Ultrasound is one of the most used and most familiar tools in women’s health services. It is a safe and low-cost imaging technique that allows doctors to see various structures inside the body without the use of radiation.
Ultrasound – or sonography – uses sound waves delivered by a transducer, which is a small handheld tool. As the transducer moves over the skin, it captures the sound waves that bounce off the internal tissues, creating real-time pictures that are displayed on a nearby computer screen.
Although we think of ultrasound as it relates to pregnancy, this technology actually has many applications for women – it can be used to examine a woman’s breasts, abdomen, uterus, ovaries, and more. Let’s talk about the common uses of ultrasound in evaluating women’s health issues, and where you can go in The Bronx for comfortable and efficient ultrasound scanning services.
Ultrasound for Breasts
A doctor may recommend an ultrasound to determine the nature of a breast abnormality. A breast lump detected during a physical exam can be examined with ultrasound to see whether it’s a solid mass or a fluid-filled mass.
A solid mass is usually either a benign tumor or a malignant tumor, while a fluid-filled mass usually indicates a cyst. An ultrasound may be used to detect breast cancer and abnormalities that are not always visible with mammography. In addition, it can be used to guide a doctor in a breast biopsy.
Ultrasound for the Abdomen and Pregnancy
Perhaps the most well-recognized use of ultrasound is to examine a pregnant woman’s fetus to look for specific growth and developmental markers and to monitor the pregnancy. An ultrasound is used to check the baby’s heart rate, determine the gestational age, and see the baby’s gender.
An ultrasound may be performed during the first trimester, but most pregnant women get an ultrasound in their second trimester – anywhere from 18 to 20 weeks of pregnancy. This is also when the gender can be determined.
Ultrasound for Pelvic Organs
Ultrasound is also commonly used to visualize and examine a woman’s pelvic organs, specifically her uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, and vagina. For the procedure, the technician may perform the examination through either an abdominal ultrasound or vaginal ultrasound, per your doctor’s instructions.
Doctors may order a pelvic ultrasound to evaluate abdominal pain or a mass in the pelvis. An ultrasound of the pelvis can help diagnose the following conditions:
- Endometriosis
- Ovarian cysts
- Uterine fibroids
- Blockages in the fallopian tubes
- Abnormalities in the uterus
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Fertility issues
- Tumors
- Misplaced intrauterine device (IUD)
The versatility of ultrasound in evaluating women’s health issues is impressive. This no-radiation technology carries zero risks and helps with early detection and treatment.
The latest in ultrasound technology, which is 3D ultrasound, can provide a more detailed, three-dimensional look at the inner structures of the body. A 3D ultrasound helps to accurately diagnose a wide range of women’s health issues.
3D Ultrasound in The Bronx, NY
If you are choosing a facility at which to have a 3D ultrasound, consider Starling Diagnostics. We not only offer the latest in medical imaging, but we also have a special focus on providing exceptional women’s specialty healthcare. Plus, we offer primary healthcare for women in an environment that is comfortable and inviting, never intimidating.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a 3D ultrasound, call our diagnostic facility today at (718) 319-1610 or use our convenient appointment request form. If you are a physician, please use our patient referral form. We look forward to serving you!
