If you have been requested to get an ultrasound in regards to painful or heavy periods, and you are menstruating regularly, the best time of the cycle for the ultrasound is usually from day 5 to day 11 (counting from the first day of your period).

If endometriosis is the specific concern, later in the cycle is sometimes more helpful. During the period is a good time to avoid as this is likely to be a more uncomfortable time to be scanned. When preparing for your ultrasound, please make note of the first day of your last menstrual period as closely as you can, so you can let us know.

If there is bleeding between your periods, the timing can be difficult to work out. If you are bleeding all or most of the time, do not delay your ultrasound appointment. If you are using the oral contraceptive pill, the stage of the cycle is not important for your scan. It is recommended to bring the packet or provide the name of the pill you use.

A gynaecological ultrasound may consist of 2 different scans: an abdominal ultrasound and a vaginal ultrasound.

If you expect to be having a vaginal ultrasound, two glasses of any liquid is enough to drink, ideally 3/4 of an hour before. A brief abdominal scan will be done first, but then the bladder can be emptied.  With a vaginal ultrasound, a narrow probe is inserted after bladder emptying. Most of the scan information comes from the vaginal pictures, so it’s not necessary for the bladder to be over-full beforehand.

QDOS Ultrasound Perth is a specialised O&G ultrasound practice. We assess by live scanning information, which gives more information than still pictures. Dr Kristy Milward has worked in O&G for over a decade and has a special interest in Gynaecological Ultrasound. She is also involved in teaching and training specialist registrars and GPs.

QDOS Ultrasound was established as “Park Ultrasound” in 1994 by Dr Bev Hewitt, who also performs gynaecological scans at QDOS and who combines a specialist O&G background, with extensive ultrasound qualifications and experience. QDOS is located in West Leederville, Perth.