How will the doctor determine my diagnosis?
Once your doctor has completed a history and performed an exam there may be a need for additional testing. Most gynecologic conditions warrant a pelvic ultrasound. During a pelvic ultrasound images are taken of the cervix, uterus, & ovaries to determine if there are any abnormalities. An ultrasonographer performs the test in the office and the physician reviews the images. Sometimes a more specialized testing may be required.
For patients with fibroids or heavy periods a Saline Infusion Sonogram (SIS) may be performed. This is a special ultrasound procedure where the physician injects a small amount of sterile saline into the cavity of the uterus with a very small tube.
The very small tube is passed through the cervix and into the uterine cavity and the saline is injected while a transvaginal ultrasound is being performed. A biopsy can be obtained at the time of SIS to evaluate the uterine lining. This helps avoid a separate procedure. If additional imaging is required, a CT scan or MRI may be ordered to evaluate your condition.
When will I know the results of my ultrasound and SIS?
Since the physician is performing the test with the ultrasonographer, you will know the preliminary results that day. If an endometrial biopsy is taken it will take several days for the pathology results.
