What is a female pelvic ultrasound?
A pelvic ultrasound is a scan of the womb, its lining, the ovaries and the bladder. It is performed transvaginally as standard, because that gives the clearest view, and is the standard first test for pelvic pain, period problems and bleeding.
What are the reasons for a pelvic ultrasound?
Common reasons include pelvic or lower tummy pain, heavy, painful or irregular periods, bleeding between periods or after sex, bleeding after the menopause, suspected fibroids or ovarian cysts, fertility questions, and checking the position of a coil.
What can a pelvic ultrasound diagnose?
A pelvic ultrasound can show:
- Fibroids and their position
- Ovarian cysts and polycystic-appearing ovaries
- Thickening or polyps of the womb lining
- Adenomyosis and some signs of endometriosis
- The position of a coil (IUD)
What is a transvaginal ultrasound?
A transvaginal ultrasound uses a slim probe, covered and lubricated, placed gently just inside the vagina. Because it is close to the womb and ovaries, it gives much clearer pictures than a tummy scan. It is only done with your consent, a chaperone is always offered, and you can stop at any time.
What is a transabdominal ultrasound?
A transabdominal ultrasound is a scan through the lower tummy, using a full bladder as a window to the womb and ovaries. We perform it if you would prefer not to have an internal scan: tell us when you book, and arrive with a full bladder, having drunk a litre of water 45 to 60 minutes before.
Do pelvic ultrasounds hurt?
No. The transvaginal scan may feel like mild pressure, similar to or easier than a smear test, and it is brief. If you have chosen a scan through the tummy, a full bladder can feel a little uncomfortable when pressed. Tell the specialist if anything is uncomfortable.
Can a pelvic ultrasound detect endometriosis?
Not reliably. Superficial endometriosis is usually invisible on ultrasound, so a normal scan does not rule it out. Ultrasound can show endometriomas (chocolate cysts) on the ovaries and some deeper disease; MRI or a gynaecology referral may be recommended.
Can a pelvic ultrasound detect cancer?
A pelvic ultrasound can show changes that need further tests, such as a thickened womb lining or an ovarian cyst with solid parts. It cannot diagnose cancer on its own, and it does not check for cervical cancer, which is what smear tests are for. Your specialist will explain clearly if anything needs a biopsy or referral.
Can a pelvic ultrasound show blocked fallopian tubes?
No. Normal fallopian tubes are not visible on a standard pelvic ultrasound. Checking whether the tubes are open needs a specific fertility test, such as a HyCoSy (a special ultrasound with contrast fluid) or an X-ray dye test, which your fertility specialist can arrange.
Can I have a pelvic scan during my period?
Yes. Your period does not stop the scan, and the tummy views are unaffected. For the clearest view of the womb lining, days five to ten of your cycle are ideal, so your specialist may suggest a follow-up then if the lining needs a closer look.
When is pelvic pain an emergency?
Go to A&E if you have sudden, severe pelvic pain, especially on one side with vomiting or fainting, or pain with a positive pregnancy test. These can be signs of ovarian torsion, a ruptured cyst or an ectopic pregnancy.
Can a pelvic ultrasound check my coil?
Yes. Ultrasound shows whether a coil (IUD or IUS) is in the right position within the womb, which is useful if you cannot feel the threads or have new pain or bleeding.
How long does a pelvic ultrasound take?
Around twenty to thirty minutes, including a short conversation, the scan and time to explain the findings.
How much does a pelvic ultrasound cost?
At Harley Street Ultrasound a private pelvic ultrasound costs £260, all fees inclusive: the transvaginal scan (or a transabdominal scan if you prefer), the specialist’s time, your 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 a 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 a 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 pelvic ultrasound costs, the answer is published before you book: £260, 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 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.
