Is Ultrasound Safe During Menstruation?

Is an ultrasound examination safe during menstruation

It’s not just for pregnancy; ultrasound can also be used for other examinations. So, can you have an ultrasound during your period? Here’s the explanation.

Doctors often recommend ultrasound scans to check for pregnancy, diagnose medical conditions, monitor disease progression, or identify issues in organs and body tissues.

So, is it permissible to have an ultrasound during menstruation? Can the examination proceed, or should you wait until your period is over?

Understanding the Purpose of Ultrasound

Ultrasound, or USG, is a medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of structures within the human body.

It’s a non-invasive method commonly used to visualize internal organs, tissues, or fluids in the body for medical diagnosis or monitoring.


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Some examples of ultrasound uses include:

  1. Pregnancy examination. Ultrasound is often used to monitor fetal development during pregnancy and determine the gestational age.

  1. Examination of internal organs. Ultrasound can be used to examine organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys, bladder, and pancreas. This helps diagnose issues like gallstones, tumors, or circulatory problems.

  1. Bladder examination. Bladder ultrasound is used to visualize bladder contents and can help diagnose urinary tract disorders.

  1. Thyroid gland examination. Thyroid ultrasound is used to examine the thyroid and conditions like goiter or cysts.

  1. Breast gland examination. Breast ultrasound is used as an additional tool in breast examination and can help detect lumps or changes in the breast.

  1. Vascular examination. Vascular ultrasound is used to visualize blood flow in blood vessels and helps diagnose blockages or circulatory problems.

  1. Musculoskeletal examination. Ultrasound is used to examine musculoskeletal structures such as tendons, ligaments, or muscles.

In short, ultrasound examinations help doctors diagnose diseases, monitor disease progression, and plan appropriate treatment.

Can You Have an Ultrasound During Menstruation?

There are three types of ultrasound examinations: transvaginal, transrectal, and transabdominal ultrasounds. They are all quite similar; the main difference is the procedure involved.

  • Transvaginal ultrasound is an ultrasound method that involves inserting the examination tool into the vaginal cavity.

  • Transrectal ultrasound is a non-surgical testing procedure that involves inserting a transducer through the anus or rectum for the purpose of diagnosing pelvic area diseases.

  • Transabdominal ultrasound, on the other hand, involves placing the examination tool on the abdominal surface. Both are two different methods of ultrasound use.

During transvaginal ultrasound, the examination tool is inserted into the vagina with the help of medical lubricants. This method allows for closer and more detailed imaging and is often used in gynecological examinations.

On the other hand, transabdominal ultrasound is more common and is used to examine internal organs such as the liver, bladder, or kidneys. It involves placing the examination tool on the skin of the abdomen.

All three examinations can be performed during menstruation, depending on the examination’s purpose. Transvaginal ultrasound can also be done to assess a mother’s fertility for those planning a pregnancy program.

The Impact of Menstruation on Ultrasound Results

The presence of blood in the uterus and cervix during menstruation can affect ultrasound results. This can make it challenging to visualize the organs and tissues being examined.

However, modern ultrasound machines use advanced software to filter out menstrual blood and produce clear images.

It’s important for mothers to inform the doctor if they are menstruating during the ultrasound. In some cases, healthcare providers may recommend rescheduling for more accurate results.

Additionally, certain medical conditions like endometriosis or fibroids can cause abnormal bleeding and also impact ultrasound results.

Make sure to discuss any concerns or questions with the doctor before undergoing the procedure.

Preparation for Ultrasound During Menstruation

Preparation for ultrasound during menstruation is the same as preparing for a regular ultrasound. Typically, you will be asked to drink plenty of water to fill your bladder and wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily removed.

For transvaginal ultrasound, you will be asked to remove tampons or pads beforehand.

Potential Risks of Having an Ultrasound During Menstruation

Ultrasound is considered safe and non-invasive. There are no known risks associated with undergoing an ultrasound during menstruation. However, you may experience mild discomfort or slight pain during the examination.

So, now you know the safety of having an ultrasound during your period. If you or your partner are undergoing a pregnancy program

Source:

  • Johns Hopkins Medicine. Pelvic Ultrasound. Diakses 2023.
  • Cedars Sinai. Transvaginal Ultrasound. Diakses 2023.
  • Family Doctor. Pelvic Ultrasound. Diakses 2023. 
  • Healthline. What Is a Transvaginal Ultrasound?. Diakses 2023.

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