If you experience bleeding between periods, a clear ultrasound will provide useful information to your doctor. Having a filled bladder adds clarity to your ultrasound, which is why we ask you to drink an hour beforehand. Three large glasses are recommended before an abdominal-only ultrasound. Two glasses of liquid are enough when a vaginal scan is also to be performed. With a vaginal scan, a narrow probe is inserted into the vagina after bladder emptying. It is a far gentler examination than a Pap smear, and provides much more detail than an abdominal scan.  

If you have had previous ultrasounds performed at any other practice in the last 5 years, please bring any reports and pictures you may have. Change over time helps interpret your current ultrasound. If you do not have the report or films, bring the name of the practice where you had the ultrasound.  Films more than 5 years old are rarely useful.

If you are bleeding between periods, but the periods themselves are still regular, the best time of your cycle for your scan is from day 5 to day 11 (starting the count from the first day or your proper period). If you have been referred because you experience heavy, or prolonged bleeding between periods, then the timing of your ultrasound appointment can be difficult for you to work out, as you may be unsure which bleeding episode is the true period.  That’s ok - just make the best estimate you can. If you are bleeding most of the time, do not delay your ultrasound appointment.  

Dr Kristy Milward at QDOS Ultrasound has a special expertise in Gynaecological Ultrasounds. She trains GPs and specialist registrars, and works at the King Edward Memorial Hospital Ultrasound Department. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, Dr Milward is available at QDOS Ultrasound.

QDOS Ultrasound was established in 1994 as “Park Ultrasound” by Dr Bev Hewitt, who also performs gynaecological scans at QDOS. Dr Hewitt is the only doctor in Western Australia to complete the highly-regarded COGU qualification by examination and thesis. Our practice is located in West Leederville, Perth.