When a woman thinks of having a baby, she starts preparing physically and mentally because her whole body will be involved in carrying the pregnancy to term. Getting more information about her reproductive health conditions and taking care of her pregnancy is essential. Luckily your OB/GYN in San Pedro will answer your questions about pregnancy and reproductive health.
An OB/GYN is a doctor who has broad and specific training in obstetrics and gynecology. They provide a wide range of preventive care services including ultrasounds, blood work, STI testing, and pelvic examinations.
They also help answer personal questions about reproductive health, pregnancy, infertility, sex, among others.
It is advisable to see your OB/GYN if you think you might be pregnant or for any reproductive system issues, including:
- Pain or other symptoms associated with urination
- Pregnancy complications
- Suspected infertility
- Suspected pregnancy or miscarriage
- STD testing
Your OB/GYN can perform different procedures because they are trained surgeons. These are:
- Surgery to repair pelvic organ injuries
- Cesarean section
- Removing growths like uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts
- Instrumental deliveries during childbirth
They can also perform routine and in-office procedures such as:
- Pelvic ultrasounds to check the pelvic organs and monitor pregnancy
- Infertility treatments and counseling
- Pap smears to test for cervical cancer
- STI tests
- Breast exams and breast health management, including mammograms and other breast cancer screenings.
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Procedure for a pelvic ultrasound
It is a noninvasive diagnostic exam that produces images used to assess organs and structures within the female pelvis.
It can be performed using two methods.
- Transabdominal that is through the abdomen, a transducer is placed on the abdomen using the conductive gel.
- Transvaginal, through the vagina, a long thin transducer covered with the conducting gel and a plastic sheath is inserted into the vagina.
Pelvic ultrasound may be used to diagnose and assist in the treatment of fibroid tumors, abnormalities in the anatomic structure of the uterus, pelvic inflammatory disease, among others.
For transabdominal, you will be required to take enough clear fluids one hour before the exam. It would help if you did not empty your bladder until the exam is over.
For transvaginal, you are required to empty your bladder right before the procedure.
Transabdominal ultrasound procedure
Your doctor will request you to remove any clothing, jewelry, or object that may interfere with the scan. After removing the clothes, you will be given a gown to wear.
You will be required to lie on your back on an examination table; a gel-like substance will be applied to your abdomen. The transducer will be pressed against the skin and moved around over the area being studied.
If your blood flow is being assessed, you may hear a funny sound when the Doppler probe is used. Images of structures will be displayed on the computer screen. Images will be recorded on various media for the healthcare record.
Once the procedure has been completed, the gel will be removed. You may empty your bladder when the process is completed.
If you are looking to find OB/GYN care with a difference, call Harbor Community Health Centers to book an appointment.