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Ultrasound Specialist

Lydia Appiah-Dwamena, MD -  - OBGYN

Lydia Appiah-Dwamena, MD

OBGYN located in San Antonio, TX

Ultrasound is a powerful imaging test that examines a developing fetus and your reproductive organs. Palo Alto Women’s Health Center in San Antonio offers in-house ultrasound. Board-certified OB/GYN Lydia Appiah-Dwamena, MD, recommends these screening tests to help diagnose or evaluate issues such as pelvic pain, pregnancy, and infertility. Call the office or schedule online to take advantage of expert ultrasound services.

Ultrasound Q & A

How does ultrasound work?

An ultrasound is a noninvasive test that uses sound waves to obtain a picture of your pelvic organs. It uses no radiation so it’s completely safe for a developing fetus and your internal organs.

During an ultrasound, you’re dressed in a hospital gown, and Dr. Appiah-Dwamena spreads a gel on your abdominal or pelvic area to help the ultrasound wand glide easily and the sound waves to transmit smoothly.

As the wand glides across your body, it transmits high-frequency sound waves into the body. As the waves hit an object – such as a fetus or an organ – they bounce back, and a computer collects them to create an image.

Why would I need a gynecological ultrasound?

Ultrasounds are commonly recommended to evaluate a growing baby in your womb. Dr. Appiah-Dwamena uses the screening test to evaluate fetal growth, gender, and possible health concerns.

Ultrasounds have other important applications. These include evaluation of your:

  • Uterus
  • Fallopian tubes
  • Cervix
  • Ovaries
  • Bladder

If you come to Palo Alto Women’s Health Center with pelvic pain, bloating, irregular menstrual bleeding, or infertility, Dr. Appiah-Dwamena may recommend an ultrasound as part of your comprehensive medical evaluation.

What types of ultrasounds are available?

Depending on your symptoms, you may undergo either an abdominal or transvaginal ultrasounds.

An abdominal ultrasound involves the wand passing over your belly and lower pelvic region. Transvaginal ultrasounds obtain images of the lining of the uterus, ovaries, and muscular walls of the uterus via a sterile ultrasound wand inserted into the vagina.

You may also undergo a saline-infused ultrasound, or sonohysterogram. This test involves injecting a small amount of a salt solution into your uterus to see the lining of the uterus more clearly.

What symptoms indicate the need for a gynecological ultrasound?

Dr. Appiah-Dwamena may recommend an ultrasound to evaluate the following:

  • Irregular menses
  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding
  • Suspected ovarian or uterine cancer
  • Examination of the endometrium, or uterine lining

An ultrasound can also help Dr. Appiah-Dwamena diagnose a mass or cyst detected by palpitation during a pelvic exam.

For more information about obstetric and gynecological ultrasounds, call Palo Alto Women’s Health Center or book an appointment online.