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You may have heard of ultrasounds before, but you may not be entirely sure what they are or what they’re used for. Ultrasounds are a type of diagnostic medical test that uses sound waves to produce images of the inside of your body. They’re used to help diagnose and treat a variety of conditions. Here is a brief overview of ultrasounds and some of the most common reasons why people get them.
Abnormal Bleeding
An ultrasound can help determine if abnormal bleeding is due to uterine fibroids or another condition such as endometriosis. Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in other areas of the body. Endometriosis can cause pain and infertility, and it is often diagnosed using ultrasound. During the exam, the ultrasound waves help to create a detailed image of the pelvic organs. The presence of endometriosis will often be indicated by lesions or nodules on the ovaries or fallopian tubes. Ultrasound services can also be used to track the progress of endometriosis and monitor for any changes.
Ectopic Pregnancy
This is when a fertilized egg implants itself outside of the uterus, usually in one of the fallopian tubes. An ectopic pregnancy can’t continue to develop normally and can be life-threatening to the mother if left untreated, so an ultrasound is typically performed as soon as this condition is suspected so that treatment can be administered immediately if necessary.
Infertility
An ultrasound can help determine if there are any problems with the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or uterus that could be causing infertility. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), for example, is a condition in which small cysts form on the ovaries and can interfere with ovulation. PCOS is one of the most common causes of infertility in women, and it can often be successfully treated with medication or surgery once it’s diagnosed.
IVF
IVF stands for in vitro fertilization—a process in which eggs are retrieved from the mother’s ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a laboratory before being implanted back into her uterus (or sometimes another woman’s). Ultrasounds are used during IVF cycles to monitor egg development and track implantation after embryo transfer occurs. They’re also sometimes used during fertility treatments such as IUI (intrauterine insemination)—a procedure in which sperm is inserted directly into the uterus via a catheter—to help ensure optimal placement within the uterus for implantation purposes.
As you can see, ultrasounds play an important role in diagnosing and treating a variety of conditions related to pregnancy, fertility, and more. If you think you might need an ultrasound or have any questions about them, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor.
