What is an Ultrasound?

An ultrasound is a noninvasive medical test that helps the OB/GYNs at West Coast Obstetrics & Gynecology see inside your body. It uses no radiation so it’s safe for a growing baby and your internal organs.

When the sonographer or doctor runs the transducer wand over the area to be examined, it transmits high-frequency sound waves into the body. When the sound hits an object, it bounces back and a computer collects them to create an image.

What Types of Gynecological Issues Call for an Ultrasound?

You may be most familiar with an ultrasound to examine an unborn baby. The image tells the doctors about your baby’s growth, gender, and any possible health concerns.

Ultrasounds have a lot of applications to your gynecological health beyond evaluating your fetus. Pelvic ultrasounds can evaluate the health of your:

Uterus

Fallopian tubes

Bladder

Ovaries

Cervix





Exactly what organs are examined during an ultrasound depends on the symptoms that led to the ultrasound in the first place.

What Types of Ultrasounds are Available?

The sonographer at West Coast Obstetrics & Gynecology performs both abdominal and transvaginal ultrasounds. A transvaginal ultrasound allows the doctors to view the lining of the uterus and ovaries as well as the muscular walls of the uterus. They also offer a saline infusion ultrasound, also known as a sonohysterogram, which involves injecting a small amount of a salt solution into your uterus to see the lining of the uterus more clearly.

At West Coast Obstetrics & Gynecology, the team also offers 3D and 4D ultrasounds so you can clearly see your baby before they’re born. These are not medical imaging tests.

What Symptoms Indicate the Need for a Gynecological Ultrasound?

The OB/GYNs at West Coast Obstetrics & Gynecology might order an ultrasound to help diagnose pelvic pain. You may also need an ultrasound in the following cases:

Abnormal vaginal bleeding

Irregular menses

Suspected ovarian or uterine cancer

Examination of the endometrium, or uterine lining





An ultrasound can also help the doctors diagnose a mass or cyst they palpate during a pelvic exam.

What are OB Ultrasounds?

At West Coast Obstetrics & Gynecology, the team offers amazing 3D and 4D ultrasound technology that allows you to see images of your baby’s face before birth. The test is best done at 28-32 weeks of gestation.

You don’t have to be a patient of West Coast Obstetrics & Gynecology to schedule this ultrasound as they are not diagnostic. You do get printed images and a video of the ultrasound to keep.

For more information about obstetric and gynecological ultrasounds, call West Coast Obstetrics & Gynecology or book an appointment online.