Ultrasound
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Houston Obstetrics & Gynecology
Arturo Sandoval, M.D. FACOG
OB-GYN located in Houston, TX
Ultrasound evaluations provide a wealth of information about a developing baby, but they can also help diagnose and manage medical conditions as well. Houston Obstetrics & Gynecology features state-of-the-art ultrasound equipment to help women in Houston, Texas, get the care they need right in the office, without traveling to a separate location.
Ultrasound Q & A
What is Ultrasound?
Ultrasound is a type of energy that’s used during diagnostic imaging examinations to create detailed images of organs and other structures, as well as real-time video of processes inside the body. Ultrasound exams “work” by emitting ultrasound energy waves painlessly through the skin using a handheld device called a transducer. These waves “bounce off” structures inside the body, and the returning waves are captured and interpreted by a computer which produces the images. Unlike x-rays and CT scans, ultrasound uses no ionizing radiation, which is why it’s safe to use during pregnancy.
When is Ultrasound Used in Gynecology?
While ultrasound is most closely associated with its use in obstetrics to evaluate the development of a growing fetus or assess the placenta and uterus, it’s also widely used in gynecology to evaluate issues like infertility, abnormal uterine bleeding, fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, and other issues affecting the reproductive organs.
What Happens During an Ultrasound Exam?
Ultrasound exams are performed in a darkened room to make it easier for the doctor or technician to see the images as they appear on the computer screen. The patient lies on the exam table and a water-based gel is applied to the skin over the area that’s being examined. Then the transducer is passed over the skin, emitting ultrasound energy painlessly through the skin. During the exam, the transducer may be pressed firmly against the skin in some areas to obtain the clearest images. Once the exam is complete, the gel will be wiped away and the patient can resume her normal activities. Most ultrasounds take 20 minutes or less to perform.
What is a Transvaginal Ultrasound?
Transvaginal ultrasounds use a wand-shaped transducer that’s lubricated and then inserted into the vagina. The transducer works the same way, emitting energy waves that are captured and used to create images, but its location inside the vagina makes it easier to capture detailed images of the ovaries and other structures.