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An ultrasound scan is also called a sonogram. It is a procedure that involves the use of high-frequency sound waves to create an image of part of the inside of the body.
An ultrasound can be used for many purposes. It can be used to monitor an unborn baby, diagnose a condition, or guide a surgeon during certain procedures.

Working Of Ultrasound

A small device called an ultrasound probe is used. This gives off high-frequency sound waves. You will not be able to hear these sound waves. When the sound waves bounce off different parts of the body, they end up creating “echoes” that are picked up by the probe and turned into a moving image. This image is displayed on a monitor while the scan is carried out.

Different Kinds of Ultrasound Scans

There are different kinds of ultrasound scans. The type is largely dependent on which part of the body is being scanned and why.
The three main types are:

External Ultrasound Scan

An external ultrasound scan is used primarily to examine the heart or an unborn baby in the womb. It can also be used to examine the liver, kidneys, and other organs in the tummy and pelvis, as well as other organs or tissues that can be assessed through the skin, such as muscles and joints.
A small handheld probe is placed on your skin and moved over the part of your body being examined. A lubricating gel is put on your skin to allow the probe to move smoothly. This also ensures there is continuo contact between the probe and the skin.
You shouldn’t feel anything other than the sensor and gel on your skin. If you are having a scan of your womb or pelvic area, you may have a full bladder that causes a little discomfort.

Internal or Transvaginal Ultrasound Scan

An internal examination allows a doctor to look more closely inside the body at organs such as the prostate gland, ovaries or womb.
A “transvaginal” ultrasound means “through the vagina”. During the procedure, you will be asked to either lie on your back, or on your side with your knees drawn up towards your chest.
A small ultrasound probe with a sterile cover, not much wider than a finger, is then gently passed into the vagina or rectum and images are transmitted to a monitor.
Internal examinations may cause some discomfort, but don’t usually cause any pain and shouldn’t take very long.

Endoscopic Ultrasound Scan

During an endoscopic ultrasound scan, an endoscope is inserted into your body. This is usually done through the mouth to examine areas such as your stomach or food pipe (esophagus).
You will be asked to lie on your side as the endoscope is carefully pushed down towards your stomach. The endoscope has a light and an ultrasound device on the end. Once it has been inserted into the body, sound waves are used to create images in the same way as an external ultrasound.
You will usually be given a sedative to keep you calm and local anesthetic spray to numb your throat, as an endoscopic ultrasound scan can be uncomfortable and may make you feel sick. You may also be given a mouth guard to keep your mouth open and protect your teeth, in case you bite the endoscope.

Hope you found this information helpful!!