Ultrasounds
Pregnancy monitoring is the most widely known use of ultrasounds, but they can also be invaluable for diagnosing and assessing many gynecological and urinary problems. Lenox OBGYN, serving the Midtown West area of Manhattan in New York City, has state-of-the-art ultrasound facilities for both pregnancy and women's health. To take advantage of the outstanding services and caring approach delivered by their board-certified obstetricians and gynecologists, call Lenox OBGYN today or schedule an appointment using the online booking system.
What are ultrasounds?
Ultrasounds are a type of scan that enable your provider at Lenox OBGYN to check how your baby's developing if you're pregnant, and see your internal organs. Ultrasounds are a very safe diagnostic tool because, unlike X-rays or CT scans, they don't use any ionizing radiation.
The high-frequency sound waves ultrasound technology uses are beyond the human range of hearing, so you won't be able to hear anything during the process. The sound waves bounce off your organs and other soft tissues as your provider passes a scanner (called a transducer) over your abdomen.
The transducer relays the echoes of the sound waves and sends the information to a computer system. The system translates the echoes into moving images that you and your provider can see on a monitor. In obstetrics and gynecology, ultrasound imaging technology has two main purposes — diagnosing gynecological conditions and monitoring pregnancy.
How are ultrasounds used during pregnancy?
Ultrasounds are a standard test carried out for all expectant mothers at least twice during their pregnancy.
The Lenox OBGYN team also uses ultrasounds to:
- Determine the baby's due date
- Identify multiple pregnancies
- Rule out ectopic pregnancy
- Detect congenital disabilities
- Check placental health
- Identify a baby in the breech position
- Find out the baby's sex
- Calculate the baby's size
Ultrasounds also provide you with the unforgettable first sight of your unborn child.
How are ultrasounds used for diagnosis in gynecology?
The Lenox OBGYN team can use ultrasounds to investigate symptoms affecting your uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and urinary tract. Ultrasounds are invaluable for viewing these organs and soft tissues.
As well as the standard abdominal ultrasounds, gynecologic diagnosis might require an alternative procedure, such as a transvaginal ultrasound. For this scan, your provider inserts a slender probe transducer into your vagina.
Conditions that ultrasounds can help diagnose include:
- Endometrial conditions
- Uterine fibroids
- Ovarian cysts
- Pelvic masses
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Postmenopausal bleeding
Ultrasound is also useful in locating and positioning contraceptive intrauterine devices (IUDs).
If you're having fertility issues, the Lenox OBGYN team can also use ultrasounds to confirm ovulation, assess ovarian follicle size, and draw off follicle fluid and eggs from your ovaries for in vitro fertilization.
Lenox OBGYN has state-of-the-art facilities where they perform ultrasounds. To arrange a consultation or book a scan, call their office today or schedule a consultation online.