Ultrasound is a state-of-art diagnostic technique that can detect underlying diseases that may be difficult to detect with other diagnostic tests. Additionally, ultrasound enables your provider to monitor your unborn baby and detect any complications that may affect your pregnancy. If you need an ultrasound, the Madison ultrasound specialists at Physicians for Women have your back.
What is ultrasound?
Ultrasound refers to a medical diagnostic device that utilizes high-frequency sound waves to create vivid images of your internal body organs. These images help in the diagnosing and treating of several underlying conditions. Physicians for Women also use ultrasound to monitor your unborn child and detect underlying medical conditions that may affect your pregnancy. The ultrasound images show the structures of your baby, enabling the specialists to monitor its development. Physicians for Women offers cutting-edge 4D GE Voluson Ultrasound in gynecology and obstetrics. Ultrasound involves transmitting sound waves using a handheld transducer into your skin, bouncing off your internal organs, and returning to the transducer. The transducer then sends them to a nearby computer, converting the waves into vivid images.
What are the different types of ultrasound?
Most ultrasounds involve a handheld transducer that transmits sound waves into your body. In some cases, the experts may insert a special transducer into your body to acquire a clear view of your internal organs. Physicians for Women offers the following ultrasounds:
- Transvaginal ultrasound
Transvaginal ultrasound is a test that provides clear images of your pelvis, cervix, fallopian tubes, uterus, and ovaries. This procedure involves inserting the transducer into your vagina to visualize your pelvic organs.
- Transabdominal ultrasound
Transabdominal ultrasound refers to an imaging test that examines your pelvis. Your provider applies a clear gel on your abdomen during the procedure and places a transducer over it. He may then rub the transducer back and forth across your belly. The gel enhances the transmission of soundwaves.
How can your doctor utilize ultrasound in obstetrics?
During your appointment, your obstetrician uses ultrasound to get pictures of your embryo, ovaries, and uterus. This test also allows your provider to examine your baby’s anatomy and position in addition to the condition of your amniotic fluid and placenta. The team at Physicians for Women conducts ultrasounds after a gestation period of 8-12 weeks and after 20 weeks to get detailed pictures of your baby. The facility also offers REVEAL ultrasounds which you can undergo at 16 weeks and 32 weeks of pregnancy using the 4D GE Voluson ultrasound.
How can your doctor utilize ultrasound in gynecology?
Ultrasound is a state-of-art tool in detecting underlying medical conditions. For instance, a transvaginal ultrasound can determine the root cause of symptoms like abnormal bleeding and pelvic pain, which may be a sign of a life-threatening medical condition. The specialists at Physicians for Women use ultrasound to detect gynecological disorders like:
- Ovarian cysts
- Congenital uterine abnormalities
- Endometriosis
- Endometrial polyps
- Uterine fibroids
In some cases, the team may recommend sonohysterography, an ultrasound exam that detects the underlying cause of abnormal bleeding and pelvic pain.
Call the Physicians for Women office or make an online appointment for more information about ultrasounds.
