We understand that this type of scan can feel personal, and we will take the time to explain each step and make sure you are comfortable before we begin.

You can ask for a chaperone to be present during your scan. Please let our team know if you would like one. If your sonographer is male, a female chaperone will be in the room.

1. Your sonographer will explain the scan and answer any questions. You can ask to stop or take a break at any time.
2. You will be given privacy to undress from the waist down and a sheet to cover yourself.
3. We usually start with a scan over your lower tummy while your bladder is full. This gives an overall view of your pelvis.
4. After the scan over your tummy, your sonographer will ask you to empty your bladder before the internal part of the examination.
5. With your consent, your sonographer will then perform a transvaginal ultrasound, sometimes called an internal or vaginal ultrasound. A thin, lubricated probe with a protective cover is gently placed a short way into the vagina. This gives a closer, more detailed view of your pelvic organs.  
6. During the scan, your sonographer may apply gentle pressure with the probe or a hand on your tummy. This helps check how freely your organs move and whether any areas feel tender. Please tell your sonographer if anything is painful, as this information is useful for your doctor.
7. Once your scan is complete, you can get dressed and go home.  

If a transvaginal ultrasound is not suitable for you, for example because of your age or sexual history, please let us know when you book. A transabdominal (over the tummy) ultrasound may be offered instead, and your doctor can discuss other options with you. 

Your doctor may refer you if you have symptoms that could be related to endometriosis. Common symptoms include:

• Severe period pain
• Pain during or after sex
• Pelvic pain
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Difficulty falling pregnant
• Some people also experience less common symptoms, such as:
• Bowel symptoms, including constipation, diarrhoea or pain with bowel movements
• Severe tiredness
• Back pain
• Difficulty sleeping
• Headaches

These symptoms can have other causes too, so your doctor will consider your overall health and history. A transvaginal ultrasound is often one of the first tests used to look for endometriosis, and the results help you and your doctor decide on the next step in your care.

If you have any of these symptoms and have not yet spoken to your GP or specialist, we encourage you to start there.

Yes. You will need a referral from your GP or specialist, and it must request an endometriosis assessment. A referral for a standard “pelvic ultrasound” is booked as a standard scan. If you are unsure what your referral says, please ask your doctor or call us before booking.

Our team reviews each referral before your appointment is confirmed, to make sure this is the right scan for you

Your scan takes around 60 minutes, which is longer than a standard pelvic ultrasound (around 30 minutes). This gives us time to complete a thorough examination.  

Good preparation helps us get the clearest possible images. This scan needs both bowel and bladder preparation. Our team will confirm your instructions when you book.

Choosing your appointment date

Where possible, your scan is best booked about two weeks before your period is due to start. If you take the contraceptive pill or your cycle is irregular, your scan can be booked at another time in your cycle, including during your period. Our team will help you choose the right date.

The night before your scan

• Take a mild laxative. These are available at low cost over the counter from your local pharmacy.  

On the day of your scan

• Two hours before your appointment, use a small enema. These are also available over the counter from your pharmacy.  
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Empty your bladder 1.5 hours before your appointment.
• Then drink 1 litre of water, finishing at least 1 hour before your appointment.
• Hold your bladder until your sonographer asks you to empty it during your appointment, before the internal part of the scan.

If you have any questions about your preparation, or if a medical condition makes it difficult to follow, please call us before your appointment.

Please bring:

• Your referral
• Your Medicare card and any concession cards

Wearing comfortable, two-piece clothing can make it easier to get changed.

Most people find a transvaginal ultrasound only mildly uncomfortable. Because this scan also checks for tender areas, you may feel some discomfort at times, particularly if you are experiencing pain from your symptoms. Your sonographer will be as gentle as possible, and you can ask them to pause or stop at any time. 

Please let us know your preference when you book and we will do our best to arrange it. If your sonographer is male, a female staff member will be present in the room throughout your scan.  

Yes, you are welcome to bring a support person with you. You can also ask for a chaperone to be present during your scan.  

We recommend arranging alternative childcare for the day of your scan or bringing another adult with you to care for your child. Children are not allowed in the examination room, and there is no supervision available in the waiting area. 

DIE stands for deep infiltrating endometriosis, one of the more severe forms of endometriosis. A DIE scan is another name for an ultrasound that looks for deep endometriosis. Our Advanced Pelvic Ultrasound includes this assessment. 

Yes. Adenomyosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows into the muscle wall of the uterus. Our Advanced Pelvic Ultrasound is designed to help your doctor assess adenomyosis as well as endometriosis. 

Yes, often. A specialised transvaginal ultrasound, like our Advanced Pelvic Ultrasound, can show signs of endometriosis, including deep endometriosis affecting areas such as the bowel, bladder and pelvic ligaments. It can also help your doctor assess a related condition called adenomyosis.

A standard pelvic ultrasound is not designed to look at all of these areas, which is one reason endometriosis can be missed. Our Advanced Pelvic Ultrasound includes extra checks, to give your doctor more information.

A radiologist will review your images and send a report to your referring doctor. Please make a follow-up appointment with your doctor to discuss your results and next steps.  

This scan is not bulk billed. An out-of-pocket fee applies for all patients, including pensioners and Health Care Card holders. A Medicare rebate may apply. Our team will confirm the cost with you when you book.