A pelvic scan can detect a whole host of conditions – from ovarian cysts to fibroids, polyps and more. If you’re having symptoms and don’t want to wait for a scan on the NHS, a private pelvic scan might be for you. If you’re wondering ‘what is a pelvic scan looking for?’, here, we’ll walk you through the things they can detect and how you can book one privately.

The measurement and evaluation of female pelvic organs

A pelvic ultrasound can be used to measure and evaluate female pelvic organs. When you have a pelvic ultrasound, your examiner will look at:

• The size, shape and position of your ovaries and uterus
• The length and thickness of your cervix
• The bladder
• Blood flow through the pelvic organs
• The thickness of tissue, and whether there are any fluids or masses in the endometrium, uterine muscle tissue, fallopian tubes or around the bladder.

Medical conditions – what is a pelvic ultrasound looking for?

A pelvic ultrasound can be used to detect and diagnose a multitude of medical conditions. However, although they can detect masses, they do not usually give definitive diagnoses on their own and are often used in conjunction with other tests such as biopsies and laparoscopies. Some of the medical conditions a pelvic ultrasound can help detect include:

• Endometrial conditions like endometriosis
• Fibroids, masses, cysts and other types of pelvic tumours
• The position of an intrauterine contraceptive device
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Ovarian cysts
• Post-menopausal bleeding

Pelvic ultrasounds are also used to monitor fetal development during pregnancy and during IVF procedures.

What will happen at my pelvic scan appointment?

If you have specific concerns, you’ll discuss them with the medical professional scanning you. This gives them some clues as to what might be happening and helps guide them during the scanning process. In addition, you may be advised to have other relevant investigations, such as blood tests or swabs.

You do not need a referral for private ultrasound scans and you’ll be given a full report with appropriate advice or treatment which can then be shared with your own GP, should you wish.

Pelvic ultrasounds are often most effective when they are carried out transvaginally because they offer a clearer picture of what’s going on. While you can opt to only have your scan externally, it’s important to note that the results are not as effective, and we won’t be able to see as much.

What are the benefits of a pelvic ultrasound?

Nearly all ultrasound scanning avoids the use of needles, has no radiation and offers a quick procedure. Furthermore, they give a clear picture of soft tissues that tend not to show well on X-rays, and can also be used to detect a wide range of gynaecology issues that are otherwise hard to detect.

How to book a private pelvic ultrasound

Whether you’re unhappy with the current handling of your pelvic problems or you don’t want to sit on a waiting list, a private pelvic ultrasound could be for you. If you’re looking for a pelvic ultrasound in Cheltenham or Gloucestershire, the Early Life Ultrasound Centre team has years of experience working in some of the UK’s best hospitals. You can contact them on 01242 300810 for more information.