General Ultrasound
Pelvic Ultrasound
A scan through the lower abdomen to look at the pelvic organs: the uterus, ovaries and bladder, or the prostate and bladder, depending on your anatomy. Usually the first test for pelvic pain, heavy periods or urinary symptoms.
- Duration
- 20–30 minutes
- Price
- €150, report included
About this scan
What this scan involves
A pelvic ultrasound is performed through the lower abdominal wall, with the bladder full. It gives a good overview of the pelvic organs and is often all that is needed to answer the question you came with.
Why the full bladder
A full bladder does two jobs. It pushes the bowel up out of the pelvis, and it acts as a window for the sound waves, which travel through fluid far better than through gas. Without it, bowel gas sits directly over the uterus and ovaries and the view can be poor enough to be unusable.
When an internal scan gives a better answer
For a detailed look at the lining of the uterus, at small fibroids or polyps, or at the ovaries, a transvaginal scan gives a far clearer picture, because the probe sits close to the organs being examined. If that would answer your question better, it will be explained and offered; it is never done without your agreement, and you may decline.
What is commonly found
Fibroids and simple ovarian cysts are both common and often need nothing more than a note in the report. Where something needs follow-up, the consultant radiologist says so clearly and suggests the next step, and anything urgent is telephoned to you and your GP the same day.
What we check
Looked at during the scan
- The uterus: size, shape and the endometrium
- Fibroids, if present: number, size and position
- Both ovaries, and any cysts
- The bladder, before and after emptying where relevant
- In men, the prostate and bladder
- Free fluid in the pelvis
What's included
€150, nothing added at reception
- The ultrasound examination, performed by an accredited sonographer or consultant
- A written report by a consultant radiologist
- The report to your GP within three working days, with your consent
- Urgent findings telephoned to you and your GP on the day
The price you are quoted is the price you pay. No separate reporting fee, no consultation surcharge.
Why people book it
You might choose this scan if
- Pelvic pain
- Heavy or irregular periods
- Suspected fibroids or ovarian cysts
- Urinary symptoms
What to expect
Before, during and after
Before your scan
Drink one litre of water in the hour before your appointment and do not empty your bladder. It is uncomfortable, and we know it; the scan is much better for it. If you arrive and your bladder is not full enough, we will give you water and a short wait rather than scan too early.
During the scan
You lie on the couch and the sonographer applies warm gel to your lower abdomen and moves the probe over it with gentle pressure, which can feel more uncomfortable with a full bladder. Allow twenty to thirty minutes. If an internal scan is recommended, you will be asked to empty your bladder first, and it is explained before anything is done.
After your scan
You can empty your bladder straight away, and there are no after-effects. The written consultant report follows, typically within three working days, and goes to your GP with your consent.
How to prepare
Attend with a comfortably full bladder. Drink one litre of water in the hour before your appointment and do not empty your bladder.
Book your Pelvic Ultrasound
€150 including the consultant report, 20–30 minutes. Choose a time online, or send an enquiry and we will call you back, usually within one working day. If you need to reschedule, please let us know as early as you can.
Questions
Frequently asked
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can refer yourself. A referral letter helps, because the specific clinical question lets the radiologist give a more useful answer.
Can I have the scan during my period?
Yes. It is not a problem for an abdominal pelvic scan. For assessment of the womb lining specifically, there is a better point in the cycle, so mention it when you book and we will advise.
Will I need an internal scan?
Not necessarily. Many questions are answered by the abdominal scan alone. Where an internal scan would give a much better answer, it is offered and explained. You can decline, and the report will note what could and could not be seen.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes, and a chaperone is available on request for any part of the examination. Tell us when you book if you would like one arranged.
Is it safe?
Yes. Ultrasound uses sound waves rather than radiation, with no injection and no dye.
Also consider
Other general ultrasound scans
40 minutes
Abdomen & Pelvis Ultrasound
Both examinations in a single appointment, covering the upper abdominal organs and the pelvic organs together.
€210 · 40 minutes
20–30 minutes
Transvaginal Ultrasound
An internal scan giving a much clearer view of the uterus, ovaries and endometrium than is possible through the abdominal wall.
€160 · 20–30 minutes
20 minutes
Renal & Urinary Tract Ultrasound
Examines both kidneys, the ureters where visible, and the bladder before and after voiding.
€140 · 20 minutes