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There are a wide range of reasons a woman might need to get an ultrasound. Pregnancy is the obvious one, but there are a lot of other uses for ultrasound scans that women may not be aware of.

Almost all of them revolve around the need to identify the cause of a problem. Such problems can include pelvic pain, internal bleeding, delayed period (not due to pregnancy) or pelvic mass.

Pain experienced in the pelvic region can be caused by a variety of factors, some of which require painful and invasive investigative procedures to test. An ultrasound is generally one of the first tests to be conducted due to the painless and fast method.

Below are some common problems that a non-invasive ultrasound scan can help find the cause of.

Unusual bleeding

Some of the most common causes of unusual bleeding in young girls include;

- Local Trauma

- Ingestion of a contraceptive tablet

- Presence of a foreign body

An ultrasound scan is able to produce very clear images of the bladder, uterus, vagina and ovaries which are very important in determining the cause of the bleeding.

Pelvic masses

Ultrasound examination can also aid in the explanation of pelvic masses. This can be a significant problem for women, particularly young girls.

There are many different causes of a pelvic mass but ultrasound examination can distinguish which organ it arises from and what the likely pathology is.

Pelvic masses are rare in young girls' pre-puberty, and are usually associated with ovarian or uterine causes as below;

Ovarian causes include

- Dermoid cysts which are developmental and always benign

- Follicular cysts from the developing ovary

Uterine causes include

- Haematometra or haematocolpos where menstrual blood has distended the uterus and or vagina because there is a blockage to flow

- Renal causes include

- A pelvic kidney, where the kidney is located in the pelvis instead of its usual position higher in the abdomen

Post-menopausal bleeding

In older women a pelvic ultrasound is used to investigate post-menopausal bleeding, pain and bloating.

A very small percentage of women may experience postmenopausal bleeding due to endometrial cancer, which is why it is critical to have an ultrasound examination performed. After this procedure the doctor may conclude that a more extensive and more invasive procedure such as an endometrial biopsy is necessary.

Getting an ultrasound can be one of the most comprehensive non-invasive methods of investigation you can undertake. An ultrasound is completely painless, and works by emitting sound waves.

Ultrasound Care is one of the most popular clinics women go for ultrasound scans in Sydney. Our staff are highly trained and experienced, so you can rest assured that you are receiving the best possible care.

Pictures of Kidney Stones

Londons Times Funny Music Cartoons - Rolling Stones Collectible, Kidney Stones - Tile Napkin Holders Rolling Stones Collectible, Kidney Stones Tile Napkin Holder is measuring 6w x 6h x 4d. Made from high quality solid maple wood with satin finish and two 4.25 commercial grade mirror gloss ceramic tiles. Holds napkins, mail, letters or files. In addition, customized engraving, on the face of the item, is available on request....

Kidney stone crystals, SEM Photo Mugs Kidney stone crystals, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Kidney stones are usually formed by the precipitation of the mineral salt calcium oxalate from the urine. The resulting hard, round stones (calculi) may cause severe pain, especially as they pass down the urinary tract. Large stones may need to be surgically removed or broken down using ultrasound therapy.....

Kidney stone crystals, SEM Photo Mugs Kidney stone crystals, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Kidney stones are usually formed by the precipitation of the mineral salt calcium oxalate from the urine. The resulting hard, round stones (calculi) may cause severe pain, especially as they pass down the urinary tract. Large stones may need to be surgically removed or broken down using ultrasound therapy.....

Photo Jigsaw Puzzle of Kidney stone crystals, SEM from Science Photo Library Photo Puzzle, Kidney stone crystals, SEM. Kidney stone crystals, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Kidney stones are usually formed by the precipitation of the mineral salt calcium oxalate from the urine. The resulting hard, round stones (calculi) may cause severe pain, especially as they pass down the urinary tract. Large stones may need to be surgically removed or broken down using ul...

Photo Jigsaw Puzzle of Kidney stone crystals, SEM from Science Photo Library Photo Puzzle, Kidney stone crystals, SEM. Kidney stone crystals, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Kidney stones are usually formed by the precipitation of the mineral salt calcium oxalate from the urine. The resulting hard, round stones (calculi) may cause severe pain, especially as they pass down the urinary tract. Large stones may need to be surgically removed or broken down using ul...