Diagnostic ultrasound (sonography or ultrasonography) is a noninvasive imaging test. This test uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time pictures or videos of internal organs or tissues, such as blood vessels. The ultrasound image is called a sonogram.
Healthcare providers commonly use diagnostic ultrasound to check fetal health and development during pregnancy. Ultrasounds can also help your health provider learn more about what may be causing symptoms such as unexplained pain, lumps or inflammation.
Diagnostic ultrasound can be used to evaluate the female reproductive system including ovaries and uterus. Some ultrasounds can be performed from inside your body. In these cases, the ultrasound transducer is attached to a probe that’s inserted into a natural opening in your body, such as the vagina. This transvaginal ultrasound shows your reproductive tissues such as your uterus or ovaries. This is sometimes called pelvic ultrasound because it evaluates structures inside the pelvis.
Ultrasounds are usually painless. However, you may experience some mild discomfort as the sonographer guides the transducer, especially if you’re required to have a full bladder for your test, or if the sonographer inserts the transducer inside your body. A typical ultrasound exam takes between 30 minutes and one hour.
