Discover the different types ultrasound scans, from gynecological and obstetric to breast scanning, for women 

Ultrasound imaging is quick, safe, accessible, and non-invasive, making it a great investigative tool for a range of women's health concerns. From breast scanning to gynecological scans, ultrasound scan images can provide the answers to your health questions. They can also highlight whether further tests might be necessary to get the diagnosis and treatment you're looking for.

If you're female, or AFAB (assigned female at birth), we provide a comprehensive range of ultrasound scans that may be suitable for you. These include:

Ultrasound is a particularly useful tool for checking the reproductive organs and the contents of the abdomen and pelvis, including the uterus, lining (endometrium), ovaries, cervix, and Fallopian tubes. An ultrasound scan might be recommended if you are suffering with pelvic pain, irregular bleeding, post-menopausal bleeding, infertility, problems with your contraception, and more.

They can be used to detect a range of menstrual and gynecological problems including:

• Endometriosis
• PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome)
• Uterine fibroids
• Polyps
• Cysts
• Adenomyosis
• PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) and other types of inflammation or infection
• The position of a contraceptive implant such as an IUD

For women, there are two options, an internal transvaginal scan, or an external transabdominal scan. Sometimes, both scans are completed in the same appointment if one method yields better quality images on the day.

This is where a thin ultrasound probe is inserted into the vagina to capture detailed images of the reproductive system and pelvic organs. The procedure is not painful and is quick to complete, and can create images of the internal organs in great detail.

This is a transabdominal scan, which means the ultrasound probe is used across the skin of the lower belly, rather than an internal scan. Using a cool gel, the ultrasound sonographer glides the scanner wand across your skin to collect images of your pelvic organs and structures.

This might be recommended for people who are not sexually active, who do not consent to a transvaginal scan, or are under the age of 16. However, for certain conditions such as PCOS and endometriosis, an internal scan may be more suitable as they facilitate more detailed images of the follicles and lining of the uterus (endometrium).

Ultrasound scans of the breast tissue and surrounding blood vessels can investigate lumps, changes in breast appearance, tenderness or pain, and what could be causing discharge. They can show: 

• Breast lumps and their composition
  • Cysts
  • Tumors
  • Calcification's
• Lymph nodes in the armpit area, including enlarged nodes
• Breast fat necrosis (a lump of dead or damaged fatty tissue in the breast)
• Damaged breast implants
• The health of the milk ducts and whether they are enlarged or blocked

Younger women or AFAB people, and those with denser breast tissue may be recommended an ultrasound of the breast above a Mammogram due to its aptitude at scanning denser tissue which is more common in younger people.

• Early Pregnancy Scans
  To confirm pregnancy, check whether the pregnancy is viable from as early as six weeks, or look for an ectopic pregnancy.
• Dating Scan
  To discover how far along a pregnancy is, and check the baby's development. The baby's gender can sometimes be detected at this time.
• Anomaly Scan
  A more detailed pregnancy scan to check for a range of anomalies and health conditions, using a non invasive prenatal test (NIPT).
• Growth / Wellbeing Scan
  Check up on your baby into your third trimester for peace of mind and additional bonding time before your baby arrives. This can include a gender scan as well.