What is an ultrasound?
An ultrasound is a medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create pictures of your internal organs.
The sound waves travel through a specialized handpiece, or transducer, and bounce off your bodily tissues like an echo. The transducer receives these echoes and relays them to a computer, which turns them into images for your provider to view.
When would I need an ultrasound?
Dr. Riftine uses ultrasound imaging for a variety of reasons, including:
Pregnancy
An ultrasound allows Dr. Riftine to observe your baby during pregnancy. She uses ultrasound to estimate your baby’s due date, monitor their health and development, and screen for certain congenital conditions.
Non-pregnancy conditions
An ultrasound can diagnose and monitor many gynecologic conditions, such as ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids. Reasons you may need an ultrasound include:
- Evaluate a growth or mass your provider finds during a pelvic exam
- Check for causes of chronic pelvic pain or abnormal uterine bleeding
- Diagnose causes of infertility
- Follow up on infertility treatments
- Locate a displaced intrauterine device (IUD)
Ultrasound provides a lot of information about the size, shape, and location of your pelvic organs. However, additional tests may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis.
What does a pelvic ultrasound exam entail?
What happens during an ultrasound depends on the type of exam you need. Two common types of ultrasound are:
Transabdominal ultrasound
Transabdominal ultrasound involves placing the transducer on your abdomen. First, Dr. Riftine applies a gel to your skin. This gel improves the ultrasound signal and is easy to wipe off after the exam.
Before the exam, you may need to drink several glasses of water to fill your bladder. This creates better visibility of your pelvic organs.
Transvaginal ultrasound
During a transvaginal ultrasound, Dr. Riftine inserts a wand-shaped transducer into your vagina while you lie on the table with your feet up in stirrups, just like a pelvic exam. They cover the transducer with a lubricated latex sheath similar to a condom.
Your bladder should be empty before a transvaginal ultrasound.
To schedule your ultrasound, call the office of Julia Riftine, MD, or book an appointment online today.
