Ultrasonography

What is ultrasound?

An ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. It is suitable for use during pregnancy.
Ultrasound scans, or sonography, are safe because they use sound waves or echoes to make an image, instead of radiation.
Ultrasound scans are used to evaluate fetal development, and they can detect problems in the liver, heart, kidney, abdomen and pelvis.
They used to check the progress of a pregnancy.
No special preparation is normally necessary before an ultrasound scan.

What are the types of ultrasonography in gynaecology?

• Transabdominal: In this type, the sonography probe is placed over your abdomen. This is useful in pregnancy and in young girls for diagnosis of PCOS, ovarain cyst etc.
• Transvaginal: In this type, the vaginal probe is inserted into the vagina using a jelly for lubrication to visualise pelvic organs better.It is used in early pregnancy, infertility patients for ovulation monitoring.

How should I prepare?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
Preparation for the procedure will depend on the type of examination you will have.
For abdominal ultrasonography, you may be asked to drink up to six glasses of water prior to your exam and avoid urinating so that your bladder is full when the scan begins.
For transvaginal sonography, you will need to empty the bladder prior to the sonography.