Body Parts Women's

Women's Ultrasound

Discover the different types ultrasound scans, from gynaecological and obstetric to breast imaging, for women and AFAB people.
Written by
Lillie Coles

Women's Ultrasound

Ultrasound imaging is quick, safe, accessible, and non-invasive, making it a great investigative tool for a range of women's health concerns. From breast imaging to gynaecological scans, ultrasound scan images can provide the answers to your health questions. They can also highlight whether further tests might be necessary to get the diagnosis and treatment you're looking for.

Book a private ultrasound scan today

Our online booking system is easy to use, and once you've booked, you'll receive:

  • Pre and post-scan clinician consultations for a speedy referral and fast follow-up

  • Your private scan at a private clinic near you

  • Digital results, often available same day

  • Friendly service from our patient care team

  • No waiting lists, for fast access to treatment

What are the different types of women's ultrasound scans?

If you're female, or AFAB (assigned female at birth), we provide a comprehensive range of ultrasound scans that may be suitable for you. These include:

Gynaecological ultrasound scans

Ultrasound is a particularly useful tool for checking the reproductive organs and the contents of the abdomen and pelvis, including the uterus, lining (endometrium), ovaries, cervix, and fallopian tubes. An ultrasound scan might be recommended if you are suffering with pelvic pain, irregular bleeding, post-menopausal bleeding, infertility, problems with your contraception, and more.

They can be used to detect a range of menstrual and gynaecological problems including:

  • Endometriosis

  • PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome)

  • Uterine fibroids

  • Polyps

  • Cysts

  • Adenomyosis

  • PID (pelvic inflammatory disease) and other types of inflammation or infection

  • The position of a contraceptive implant such as an IUD

For women, there are two options, an internal transvaginal scan, or an external transabdominal scan. Sometimes, both scans are completed in the same appointment if one method yields better quality images on the day.

Transvaginal ultrasound scans

This is where a thin ultrasound probe is inserted into the vagina to capture detailed images of the reproductive system and pelvic organs. The procedure is not painful and is quick to complete, and can create images of the internal organs in great detail.

For more information about Transvaginal ultrasound scans, check our complete guide.

Gynaecological Pelvis ultrasound scans

This is a transabdominal scan, which means the ultrasound probe is used across the skin of the lower belly, rather than an internal scan. Using a cool gel, the ultrasound sonographer glides the scanner wand across your skin to collect images of your pelvic organs and structures.

This might be recommended for people who are not sexually active, who do not consent to a transvaginal scan, or are under the age of 16. However, for certain conditions such as PCOS and endometriosis, an internal scan may be more suitable as they facilitate more detailed images of the follicles and lining of the uterus (endometrium).

Other scans for women

Breast ultrasound scans

Ultrasound scans of the breast tissue and surrounding blood vessels can investigate lumps, changes in breast appearance, tenderness or pain, and what could be causing discharge. They can show:

  • Breast lumps and their composition

    • Cysts

    • Tumours

    • Calcifications

  • Lymph nodes in the armpit area, including enlarged nodes

  • Breast fat necrosis (a lump of dead or damaged fatty tissue in the breast)

  • Damaged breast implants

  • The health of the milk ducts and whether they are enlarged or blocked

Younger women or AFAB people, and those with denser breast tissue may be recommended an ultrasound of the breast above a Mammogram due to its aptitude at scanning denser tissue which is more common in younger people.

Pregnancy scans

  • Early pregnancy scan

    To confirm pregnancy, check whether the pregnancy is viable from as early as six weeks, or look for an ectopic pregnancy.

  • Dating scan

    To discover how far along a pregnancy is, and check the baby's development. The baby's gender can sometimes be detected at this time.

  • Anomaly scan

    A more detailed pregnancy scan to check for a range of anomalies and health conditions, using a non invasive prenatal test (NIPT).

  • Growth scan/Wellbeing scan

    Check up on your baby into your third trimester for peace of mind and additional bonding time before your baby arrives. This can include a gender scan as well.

Do I need an ultrasound scan or an MRI, X-ray, CT, or Mammogram?

It can be overwhelming when it comes to choosing the right scan for your needs, especially if you are concerned about your health, have never used a private healthcare provider before, or just want your questions answered by a trustworthy professional.

Our team of expert clinicians are here to help you find the scan you need, and make sure that your procedure and following scan results provide the answers you're looking for.

You can book an appointment for a phone consultation with our clinicians before going ahead with a scan booking. If you do decide a scan is right for you, the cost of your consultation will be deducted from your scanning fee. There's nothing to lose, and our clinicians can help you feel confident in your choice between an ultrasound scan, CT, X-ray, mammogram or MRI.

How do I find private ultrasound scans for women near me?

It's never been easier to find a private ultrasound clinic near you.

Search for a private ultrasound scan on our website, and we'll show you the private scans and imaging centres near you, with transparent pricing and no need for a doctor's referral. With state of the art facilities just a few clicks away, you can book online in minutes and speed up your waiting times.

We also provide flexible appointments to suit you, and an efficient service that returns results in as little as one week from booking.

Find a private Ultrasound scanning centre near you

We are partnered with over 100 private Ultrasound scanning centres nationwide.

Start your search today and find a scanning centre near you and skip the NHS waiting lists.

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