An ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves to make an image of a persons internal body structures. Doctors commonly use ultrasound to study a developing fetus (unborn baby), a persons abdominal and pelvic organs, muscles and tendons, or their heart and blood vessels.

What else can ultrasound be used for?

Diagnostics: Doctors can use ultrasounds to diagnose conditions, including those in the heart, blood vessels, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, bladder, uterus, ovaries, eyes, thyroid, and testicles.

When is an ultrasound used?

In medicine, ultrasound is used to detect changes in the appearance of organs, tissues, and vessels and to detect abnormal masses, such as tumors. In an ultrasound exam, a transducer both sends the sound waves and records the echoing waves.

Why do I need an ultrasound if Im not pregnant?

Outside of pregnancy, your doctor may recommend a transvaginal ultrasound for the following reasons: To locate an intrauterine device used for birth control. To determine the cause of infertility (or to guide your doctor during a fertility treatment or procedure).

How long does an ultrasound take?

An ultrasound test usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. During the test, a trained professional: Applies gel: Youll have a small amount of water-soluble gel on your skin over the area to be examined.

Can I take pictures of my ultrasound?

“Our sonographer can do an ultrasound on a patient. They can take that image or video whichever theyre doing, provide a link for friends and family to then connect to anywhere in the world,” Robison says.

Can I drink water before ultrasound?

Before Your Exam Drink 32 ounces (four glasses) of water one hour before your examination time. You can go to the bathroom to relieve yourself, as long as you keep drinking water. If you are also having an ultrasound abdomen, please do not eat or drink for 8 hours before your exam.

Can sperm be seen in ultrasound?

In our study group (closed speculum), the echogenic droplets moved in a wave-like movement in the direction from cervix to fundus. In conclusion, this is the first time in the medical literature that concentrated sperm suspension has been used as a highly echogenic material that can be detected with ultrasound.

Should I pee before an ultrasound?

Drink 4 to 6 (8-ounce) cups of water 1 hour before your ultrasound. Dont urinate (pee) before your ultrasound. Having a full bladder will make it easier to see your uterus and ovaries.

Can I use my phone during an ultrasound?

Parents-to-be should not be allowed to record ultrasounds on mobile phones or video cameras, pregnancy scans experts say. The Society and College of Radiographers says there are an increasing number of reports of patients trying to make recordings.

Do mobile phones interfere with ultrasound?

The investigators used phones from two different cellular carriers in patient rooms containing a total of 192 medical devices, such as ECG monitors, ventilators and ultrasound imaging machines. In 300 tests, they found no instances of interference.

Can I take a video of my ultrasound?

Parents-to-be should not be allowed to record ultrasounds on mobile phones or video cameras, pregnancy scans experts say. The Society and College of Radiographers says there are an increasing number of reports of patients trying to make recordings.