What is an abdomen and pelvic ultrasound?
It is a single, combined ultrasound examination of your abdominal organs and your pelvis: the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys and aorta, plus the womb, its lining and both ovaries. One appointment, one specialist and one report, which is ideal when symptoms such as bloating or lower tummy pain could come from either area.
What is the difference between an abdominal and a pelvic ultrasound?
An abdominal ultrasound looks at the organs in the upper and middle tummy: liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys and aorta. A pelvic ultrasound looks lower down, at the womb, its lining, the ovaries and the bladder.
This combined scan covers both, so nothing falls between the two.
Can an abdominal and pelvic ultrasound be done at the same time?
Yes: that is exactly what this examination is. One appointment, one specialist and one preparation, with the abdominal organs and the pelvis scanned in a single unhurried sitting and one combined report the same day.
What does an abdominal and pelvic ultrasound show?
Between its two halves, this scan covers most of the questions people bring to it:
- Gallstones, fatty liver and liver lumps
- Kidney stones, cysts and any blockage
- The abdominal aorta
- Fibroids, polyps and the thickness of the womb lining
- Ovarian cysts and the appearance of the ovaries
- Free fluid anywhere in the abdomen or pelvis
Can an abdominal and pelvic scan detect fibroids and PCOS?
Yes. Fibroids are seen directly and measured, with their position in the womb described, which matters for symptoms and treatment. Polycystic-appearing ovaries can also be seen, though PCOS itself is diagnosed using your symptoms and blood tests as well as the scan; your specialist explains how the findings fit together.
Can this scan detect endometriosis?
Honestly: usually not. Superficial endometriosis is largely invisible on ultrasound, so a normal scan does not rule it out. What the scan can show are endometriomas (chocolate cysts) on the ovaries and signs of deeper disease. If your symptoms strongly suggest endometriosis, your specialist will discuss whether an MRI or a gynaecology referral is the right next step.
Will I need an internal (transvaginal) scan?
Yes, as standard: the pelvic part is performed transvaginally because it gives the clearest view of the womb lining and ovaries. A chaperone is always offered, the scan is gentle and brief, and you can decline or stop at any time. If you would prefer it through the tummy, tell us when you book and arrive with a full bladder.
How do I prepare for an abdomen and pelvic ultrasound?
Fast for four hours beforehand (water is fine) and arrive with an empty bladder, because the pelvic part is performed transvaginally. If you would prefer a transabdominal pelvic scan, drink a litre of water 45 to 60 minutes before instead. Take your usual medication and wear a two-piece outfit.
Is an abdominal and pelvic ultrasound painful?
No. The probe rests gently on the skin with a little warm gel for the abdominal part. The transvaginal part may feel a little like a smear test, but most women find it easier, and it is brief.
How long does an abdominal and pelvic ultrasound take?
Allow around thirty to forty minutes. That includes a short chat about your symptoms, both halves of the examination, and time for the specialist to explain the findings on screen while you watch.
Can I have the scan during my period?
Yes. Your period does not stop the scan or affect the abdominal views. The transvaginal part can still be done during your period if you are comfortable; otherwise your specialist will tell you whether rebooking that part would add anything.
Can a man have an abdominal and pelvic scan?
This examination is designed around female pelvic anatomy. Men are best served by our abdominal ultrasound, or by the male health check, which includes the abdomen, kidneys, bladder and testes. If you are unsure which is right, call us and a clinician will advise.
Why book the combined scan rather than two separate ones?
One visit, one preparation and one specialist seeing the whole picture, with a saving against booking the two examinations separately. If your symptoms could come from either the abdomen or the pelvis, as bloating and lower tummy pain often can, the combined scan answers the question in one sitting.
How much does an abdominal and pelvic ultrasound cost?
At Harley Street Ultrasound a private abdomen and pelvic ultrasound costs £440, all fees inclusive: both examinations (the abdominal scan and the transvaginal pelvic scan), the specialist’s time, and your combined written report and images.
What if you find something?
Your specialist tells you in the room, in plain English, and explains exactly what it means. You will never be sent home to wait for a letter. Most findings are benign and need nothing more than a sensible review date.
Anything that does need attention gets a clear, objective recommendation in your report: monitor, test further, or refer. Follow-up tests can usually be arranged at 99 Harley Street, often the same week, and those results are also explained to you personally.
Do I need a referral?
No. Harley Street Ultrasound is a private clinic, so you can book an abdomen and pelvic ultrasound in London directly online or by phone. No GP letter, no waiting list, and same-day or next-day appointments are usually available. If you are searching for an abdomen and pelvic ultrasound near me from anywhere in central London, we are at 99 Harley Street, a short walk from Regent’s Park and Oxford Circus stations.
If you are wondering how much a private abdomen and pelvic ultrasound costs, the answer is published before you book: £440, all fees inclusive: the examination, the specialist’s time, your written report and your images. Insured patients should bring a referral or authorisation number if their policy requires one.
How soon will I have the written report?
Usually the same day: a Harley Street abdomen and pelvic ultrasound comes with same-day results as standard, and you will already know the findings, because they are explained to you on screen during the appointment.
The written report is prepared by the specialist team and published to your secure patient portal together with your images, with measurements and a clear recommendation, ready to share with your GP or specialist.
What happens after the scan?
Nothing special: there is no aftercare needed. You can eat, drive and go back to work straight away. Diagnostic ultrasound at these intensities has no confirmed adverse effects, which is why it can be repeated safely for monitoring. If your results suggest a next step, your specialist explains it before you leave.
Can I still use the NHS afterwards?
Yes: completely. Coming to us privately never affects your NHS care. Our job is to get you answers quickly; if anything needs urgent attention, your specialist writes to your NHS GP recommending an urgent appointment, so you re-enter the NHS pathway with a diagnosis already in hand rather than joining the queue from the start.
