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Ultrasound
An external diagnostic procedure, whereby no anaesthetic is
needed and no surgery involved. Ultrasound is merely a method of
viewing pelvic organs, and is performed on an out-patient basis,
usually at a hospital or your doctor's consulting rooms.
PURPOSE
Ultrasound reveals problems such as, ovarian tumours, fibroids
and displacement of certain pelvic organs. It can also be used
when trying to diagnose the cause of infertility by checking
whether the woman's ovaries are indeed producing eggs
(ovulation). During pregnancy, ultrasound is used to assess
gestational age, detect abnormalities, assess growth and the
location of the placenta as well as detect the fetus's
heartbeat. It can also serve as a guide when other diagnostic
procedures are used, as well as detecting breast cancer in the
younger woman.
PROCEDURE
Oil or jelly will be liberally applied to the abdominal area,
whereby the doctor will use a transducer to pass sound waves
above the frequency which can be heard by the human ear, into
the body, and echoes from reflecting surfaces are picked up. By
moving the source of the sound waves and the receiver, a
composite picture can be built up on a screen, similar to that
of a television or computer screen. Before having a scan you
will be asked to drink up to a pint of liquid, or not to have
emptied your bladder, as a full bladder separates the pelvic
organs, and acts as a reference point during the examination - a
fascinating experience, with no discomfort!
Another method, is that of the vaginal ultrasound, whereby a
special probe is inserted into the vagina. This method does
actually give a clearer picture, and there is no need for a full
bladder. Breast scans, are performed is a similar fashion to
that of the abdominal scan, by using a transducer to pick up
images. The oil or jelly is wiped off after the examination
(which lasts around 15 minutes), and will not stain clothes.
RECOVERY
Other than a dash to the nearest toilet to empty your bladder,
ultrasound is considered completely safe, and there are no known
after-effects.
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