Ultrasound Pelvis Scan Singapore: Here's What You Need to Know

What is an ultrasound pelvis scan?

An ultrasound pelvic scan is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce real-time images of organs and structures within the pelvis. This safe, painless and radiation-free procedure allows healthcare providers to assess medical conditions affecting the female's reproductive and urinary systems.

In Singapore, pelvic ultrasound is widely available and can be performed at private clinics, polyclinics, or hospitals. It can be performed as part of a general health screening as well as a standalone test to diagnose specific reproductive health conditions.

Find out more about our health screening services and how they can benefit you here.

How an ultrasound pelvis scan works

During a pelvic ultrasound scan, a sonographer uses an ultrasound probe (transducer) to create images of the organs and structures in the pelvis. The transducer then emits sound waves that travel through the body and echo off different types of tissues and organs.

These echoes return to the transducer at different speeds depending on the type of tissue they bounce off. Sound waves travel fastest through bone and slowest through air. The speed and intensity of the returning sound waves allow the ultrasound machine to distinguish between different types of tissue.

The computer then processes this information to produce a real-time image, called a sonogram, which can be viewed on a screen. Other than showing structures within the pelvis, this imaging test can also show organs and blood flow through the blood vessels.

Types of ultrasound pelvis scan

There are two main methods of conducting a pelvic ultrasound, which are transabdominal and transvaginal. While these tests are primarily performed for women, there are pelvic ultrasound procedures, such as transrectal ultrasound, that can be conducted for men to evaluate male reproductive health.

Both types of scans are effective in assessing medical conditions involving pelvic organs, such as bladder, fallopian tubes, uterus, ovaries, rectum, and vagina. The choice of method depends on the purpose of the scan, and in some cases, both methods can be used for a more comprehensive assessment.

Transabdominal ultrasound

In a transabdominal ultrasound, the transducer, which has a flat head, is placed externally on the lower abdomen to capture images of the pelvic organs. Before starting, a special ultrasound gel is applied to ensure smooth movement of the transducer and eliminate air pockets that could interfere with sound wave transmission.

During the test, the transducer is then pressed firmly against the skin, and the sonographer slides it around to look at the area of interest. This method is commonly used for pregnancy scans, foetal development monitoring, and general pelvic assessments.

Transvaginal ultrasound

A transvaginal ultrasound involves inserting a thin, tube-shaped transducer into the vagina to obtain detailed images of internal pelvic structures. The transducer is encased in a plastic or latex sheath and covered with lubricating gel for comfort during insertion. It is then gently inserted into the vagina to capture high-resolution images.

This test provides clearer and more detailed views of the uterus, ovaries, cervix, and surrounding structures compared to a transabdominal scan. Transvaginal ultrasounds are often used to assess conditions such as ovarian cysts, endometriosis, uterine abnormalities, or other gynaecological issues.

Consult your healthcare provider to determine which scanning method is most suitable for your specific needs. Whether it’s for routine health screening or diagnosing a specific condition, pelvic ultrasounds are safe and valuable tools for evaluating reproductive and urinary health.

Unsure which type of ultrasound pelvis scan you need? Request an appointment with Thomson Medical to consult your healthcare provider and determine the most suitable scanning method for you.

What can a pelvic ultrasound assess?

A pelvic ultrasound is a health diagnostic tool that helps healthcare providers evaluate various medical conditions that affect the female pelvic organs and structures. Below are the areas and conditions that a pelvic ultrasound can assess:

Pregnancy-related assessment

• Monitor foetal development and health status during pregnancy.

• Checks for complications such as ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy occurring outside the uterus).

Reproductive health

• Evaluates uterine fibroids, polyps, or abnormalities in the uterus.

• Diagnosis of gynaecological tumours, such as uterine or ovarian cancer.

• Identifies ovarian cysts, tumours, or other abnormalities in the ovaries.

• Assess the thickness and condition of the uterine lining to detect abnormalities, such as endometriosis (tissue grows outside the uterus).

Fertility-related assessment

• Monitors ovarian follicle size to pinpoint when ovulation is likely to occur.

• Evaluates blockages in the fallopian tubes that may cause infertility.

• Help the healthcare provider to diagnose other medical issues that can cause difficulty conceiving.

• Guiding procedures such as egg retrieval for in vitro fertilisation (IVF) by showing the placement of the needle in the ovary.

Other conditions

Your healthcare provider may recommend a pelvic ultrasound if you're experiencing any of the following medical conditions, such as:

• Locates an intrauterine device (IUD) and evaluates its position.

• Diagnosis of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or other infections affecting reproductive organs.

• Investigates causes of abnormal bleeding, postmenopausal bleeding, or pelvic pain.

• Detects unexplained swelling in the abdomen or pelvis.

• Pain during sexual intercourse.

• Abnormal menstrual cycles, such as heavy bleeding or irregular periods.

• Bleeding after menopause.

• Suspected ovarian cysts, fibroids, or tumours.

• Urinary problems, which include incontinence (urine leakage), frequent urination, blood in urine, or pain during urination.

Always follow preparation guidelines and discuss any concerns with your doctor to ensure the most accurate results. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, request an appointment with us to find out if a pelvic ultrasound is right for you.

What to expect during the ultrasound pelvis scan

Depending on the type of pelvic ultrasound you will be having, the preparation steps required will differ. As such, your healthcare provider will provide instructions that suit your screening needs.

Make sure to follow their instructions for accurate results and contact them with any questions. Here are some preparations you should make before the procedure begins:

For a transabdominal ultrasound

If you're having a transabdominal ultrasound, you may be asked to drink plenty of water at least 1 hour before the test and refrain from urinating. This procedure ensures that your bladder is full, which in turn allows your pelvic organs to be seen more clearly during the scan.

Additionally, you will be asked to remove any clothes, jewellery, or other items that might interfere with the scan. Usually, you’ll be provided with a gown to wear during the procedure.

For a transvaginal ultrasound

In contrast with the transabdominal ultrasound, this test does not require any special preparation. These scans are usually done with an empty bladder, so it's recommended to use the restroom before the procedure begins. You will also be asked to change into a gown and remove any jewellery or items that might interfere with the scan.

During the procedure

Once you’ve completed the preparation steps, the procedure will begin. Here’s what you can expect during each type of pelvic ultrasound:

For transabdominal ultrasound

1. You will lie on your back on an examination table, while a special gel is applied to your pelvis. This gel helps improve contact between the transducer and your skin.

2. The sonographer will move the transducer over your abdominal area to capture images of your pelvic organs.

3. The images will appear on a screen in real time, allowing both you and your healthcare provider to view them during the scan.

4. Once the procedure has been completed, the gel will be removed, and you may go to the toilet when it is completed.

For transvaginal ultrasound

1. During this procedure, you will lie down on the examination table, with your feet and legs spread out.

2. A long, thin transvaginal transducer will be covered with a plastic or latex sheath and lubricated. It will then be gently inserted into your vagina, which may make you feel slightly uncomfortable.

3. The transducer will be gently turned and angled to bring the area of interest into focus. You may feel mild pressure as the transducer is moved.

4. The probe then transmits detailed images of internal pelvic organs in real-time, such as the uterus, ovaries, and cervix.

5. Once the procedure has been completed, the transducer will be removed.

Once the scan is complete, your sonographer will forward the results to a radiologist, a specialist in medical imaging, for an examination. Following this, the radiologist will communicate the findings to your healthcare provider.

Your provider will then reach out to discuss any significant results, potential abnormalities, or recommended next steps based on the findings. Both procedures are swift and painless, usually lasting between 15 and 30 minutes, enabling you to immediately resume your daily activities.

Pelvic ultrasound costs in Singapore

A pelvic ultrasound in Singapore can be performed at a hospital, clinic, or diagnostic centre, either as an outpatient procedure or as part of your hospital stay. This scan can cost from SGD 130 to 200 as a standalone test, depending on which facility you choose.

However, if the ultrasound pelvis scan is part of a health screening package, prices can vary significantly, starting from around SGD 400 for a basic package and going up to SGD 3,200 for more comprehensive screenings.

To help cover the cost, you can use up to SGD 300 annually from your MediSave account at select clinics. If you have private insurance, you may need to check with your individual provider to see if a pelvic ultrasound is covered by your policy.

The information provided above is intended for general reference only. For detailed fee information and payment options, please consult your healthcare provider directly. Request an appointment with our specialists at Thomson Medical today for a detailed price breakdown and a personalised care plan.

Risks of pelvic ultrasound

Pelvic ultrasounds are safe, non-invasive imaging tests with no known risks because they don't use ionising radiation, unlike X-rays and CT scans. However, you might experience some mild discomfort, such as:

• Transabdominal ultrasound

  • Discomfort from having a full bladder during the procedure.

  • Slight discomfort from lying on the examination table

  • Mild pressure from the transducer on the abdomen

• Transvaginal ultrasound

  • Slight discomfort due to the insertion of the transducer into the vagina and when it moved inside to look at the area of interest.

  • Because this ultrasound requires the transducer to be covered in a plastic or latex sheath, it may cause an allergic reaction in patients with a latex allergy.

FAQ

What will an ultrasound of the pelvis show?

A pelvic ultrasound scan can provide detailed images of organs and structures within the pelvis, including the uterus, ovaries, cervix, or fallopian tubes. The detailed images help healthcare providers make accurate diagnoses and develop appropriate treatment plans for various reproductive and urinary health concerns.

Is pelvic ultrasound painful?

A pelvic ultrasound isn't painful, though you may experience mild discomfort depending on the type of scan. For a transabdominal test, the main source of discomfort might be having a full bladder during the procedure. While a transvaginal test might cause discomfort when the transducer is inserted into the vagina.

How much is a pelvic ultrasound in Singapore?

In Singapore, the cost of a pelvic ultrasound typically ranges from SGD 130 to 200 when performed as a standalone test. However, when included as part of a health screening package, the price can vary, starting from approximately SGD 400 for basic packages and going to around SGD 3,200 for more comprehensive screenings. 

Do I need to shave for a pelvic ultrasound?

No, shaving or grooming is not necessary for a pelvic ultrasound test. Because the gel used for the transabdominal scan and the lubricant applied to the transvaginal transducer work effectively regardless of pubic hair presence.

How long does a pelvic ultrasound take?

A pelvic ultrasound is a relatively quick procedure, typically taking between 15 to 30 minutes to complete. The exact duration depends on the type of scan being performed (transabdominal or transvaginal), the specific areas being examined, and whether any abnormalities are detected that require additional imaging.

Do you bleed after a pelvic ultrasound?

Bleeding after a pelvic ultrasound is not a normal or expected occurrence. Transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasounds are non-invasive procedures that should not cause bleeding.

However, if bleeding occurs after a pelvic ultrasound, notify your healthcare provider immediately, as this may indicate a medical condition that requires treatment. Your healthcare provider can then assess the situation and determine if further evaluation is required.

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations based on your medical condition, request an appointment with Thomson Medical.