Pelvic Ultrasound in Singapore
Pelvic Pain and Period Changes, Clearly Imaged
Conveniently located in Orchard, Tanjong Pagar, Jurong East & Novena
Medically Reviewed By: Dr Jana Lim, Board-Accredited Family Physician
Board-Accredited Family Physician | MBChB, MMed (FM)
MBChB, MMed (FM) | Last updated:
What Is a Pelvic Ultrasound?
A pelvic ultrasound is a scan that uses sound waves to produce images of the organs in the female
pelvis, including the uterus, ovaries and bladder. It is used to find the cause of symptoms such as
pelvic pain or period changes, and to check for problems such as cysts and fibroids.
A handheld probe (transducer) sends sound waves into the body and picks up the
returning echoes,
which form an image on a screen. The scan uses no radiation
and is mostly non-invasive, as only a transvaginal scan places the probe inside the body.
Transabdominal vs Transvaginal Pelvic Ultrasound
A pelvic ultrasound can be done transabdominally or transvaginally, depending on where the probe is placed:
- Transabdominal ultrasound — the probe is moved over the skin of your lower abdomen, producing images of the pelvic organs from outside the body
- Transvaginal ultrasound — the probe is placed inside the vagina, producing images of the pelvic organs from inside the body
What Does a Pelvic Ultrasound Show?
A pelvic ultrasound shows the size, shape and condition of the uterus, ovaries and other pelvic organs.
The scan can help identify:
- Ovarian cysts — fluid-filled sacs that form on or inside an ovary
- Fibroids — growths in the muscle wall of the uterus, which are usually non-cancerous
- Polyps — small growths of tissue on the lining of the uterus
- Endometriosis — a condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside it, though only a laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) can confirm it
A pelvic ultrasound may not pick up every problem. Depending on the findings, follow-up tests such as blood tests, a CT scan or an MRI may be recommended.
Pelvic Ultrasound vs Pap Smear
A pelvic ultrasound produces images of the pelvic organs, using a probe moved over the lower abdomen or
placed in the vagina.
A pap smear checks the cervix for changes that could develop into
cervical cancer. A speculum widens the vagina, and a
soft brush or spatula collects a sample of cells for the laboratory.
The two tests check different parts of your reproductive health, so a pelvic ultrasound does not replace a
routine pap smear.
Pelvic Ultrasound vs Abdominal Ultrasound
A pelvic ultrasound examines the organs in the pelvis, while a full abdominal ultrasound examines the organs
in the upper abdomen. A transabdominal pelvic ultrasound is also done over the belly, but it looks at the
organs low in the pelvis, not the organs in the upper abdomen.
The pelvic scan covers the uterus, ovaries and bladder, and is commonly used for irregular or heavy periods,
pelvic pain or bloating. The abdominal scan covers the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen and kidneys, and
is used for unexplained abdominal pain.
Experiencing irregular periods, pelvic pain or bloating? Our doctors can assess your symptoms and arrange a pelvic ultrasound at the same visit if needed.
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What Happens During a Pelvic Ultrasound?
A pelvic ultrasound procedure is carried out by our female sonographer and needs no recovery time afterwards.
- You lie on an examination bed.
- Water-based gel is applied to help the sound waves pass from the probe into your body.
- The sonographer moves the probe over your lower abdomen, or places it in the vagina for a transvaginal scan, while images of your pelvic organs appear on a monitor.
- Once the sonographer has taken the images needed, the gel is wiped off and you can get dressed.
How Long Does a Pelvic Ultrasound Take?
A pelvic ultrasound usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. This is the scan time only, so please allow 1 to
1.5 hours for the whole visit, including registration, consultation and preparation.
Your report will be ready within 72 hours and emailed to you.
How Do I Prepare for a Pelvic Ultrasound?
To prepare for a transabdominal pelvic ultrasound, drink 5 to 6 glasses of plain water an hour before your
scan and avoid urinating, so that your bladder is full. For a transvaginal scan, you will be asked to
empty your bladder first.
You do not need to fast, so you can eat and drink as usual. Fasting is only needed for a full abdominal or
liver ultrasound.
Please bring:
- Your identification card
- A memo or referral letter, if you have one
- Previous scan reports or medical records, if available
Please follow the instructions given to you by your clinic to help your scan go smoothly.
Can You Have a Pelvic Ultrasound During Your Period?
A pelvic ultrasound can be done during your period, unless other instructions have been given for your
condition.
There is no need to wait for your period to end before booking. The scan is usually painless whether it is
done during or after your period, though a transvaginal scan may feel slightly uncomfortable.
Cost of a Pelvic Ultrasound in Singapore
At Singapore Women's Clinic, our ultrasound services include transabdominal and transvaginal pelvic ultrasound scans, with a consultation available if you do not have a referral letter. Our prices are as follows:
| Test | Price* |
|---|---|
| Consultation (for patients without a valid referral letter) | From $49.05 |
| Ultrasound Pelvis (Transabdominal / Transvaginal) [Non-IVF] | $272.50 |
*Prices are NETT and inclusive of GST.
Payment Options We Accept
Pregnancy dating scans, which estimate how many weeks pregnant you are, are not done at our clinic. The
pelvic ultrasound is also not suitable for follow-up scans during in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment.
If you are looking for a more comprehensive health screening, our Crown Plus ($485), Royal ($667), Jewel
($1,415 male / $1,515 female) and Marvel ($2,000 male / $2,100 female) packages include a range of
ultrasound scans.
Can I Use MediSave for a Pelvic Ultrasound?
MediSave can be used for a pelvic ultrasound that is needed to diagnose or treat a medical condition, up to $600 per patient each year for outpatient scans. Contact us and we can check whether your scan is claimable before your appointment.
Why Choose Our Pelvic Ultrasound Services?
Female Sonographers
Every pelvic ultrasound is performed by a female sonographer, for your comfort.
Quick Turnaround
Reports ready within 72 hours, emailed directly to you. If anything needs a closer look, we will follow up with you accordingly.
Same-Day Appointment
Get your ultrasound scan on the same day. Our friendly team is here to help you every step of the way.
