The gynecological ultrasound produces images that are used to assess pelvic organs and structures, including the uterus, cervix, vagina, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Another type of ultrasound is Doppler ultrasound, sometimes called a duplex study, used to show the speed and direction of blood flow in certain pelvic organs.

What is a gynecological ultrasound?

The primary goal of a gynecological ultrasound is to answer a specific question about any pelvic pathologies or infertility. The sonographer identifies this information and links it to the corresponding imaging images, taking into account the woman’s age, the date of her last period (or the year menopause began), and details about contraception or the use of exogenous hormones. All of the above parameters affect the ultrasound image of the uterus (where the presence of fibroids, polyps, and congenital anatomical abnormalities is checked), the cervix (as a means of predicting premature labor), the ovaries and fallopian tubes (mainly for any cysts and tumors), and the pouch of Douglas (for endometriosis, etc.). This is what a gynecological ultrasound examines.

How is a gynecological ultrasound performed?

We have two types of gynecological ultrasounds: transabdominal, which is performed mainly with a full bladder and provides a panoramic view of the pelvis, showing the interrelationship of major anatomical structures and their potential pathology. And transvaginal, which provides a more targeted image of the organ we are interested in.

3D Ultrasound in Gynecology

3D ultrasound provides color Doppler, and 3D imaging techniques contribute to locating the position and size of pelvic inflammatory disease and aid in the diagnosis of cystic endometriosis, among other conditions. Additionally, using color Doppler, different changes in the blood flow of the uterus and ovaries have been found during the peri-implantation period in cases of assisted reproduction.

“Embryoiatriki – genetiki” has the Voluson S8™ ultrasound system, which includes 3D/4D imaging capabilities and a 3D transvaginal probe, and is supported by a fully equipped genetics laboratory.

How often should a gynecological ultrasound be done?

It is usually recommended once a year for women of reproductive age during the annual check-up. Otherwise, monitoring of a condition or pregnancy is done at regular intervals.

The pregnant woman’s ultrasound examination includes:

  • Early Pregnancy Ultrasound (the so-called viability scan between 6 and 10 weeks)
  • Nuchal Translucency Scan (the most important prenatal diagnostic test at 11-14 weeks; it not only predicts Down syndrome but also potential missed abortion, risk of miscarriage or preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, premature birth, etc.)
  • Second-Trimester Fetal Anatomy Scan. This ultrasound, usually done when you’re between 20 and 24 weeks pregnant, assesses the fetal growth and anatomy.
  • A Doppler scan that monitors the fetus inside the womb, performed between the 28th and 32nd week of pregnancy.

Is a gynecological ultrasound necessary?

Early diagnosis and prevention of various pathological conditions quickly and reliably with a high-resolution machine operated by a sonographer who is well-versed in the method and constantly updated on ultrasound topics is a very useful tool in safeguarding women’s health and reproductive capacity, which is why it is considered essential in the annual preventive check-up.

Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology Petros Nikolaidis established a High-Tech Ultrasound Laboratory, where he piloted specialized fetal ultrasound programs for the first time, making the University of West Attica one of the first institutions in the world where students are trained in this new technology. He is also the author of the study “Ultrasound in Gynecology-Obstetrics,” a reference book for obstetricians-gynecologists in the state examinations they take for ultrasound proficiency.