Having an ultrasound during your period is generally possible. The specific type of ultrasound and its purpose can influence the process and results. While menstruation is often not a barrier, it can affect certain aspects, particularly for pelvic examinations.
How Menstruation Affects Different Ultrasound Types
Menstruation typically has no impact on ultrasounds performed on parts of the body outside the pelvic region. For instance, scans of the abdomen not involving reproductive organs, limbs, heart, or kidneys are unaffected by a person’s menstrual cycle.
However, pelvic ultrasounds, which include both transvaginal and transabdominal approaches to examine reproductive organs, are the types most likely to be influenced by menstruation. The presence of blood or changes in the uterine lining can alter imaging conditions, though the scan remains feasible in many cases.
Impact on Pelvic Ultrasound Results and Comfort
Menstruation can affect both comfort during a pelvic ultrasound and the clarity of images. For a transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS), a small probe is inserted into the vagina. While generally not painful, some individuals may experience increased sensitivity or discomfort during their period. Any tampon or menstrual cup must be removed beforehand.
Menstrual blood can occasionally obscure views of structures like the cervix or lower uterus. It can also make it challenging to accurately assess endometrial lining thickness, as it is actively shedding. For a transabdominal pelvic ultrasound, a full bladder is often required to enhance image quality. Very heavy bleeding could, in rare instances, potentially obscure views, although this is less common than with a transvaginal approach.
Diagnostic clarity for conditions like fibroids or ovarian cysts may not be significantly impeded by menstruation. However, for other specific assessments, such as evaluating endometrial polyps or precisely measuring endometrial thickness for fertility, menstruation can make interpretation more difficult due to the changing uterine lining.
Preparing for Your Ultrasound During Menstruation
If you have an ultrasound scheduled while menstruating, communicate with your doctor or clinic staff. Informing them allows for specific guidance and necessary adjustments.
For transvaginal ultrasounds, use a sanitary pad rather than a tampon before the appointment, as tampons must be removed prior to the procedure. In some situations, particularly when precise endometrial assessment is needed, your doctor might suggest rescheduling to a different point in your cycle for optimal diagnostic accuracy.
Specific Situations Requiring an Ultrasound During Your Period
In certain medical contexts, an ultrasound may be intentionally scheduled during menstruation. This timing can provide valuable diagnostic information.
For instance, when investigating abnormal uterine bleeding, an ultrasound during the menstrual phase can offer insights into the endometrial lining as it sheds. This helps identify potential causes like polyps or thickening.
In fertility treatments, a “baseline” ultrasound is often required at the beginning of a menstrual cycle, typically on day two or three. This scan helps assess the ovaries and uterus before starting medications, checking for cysts or other factors that could affect treatment. Monitoring conditions like fibroids or ovarian cysts might also involve scans at different phases of the menstrual cycle, including during a period.