Why Timing Matters for Your Gynecological Ultrasound

A gynecological ultrasound is an invaluable observational and diagnostic tool in women’s health care. This fast and simple imaging test provides a safe and reliable way for our team at Panhandle Obstetrics and Gynecology in Amarillo, Texas, to visualize your reproductive organs. We can use it to:

• Assess concerning symptoms
• Identify a suspected condition
• Evaluate pelvic abnormalities
• Check the position of an IUD
• Investigate fertility problems 

If you’ve been advised to schedule an ultrasound appointment, we may ask you a few questions about your menstrual cycle to ensure the best timing for your scan. 

Here, we take a closer look at why the timing of an ultrasound sometimes matters and when timing isn’t a factor we need to consider. 

From sound waves to images

Ultrasound testing uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed sonogram images of the structures and tissues in your pelvic region, including your reproductive organs. 

The scan is easy: We position a hand-held transducer device against the area we’d like to visualize, and it emits painless, noninvasive sound waves that pass into your body. 

When these sound waves encounter internal organs, tissues, fluids, bones, and abnormal growths, they bounce back to the transducer in the form of echoes. 

Ultrasound echoes paint a detailed picture of the internal structures they encounter, which the device translates into live visual images on a video monitor. 

Pelvic ultrasound techniques

A pelvic ultrasound can provide a lot of helpful visual information. Our team may use this test to assess or look for any of the following:

• The size and shape of your uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes
• The thickness and density of your uterine lining and muscle tissue
• A confirmation of normal ovulation (egg release from your ovaries)
• Pelvic organ blood flow; the presence of inflammation or infection 
• The presence of abnormal fluid or masses in your reproductive organs

In gynecological care, there are two pelvic ultrasound techniques. Depending on your imaging needs, one or both of the following methods may be used. 

Transabdominal ultrasound

This ultrasound technique involves pressing the transducer against your lower abdomen to visualize your pelvic organs and the spaces around them. A full bladder can make other internal structures look clearer. 

Transvaginal ultrasound 

A transvaginal ultrasound involves gently inserting a slender, wand-shaped transducer into your vagina to visualize your uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries in greater detail. An empty bladder is typically recommended for this scan.

Timing your ultrasound scan 

A pelvic ultrasound may be done anytime during your menstrual cycle; the best timing for your scan depends on what we’re investigating. If you still get regular periods, we may ask when your last period was to help ensure optimal timing and detailed, high-quality imaging results. 

Specific ultrasound timing is necessary when we need to:

Evaluate your uterine lining 

A typical menstrual cycle is 28 days long. Your period (the shedding of the uterine lining) accounts for the first days of your cycle; if your period lasts four days, day five of your cycle is the first day after your period has ended. 

The best time to assess your uterus or its lining — or to conduct any routine, non-specific gynecological check — is within the first few days after your period has ended, or usually days 5-10 of your menstrual cycle (as normal periods can last 3-7 days). 

Your uterine lining is at its thinnest during this time, making it much easier to visualize the organ and any potential abnormalities.

Confirm monthly ovulation 

Ovulation occurs in the middle of your cycle, or 14 days into an average 28-day cycle. An ultrasound is most effective for confirming ovulation 1-2 days after your estimated ovulation date. 

Assess endometrial thickness

After ovulation, your uterine lining thickens again. If we need to assess an issue related to endometrial thickness, we schedule your scan just before your period, or during days 21-23 of your cycle, when your uterine lining is typically at its thickest. 

When timing doesn’t matter 

The timing of your ultrasound isn’t as important — meaning it can be done anytime during your cycle — if it’s being used to assess pelvic pain, irregular periods, abnormal spotting, or masses found during a routine pelvic exam. 

If uterine lining isn’t a factor in the timing of your scan, we can perform ultrasound testing anytime during your cycle, including during your period. An ultrasound can also be done at any time past menopause.

Ultrasounds provide answers

Do you have questions about an upcoming ultrasound? Call 806-359-5468 to schedule a visit with our women’s wellness experts at Panhandle Obstetrics and Gynecology today.