A pelvic ultrasound scans your uterus and ovaries. An ultrasound is an instrument that uses high frequency sound waves. The sound waves reflect off your internal organs and are "read" by scanners that create pictures of your internal organs.

There are various types of ultrasound that all work on the same principle. Sound waves, produced by a small crystal, are directed into a specific area of your body through a microphone-like device called a transducer. In an abdominal pelvic ultrasound a special gel, which helps to conduct the sound waves, is applied to your abdomen. The transducer glides across your skin to scan your pelvis. In most cases, for instance, in early pregnancy or infertility, it is easier to view the embryo, or developing egg, and pelvic organs through the vagina. This procedure is called a transvaginal ultrasound. A transvaginal transducer is inserted into your vagina to produce sharp clear images of the pelvic organs. Lubricant is applied to the probe and it is covered before it is inserted.

Ultrasound is often used in pregnancy and gynecology. It can help detect uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, and early pregnancy. It can also examine the thickness of the endometrial (uterine) lining. In infertility, it can help monitor egg (follicle) growth and ovulation. Transvaginal ultrasound is also used for egg retrieval in IVF (in vitro fertilization).

Ultrasound has been used for over 30 years and no harmful effects have been noted for either the patient or a very early pregnancy. No radiation, dyes, drugs or chemicals are used in ultrasound. An ultrasound is not painful. The transvaginal transducer feels like a tampon when it is inserted. If there are large cysts or other pelvic problems you may experience some discomfort.

If you are having an abdominal ultrasound you will need a full bladder. You will have to drink four glasses of water one hour before the exam, and will not be able to empty your bladder. This helps the provider performing the ultrasound to see the pelvic organs more clearly.

More commonly for fertility monitoring you will have a transvaginal ultrasound. For the transvaginal ultrasound you will need an empty bladder.

Ultrasound is a safe and effective method that is used to diagnose many medical, gynecological, and obstetrical conditions.