Information

Some important points:

• If you are late for your appointment or are not properly prepared, you will be rebooked
• Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment to register
• 24 Hours notice is required to change or cancel an appointment or you will be charged for the missed appointment

Preparation

• On the day of the test, you may eat as usual.Take any medication (pills) that you normally take.
• Ninety minutes before your test time, go to the washroom and empty your bladder.
• Now, drink 5 LARGE GLASSES (40 ounces, 1.3 litres) OF WATER over the next thirty minutes. You MUST finish the water ONE FULL HOUR BEFORE your appointment time.
• DO NOT GO TO THE WASHROOM until after the ultrasound.
• If holding the water may be a problem for you, you may go to the clinic early and drink the water there.
• ALL the water must be finished one hour before your appointment time.
• If you do not have a full bladder it may be necessary to rebook your exam.
FOR TRANSVAGINAL ONLY
• No Preparation is required

Procedure

If you are wearing a two piece outfit, it is not necessary for you to change for this examination.

The sonographer will have you lie down on the examination table and ask you to pull your pants and underwear down to the level of your hips. A towel will be placed over your pants to protect them from the gel. You should not be exposed below the pubic area. The sonographer will place gel on your pelvis and take various pictures and measurements. Very little pressure is needed so you should be able to hold your bladder. This portion of the test usually takes from 5-15 minutes. The sonographer will then ask you to go to the washroom and empty your bladder.

For males: The sonographer will take a few more pictures after you have emptied your bladder.

For females: A few pictures may be taken from on top of your abdomen once your bladder is empty. Often, a transvaginal ultrasound is done also.

For females: A few pictures may be taken from on top of your abdomen once your bladder is empty. Often, a transvaginal ultrasound is done also.

After the sonographer has done the pictures and you have emptied your bladder, you will prepare for the transvaginal portion. This is a quick and easy procedure that allows us to take a closer look at your pelvic organs. In particular, the lining of the uterus (endometrium), fibroids and the ovaries. You will be asked to sign a consent form. You will then be instructed to remove your clothes from the waist down and lie on the bed. You will be given a sheet to cover yourself. You may be asked to lie on a cushion that will raise your hips. The ultrasound probe is a little larger than a finger and has a long handle for the technologist. The probe is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. It is covered a new condom or non-latex cover before each use. The technologist may insert the probe or may ask you to insert it. Several pictures are taken of all of the areas being examined. Generally there is no pain during the test. This test takes between 5 and 15 minutes. You should have no bleeding or problems after the exam and can carry on with your normal routine. If you have your period or are bleeding the transvaginal ultrasound can still be done. This is an excellent stage for us to evaluate the lining of the uterus.

If you are not comfortable having the test while you are bleeding you may book the transvaginal portion exam for immediately following your period. If you are asked to come for a transvaginal ultrasound as a follow up to a previous ultrasound please come during day 3-5 of your cycle.