Fertility Testing
Ultrasound Services Perth
Also known as sonography, ultrasound is a non-invasive medical imaging tool used to visualise internal organs and structures to assist with diagnosis and treatment.
What is an ultrasound?
Ultrasound is an imaging technique that uses sound waves to create images of structures within your body. These images provide an invaluable tool in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of medical conditions.
Ultrasound is also used for gynaecology and infertility and can be abdominal (on your tummy) or vaginal (internal).
How will an ultrasound make me feel?
Medical examinations that involve the reproductive organs may obviously be associated with a sense of awkwardness or embarrassment. This is quite normal and our professional team will endeavour to minimize this as much as possible.
After the procedure, which usually takes 15-30 minutes, you should feel quite normal and able to continue with your normal daily activities. You will only need to take time off work to attend the allocated appointment, which unfortunately do occur during normal office hours. Our team will happily supply an attendance certificate for this purpose, should you need one.
What are the potential risks of an ultrasound?
Vaginal ultrasound studies are very safe. There is no risk of infection and minimal risk of direct injury, unless a pre-existing condition is aggravated.
The sound waves used in ultrasound imaging have been extensively studied and have not been found to be in any way harmful to human tissues.
Why is ultrasound used?
Ultrasound imaging of the female reproductive tract is an important part of all gynaecological, obstetrical and infertility practice. It is used to aid in the initial diagnosis, plan surgery, monitor pregnancies and is an essential part of in vitro fertilization. Ultrasound images can also be used to determine how many eggs are to be expected and when they are ready to be released.
In a fertility practice, most ultrasounds are done using a vaginal or “internal” probe. The device is narrow and specially contoured so as not to cause discomfort, allowing the probe to be as close as possible to the uterus and ovaries, producing a much more detailed image than would be obtained using an external probe.
As well as having in-house ultrasound at Fertility North, we offer a full range of ultrasound services, including gynaecology, obstetric and general ultrasounds, at Ultrasound North.