Palmetto Preventive
Outpatient Ultrasound

Pelvic Ultrasound

Pelvic ultrasound examines the uterus, its lining, and ovaries. It is typically performed through the lower abdomen, with transvaginal imaging offered when appropriate and with your consent.

What the exam evaluates

  • The uterus and its lining
  • The ovaries
  • Known fibroids, cysts, or other findings

Common reasons for this exam

  • Abnormal bleeding or persistent pelvic symptoms after clinical assessment.
  • Evaluation or follow-up of fibroids or ovarian cysts.
  • Assessment of uterine or ovarian structure during selected fertility evaluations.

Approximate duration

Most exams take about 30 to 45 minutes once approved. You can typically return to normal activities immediately afterward.

What to expect

The exam may start through the lower abdomen. A slim, covered vaginal probe may be offered for clearer detail, only with your consent. It may be deferred if you decline or cannot tolerate it. You can ask about a chaperone or ask to pause or stop at any time. Tell the team about discomfort or a latex allergy.

How to prepare

Follow your appointment instructions

  • This exam must be scheduled at least three days in advance so the appropriate sonographer can be available.
  • You may need a comfortably full bladder. Follow the appointment instructions for how much to drink and when; do not force fluids if you have a fluid restriction.
  • Tell the team if you cannot comfortably hold urine. They can advise you before starting.
  • Wear clothing that gives easy access to the area being scanned. Bring earlier imaging reports and your order, if available.
  • Continue prescribed medicines unless your clinician gives different instructions. Tell the team about pain, limited mobility, or positioning needs.
  • For an internal scan, you will usually empty your bladder first. Tell the team if you could be pregnant and the date of your last period.

Understanding your results

  • Many simple ovarian cysts are benign; follow-up depends on appearance, size, symptoms, and menopausal status.
  • Ultrasound does not exclude every cause of pelvic pain or replace evaluation of bleeding after menopause.

What happens next?

A radiologist interprets the images. Review the report and any recommended next steps with your clinician. The sonographer may not be able to give a diagnosis during the appointment. Persistent symptoms still need follow-up even when the scan is normal.

When to seek care sooner

Sudden severe pelvic pain, fainting, or heavy bleeding—especially with possible pregnancy—needs urgent medical assessment.

Sources & further reading

This patient summary draws on published clinical literature and professional guidance. Patient resources are identified separately below. Preparation also depends on your specific order and the collecting laboratory or imaging team.

Content updated October 11, 2026. General education; individual advice comes from your care team.

Transparent pricing

Know the cost before your visit

Palmetto Preventive is a direct-pay service. You will see clear payment terms before your booking is finalized — no surprise imaging-center bill.

Self-pay price

$300.00/ exam

One transparent price for this exam. Payment terms are presented before your booking is finalized.

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Our pricing promise

Transparent self-pay pricing — you see the price before you book.

No surprise bills after your visit.

If your service is not approved, your payment is refunded in full.

A note on what we are. Palmetto Preventive provides non-emergency outpatient diagnostic imaging and laboratory services. We are not an emergency department, urgent care center, hospital, or a substitute for emergency evaluation, and we are not a longitudinal primary-care practice. If you are experiencing severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, seek immediate medical care or call 911.

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