Gynecologic ultrasounds are used to examine the female pelvic organs (specifically the uterus, the endometrium [uterine lining], the ovaries, and the fallopian tubes). Our ultrasounds are formally read by board-certified faculty at Northwestern Medicine Prentice Women’s Hospital.

A gynecologic ultrasound can show:

• Uterine fibroids
• Pelvic masses
• Ovarian cysts or masses
• Endometrial polyps or abnormalities
• The position of an intrauterine device (IUD)
• Ovulation status (useful in the treatment of infertility)

Another type of gynecologic ultrasound is a sonohysterogram (also called Saline Infusion Sonography or SIS). During a transvaginal ultrasound, saline is infused into the uterus and used to detect the presence of intrauterine lesions such as polyps or fibroids.

Many times, gynecologic ultrasounds and sonohysterograms need to be done at a particular point in your menstrual cycle, so it’s important that you work closely with your doctor to schedule your ultrasound appointment at the right time. It is also important that you schedule an additional appointment after the ultrasound to review the results with your doctor.