Ultrasound Specialist

What is an ultrasound?

Ultrasound, or sonography, is a diagnostic imaging test. The ultrasound unit creates a real-time video of your internal organs and tissues using soundwave technology.

The ultrasound machine produces sound waves at a higher frequency than human ears can detect. The sound waves hit the soft tissues in your body and bounce back, which the ultrasound unit translates into the images you see on the monitor. 

Ultrasound technology can produce 3D and 4D images.

What are ultrasounds used for?

An ultrasound is one of the many tools your provider at Adefris & Toppin Women’s Specialists can use to assess your gynecologic and obstetric health.

Ultrasound technology is most well-known for its role in obstetrics, monitoring the baby during pregnancy. It’s an ultrasound that produces those early pictures of your baby that you treasure so much.

Ultrasounds are also a valuable tool in the diagnosis of conditions like ovarian cysts and fibroids, and it can be useful for evaluating pelvic anatomy.

Ultrasounds are favorable because it is one of the safest ways to see inside your body. However, there might be times when the extra detail provided by an MRI or CT scan is needed to make a final diagnosis. 

What happens during an ultrasound?

You don’t usually need to make any special preparations before an ultrasound exam, but a full bladder is generally required, as it helps with the imaging process. 

To start the exam, your Adefris & Toppin Women’s Specialists ultrasound technician uncovers your abdomen and applies a slippery gel to your skin. The gel helps the transducer (handpiece) slide over your skin and improves the signal. 

The technician might need to press down firmly in certain places, which shouldn’t be uncomfortable. If you do feel any pain, mention this to the technician. If you’re having an obstetric ultrasound and want to know your baby’s gender, the technician can tell you, providing she can see, or give you the information in a sealed envelope for you to view in private.

The technician can’t talk about the findings of gynecological ultrasounds, however, your provider or nurse practitioner will discuss this with you after review. If you are pregnant, you may request to be informed of your baby's gender.

Find out more about ultrasounds or book an appointment today by calling Adefris & Toppin Women’s Specialists. 

We see patients for ultrasounds, pregnancy, birth control, and much more. We are located at 215 Radio Drive, Suite 200 Woodbury, MN 55125. Call us to book your appointment today.