Pelvic Ultrasound Scan: What It Shows, & How to Book One in London

What is a pelvic ultrasound scan?

A pelvic ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves to build a real-time picture of the organs sitting in your pelvis. This does not involve any radiation, needles, or dye.

For women specifically, a pelvic ultrasound looks at the uterus, the endometrium (your womb lining), the ovaries, the cervix, the adnexa (the area around the ovaries and tubes) and the bladder.

In men, a pelvic ultrasound is often recommended to take a closer look at the bladder and the prostate.

What is a pelvic scan looking for?

A pelvic scan usually looks for the size, shape, position, and texture of the organ. It also compares what it sees against what’s normal for your age and where you are in your cycle.

For women, this could mean taking a closer look at:

Pelvic ultrasound scan versus 3D pelvic ultrasound scan

A standard pelvic ultrasound uses 2D imaging to create black‑and‑white slices of the uterus, ovaries, and surrounding structures. It’s the workhorse scan for assessing the womb lining, cysts, fibroids, and basic ovarian anatomy.

A 3D pelvic ultrasound builds on this by capturing a volume of data that can be reconstructed into three‑dimensional views. This is especially helpful for looking in more detail at the shape of the uterine cavity (for example, to evaluate polyps, fibroids inside the cavity, or congenital uterine shapes) and for planning certain fertility treatments. In many cases, the sonographer will start with a 2D scan and then add 3D views if more detail would be useful.

What can a pelvic ultrasound detect?

The conditions that a pelvic ultrasound can detect depend on the organs as well as the extent to which it’s able to assess them.

Transabdominal or transvaginal ultrasound: what’s the difference?

Choosing between a transabdominal or transvaginal ultrasound depends on the condition that you are scanning for, swhat are you most comfortable with, as well as the recommendation by your GP.

Swipe horizontally to view the full comparison →

Is a transvaginal scan painful?

For most people, no. A transvaginal scan isn’t really painful.. Most describe it as a feeling of pressure rather than sharp pain. The probe used for the internal scan is also slimmer.

What to expect – and what you can ask for

How to prepare for a pelvic ultrasound scan

A little preparation can make your scan smoother, quicker, and more informative. Here’s what to do (and what you don’t need to worry about).

These details help the sonographer interpret your scan in context and can reduce the need for repeat imaging.

What happens during the Pelvic ultrasound scan?

1. You arrive with a full bladder, and change is minimal, since only your lower abdomen needs to be exposed.
2. Warm gel goes on, and the external scan is done first, taking around 10 minutes.
3. You’re asked to empty your bladder.
4. The internal scan follows, with your consent, taking another 10 minutes or so.
5. Your findings are explained to you before you leave.
6. Your written report with images follows, usually within 24 hours.

This is a very minor procedure. There’s mostly no recovery needed, and no downtime either. You can go back to your schedule, such as driving, eating, or going back to work, straight after your scan

Reading your pelvic ultrasound report

Because reports usually have Terminology that you might find confusing. Instead of googling what the most common terms in your report might be, giving you a breakdown of what they mean:

Pelvic ultrasound for men

A male pelvic ultrasound scan looks at the bladder and the prostate, and it’s usually requested for urinary symptoms: a weak stream, getting up at night, difficulty starting, or a feeling of not emptying properly.

Done externally over a full bladder, it measures prostate size, checks the bladder wall, and measures how much urine is left behind after you empty. That last measurement is often the most useful number in the whole report for anyone with an enlarged prostate.

If that’s what you’ve been recommended, our prostate and bladder ultrasound scan is the right service page.

How much does a private pelvic ultrasound scan cost in London?

Across London, private pelvic ultrasound prices generally run from around £150 to £250. At London Private Ultrasound, a pelvic ultrasound scan is £219 all-inclusive. That covers the transabdominal assessment and the transvaginal assessment, where you consent to it. It also includes verbal results on the same day, as well as a report within 1-3 working days.

Before comparing them, check:

• Whether the internal scan is included or charged as an extra.
• Whether a written report is included, and how long it takes.
• Who performs and reports the scan, and their professional registration.
• Whether a referral letter is provided free if something needs following up.

Why patients book a pelvic ultrasound with London Private Ultrasound

The usual reasons people pay for a private full blood count test in London are the lack of a waiting list as well as convenience.

When you go private, you get to pick the day, no GP referral needed, and you also get results in one or two days.

At our London Private Ultrasound, we offer:

1. Pelvic ultrasound scan
2. 3D pelvic ultrasound scan when it’s recommended by your GP

And if you’re looking to combine your pelvic ultrasound scan with your blood test as well, then we’d recommend the Pelvic Health package.

Here’s why our patients book with us:

If your results need following up, we’ll provide a referral letter, and we can arrange a follow-up consultation with one of our doctors at an additional cost.

Frequently Asked Questions