Ultrasounds

Ultrasounds are an essential tool in both gynecologic and obstetric care. This technology is available through the care of Christina Nguyen, MD, Marvin Najjar, MD, and the team at WHASN West Valley in Las Vegas, Nevada. Booking an ultrasound appointment is fast and easy whether you choose to reach out to the practice online or by phone. 

What are ultrasounds?

Ultrasounds are a diagnostic tool used in gynecology and obstetrics care for multiple purposes. There are two primary types of ultrasounds used in women’s health. 

Abdominal ultrasounds are noninvasive and only require a handheld transducer moved across the surface of your abdomen. Transvaginal ultrasounds, also referred to as sonohysterograms, use a comfortably designed wand inserted within your vagina. 

Ultrasound technology creates high-quality imaging your specialist uses to learn more about your internal structures. Safe and effective, ultrasounds are among the most commonly used tools in women’s health. 

How does ultrasound technology work?

Ultrasound technology uses sound waves to create real-time imaging of internal structures. These systems use a transducer device to emit sound waves that pass through your skin and other tissues. 

As these sound waves encounter different tissue types within your body, some of the waves bounce back in an echo. The echo varies based on the density of the tissues. Once the ultrasound system collects these echoes, they’re immediately translated into imaging by the onboard computer. 

This process happens almost simultaneously. You and your practitioner can “see” the areas of focus during the ultrasound. 

What happens during an ultrasound?

If you’re having an abdominal ultrasound, you simply relax on the treatment table or chair during your visit. There’s no need for any form of anesthesia or advance preparation. In some cases, your OB/GYN might ask that you come in for the exam with a full bladder. 

A clear, odorless gel helps the handheld transducer glide across the surface of your skin. Once the exam begins, your specialist watches a screen to examine your internal structures. They can move the transducer to get a better view or a different angle. 

If you have a transvaginal ultrasound, your practitioner guides a specially-designed transducer wand into your vagina. Here again, the transducer can be manipulated to gather imaging from different angles. You may experience mild discomfort during the exam but no significant pain. 

Your specialist uses the information gathered during your ultrasound to determine if additional testing or treatment is necessary. If you had an ultrasound to track your baby’s development, your obstetrician lets you know how everything looks and can even use the test to estimate your due date. 

Booking an ultrasound is as easy as a phone call or a few moments online.