What Is Ultrasound?
Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images of organs or the fetus during pregnancy. It does not use X-rays or ionizing radiation. The examination type depends on the medical question, symptoms and individual circumstances.
What Is the Difference Between Gynecological and Obstetric Ultrasound?
Gynecological ultrasound can assess the uterus and ovaries and investigate certain gynecological symptoms. Obstetric ultrasound is used to assess pregnancy, the fetus and placenta according to gestational age and the purpose of the examination.
Where Are Gynecological and Obstetric Ultrasound Scans Performed?
Gynecological and obstetric ultrasound scans are performed in Ennasr, Ariana, Tunis, Tunisia, by Dr Ines Ben Hassen Hached. When booking, confirm the type of examination requested and any preparation instructions.
Practice address: 1st floor, office BA5 bis, Résidence La Coupole, 2 Avenue Hédi Nouira, Ennasr, Ariana 2037, Tunisia.
Find telephone numbers and opening hours in the contact details and appointments.
Why Might a Pelvic Ultrasound Be Requested?
Ultrasound may be requested to assess the uterus and ovaries, investigate pelvic pain or unusual bleeding, monitor a cyst or fibroid, or contribute to certain stages of fertility evaluation. Imaging alone is not always sufficient to make a diagnosis or choose treatment.
Does the Examination Need to Take Place at a Particular Time in the Cycle?
Timing depends on the purpose. Some assessments are scheduled at a particular stage of the cycle, while other symptoms require examination without waiting. State the first day of your last period and ask about the appropriate timing when booking.
Further reading: questions about medical gynecology and questions about fertility and IVF.
What Is the Difference Between Transabdominal and Transvaginal Ultrasound?
With transabdominal ultrasound, a probe is moved across the skin with gel. In transvaginal ultrasound, a suitable probe is gently introduced into the vagina following explanation and consent; it can provide more detail about certain pelvic organs. The choice depends on the indication, clinical relevance and your agreement.
Transabdominal Ultrasound
A full bladder may be necessary for certain pelvic or early-pregnancy ultrasound scans to improve visualization. Instructions vary according to the requested examination.
Transvaginal Ultrasound
Transvaginal ultrasound may be suggested to obtain more detail about the uterus and ovaries or in certain early-pregnancy situations. It is usually performed with an empty bladder. The reason and procedure should be explained before the examination begins.
Can I Decline a Transvaginal Ultrasound or Ask for It to Stop?
Yes. The reason for the examination and its steps should be explained before it begins. You may decline it or ask for it to stop at any time, and discuss alternatives and their limitations. Mention any pain, concern or allergy, and ask about the possibility of having a support person present.
How Can I Express My Concerns?
You can request an explanation before each step or more time to decide. Mention a difficult previous experience, pain or anxiety. A different examination route may provide different or less detailed information; these tradeoffs should be explained without pressure.
How Should I Prepare: Drink Water or Fast?
Preparation depends on the examination. A full bladder may be required for certain transabdominal ultrasound scans, whereas a transvaginal scan is generally performed with an empty bladder. Fasting is not needed for all ultrasound examinations but may be required for some abdominal studies. Follow the practice's instructions and do not fast or drink unusually large amounts of water on your own initiative.
Which Documents Should I Bring?
- A referral for the examination, if you have one, and the reason for consultation.
- Previous ultrasound scans or other imaging for comparison.
- Laboratory tests and reports related to the reason for the examination.
- The date of your last menstrual period and your pregnancy care record, if you are pregnant.
- Information about allergies, particularly latex allergy when an internal examination is being considered.
Do not stop prescribed treatment on your own initiative. If you have a fluid restriction or difficulty fasting for medical reasons, mention it when requesting preparation instructions.
What Is the Role of Ultrasound During Pregnancy?
Depending on gestational age, ultrasound can help assess pregnancy location, dating and the number of fetuses, and later aspects of fetal growth and anatomy, placenta and amniotic fluid. The schedule depends on medical follow-up. A normal scan cannot exclude every problem.
When Are Ultrasound Scans Performed During Pregnancy?
Ultrasound examinations take place at different stages according to medical recommendations and individual circumstances. Additional scans may be needed depending on symptoms, risk factors and previous results. Discuss the schedule appropriate to your pregnancy with your doctor.
Can a Very Early Ultrasound Be Inconclusive?
Yes. Very early in pregnancy, not all expected features may yet be visible. The physician decides whether repeat ultrasound or laboratory testing is necessary based on symptoms, dates and results. An image should not be interpreted without its clinical context.
Further reading: questions about pregnancy follow-up.
Does the Practice Offer 3D/4D Ultrasound?
Yes. The practice offers 3D/4D obstetric ultrasound with Dr Ines Ben Hassen Hached according to medical needs, stage of pregnancy and imaging conditions. Confirm the requested appointment type and preparation when booking.
Are 3D/4D Images Essential, and Will They Show the Baby's Face?
3D produces volumetric images and 4D displays them in motion. Neither replaces standard two-dimensional medical ultrasound or other recommended examinations. Image quality depends on factors including fetal position and stage of pregnancy; a clear picture of the baby's face cannot be guaranteed.
Why Might the Image Differ from What Was Expected?
Fetal position, the amount of fluid and other technical factors affect image quality. The priority is medical assessment rather than a keepsake image. Even if a technique is available, it is not needed at every visit.
What Is Doppler Ultrasound Used for During Pregnancy?
Doppler is an ultrasound technique used to study blood flow in specific vessels. It may help answer a medical question during pregnancy but is not required at every examination or for every patient.
Measurements are interpreted according to the blood vessel examined, stage of pregnancy and other medical findings. A single number does not determine the overall situation.
Is Ultrasound Painful, and Does It Carry Risks?
An external ultrasound is generally not painful, but pressure on a tender area or a full bladder may be uncomfortable. An internal examination may also be unpleasant. Report any pain. Ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation and should be performed for an appropriate medical indication.
What Precautions Are Needed During Pregnancy?
Ultrasound should be used to answer a medical question without unnecessarily prolonging or repeating examinations. The absence of X-rays does not mean additional tests without a clinical indication provide a benefit.
Can Ultrasound Detect Every Disease or Malformation?
No. Detection depends on the organ examined, the stage of a disease or pregnancy, the examination route and image quality. Repeat ultrasound, laboratory tests, other imaging or specialist advice may be needed. A normal result does not remove the need to reassess persistent or important symptoms.
Does a Cyst or Mass Mean Cancer?
Finding a cyst or mass alone does not establish its nature. The physician considers its appearance together with age, symptoms and medical history to decide on monitoring or further tests. Do not draw conclusions from images or one term in the report in isolation.
If the findings lead to discussion of a procedure, see questions about gynecological surgery. Being prescribed an ultrasound or finding an abnormality does not automatically mean surgery is required.
How Will I Receive the Results and Arrange Follow-Up?
When booking, ask about the examination type, preparation, cost and how the report will be delivered. Results are interpreted together with symptoms, clinical examination and laboratory tests if needed. Contact +216 27 550 875 or +216 25 333 530. The practice is in Ennasr, Ariana, office BA5 bis, and opens Monday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Is a Follow-Up Appointment Necessary?
Some explanations can be given during the visit; other situations require a follow-up consultation or additional tests. Confirm the next step with the physician and retain the report for future comparison. The duration and cost vary with the type of examination and the assessment required.
When Should You Not Wait for a Routine Ultrasound Appointment?
For severe or sudden abdominal or pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, loss of consciousness, or pain with bleeding when pregnancy is possible, seek urgent medical assessment. Do not wait for a scheduled examination or an email reply.
The practice's usual contact channels do not constitute a guaranteed emergency service. The emergency care team determines which examinations are appropriate to the situation.