Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images. The sound waves are transmitted into your body from a small handpiece that looks a bit like a microphone (called an ultrasound probe).
Some of these waves are reflected and are processed by the ultrasound machine to form pictures. These pictures are shown on a TV screen and recorded.
Ultrasound has been around for about 60 years now and studies have shown that it is a safe technique with no harmful side effects.
You will be shown into the ultrasound room by the nursing staff and asked to lie down on the examination chair. A jelly-like substance is then placed on your skin or internally in the area of interest. The sound waves don’t travel through air so this allows transmission of the sound waves into your body. The probe produces sound waves that will form the images. You will be completely unaware of these sound waves and there should be no discomfort during the examination apart from a little pressure.
You may be asked to hold your breath – this is very important because when you breathe the organs go up and down in the abdomen. When you hold your breath the organs stay still, allowing Dr Huang to get a better view of them.
The best technique for looking at the female pelvis is by performing an internal scan. This procedure is only performed with your consent and where appropriate for the area Dr Huang is concerned about. Dr Huang will explain in detail what is involved. Remember, you are under no obligation to have this done although the ovaries etc are seen well and clearer images are taken. The sterilised probe (which is also covered by a protective sheath) is inserted into the vagina and manipulated very gently to show the anatomy in the pelvis.
Your scan will be read and reported by Dr Alice Huang. The report will then be recorded on either the Genea database (for IVF, ICSI or IUI cycles) or in our room’s clinical records with Dr Alice Huang (for ovulation induction cycles and out of cycle scans). Because the images are digital (just like a digital camera) we will keep them on our system.
All women between 25-74 years old who have ever been sexually active should undergo regular cervical screening to prevent cervical cancer.
It is a simple and short procedure every five years (previously two yearly) to check the health of your cervix. If the smear detects abnormal cellular changes or the presence of high risk human papillomavirus (HPV) is detected, then you will need a colposcopy.
A colposcopy is a magnifying scope that looks at the cervix to identify abnormal cells, to investigate abnormal cervical smears or cervical pathology. The cervix will be stained with acetic acid (vinegar) and iodine solution to show up abnormal cells. A biopsy (small piece of skin) may be taken of the abnormal part and sent away for pathological diagnosis. The examination can take around 25 minutes, and can feel like a prolonged cervical screening test. To facilitate thorough examination, you should not have your period at the time of colposcopy.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Testing may help identify ovulation issues, hormone imbalances, ovarian reserve concerns and other factors affecting fertility.
