ruling out more serious causes early.
• Sudden or severe pelvic pain, rather than pain that’s been building gradually.
• Heavy bleeding that’s soaking through protection every hour or two, or bleeding that leaves you feeling lightheaded or unusually fatigued.
• Rapid or unexplained abdominal bloating or swelling that doesn’t resolve, particularly alongside pelvic pressure or changes in appetite.

Choose the Women Who Know: Schedule Your On-Site Pelvic Ultrasound with Us

At Rosa Gynecology, your care is led by board-certified physicians—Drs. Mironda Williams, Deanna Guthrie, and Karen Greene—alongside skilled nurse practitioners Mary Corbitt, APRN, and Brittany Bulger, APRN. We’re women too, and we understand that undergoing diagnostic testing like a pelvic ultrasound can sometimes feel vulnerable or stressful. 

From our compassionate providers to our gentle, dedicated sonographers, you will be cared for by a fully female staff where your personal comfort, privacy, and peace of mind are always paramount. To schedule an on-site pelvic ultrasound or speak with our team, call us today at 770-487-9604.

Frequently Asked Questions