A same-day, consultant-led diagnostic scan of the uterus, ovaries and pelvic structures. Used to investigate pelvic pain, heavy or abnormal bleeding, suspected ovarian cysts, fibroids, endometriosis and PCOS. £235 all-inclusive at 29 Weymouth Street, Marylebone W1G, with a written report within 24 hours.
Most of the women we scan have already lived with their symptoms for months before booking. The point of a private pelvic scan is that you don't have to.
Symptoms also affect the upper abdomen? See Abdomen & pelvis ultrasound scan (£350), or call 020 3633 4902.
Overview
A non-invasive diagnostic test using high-frequency sound waves to image the female pelvic organs: the uterus, endometrium (womb lining), ovaries, fallopian tubes and surrounding pelvic structures. No radiation is involved at any stage.
Your scan is performed by Daniela Stan, MSc Medical Ultrasound, a consultant sonographer with 20+ years' experience in women's imaging.
Three Anatomical Regions
Each scan is tailored to your symptoms and clinical question. A standard pelvic assessment covers three regions in the same appointment.
Size, shape and position of the uterus. The endometrial lining is measured: a key reading for heavy periods, irregular bleeding and postmenopausal bleeding. Fibroids, polyps and the MUSA-defined direct features of adenomyosis are identified and described.
Both ovaries are checked for size, follicle pattern and the presence of cysts. Cysts are characterised by appearance: simple, complex, haemorrhagic or endometrioma. Polycystic ovarian morphology and adnexal masses are noted.
The pelvic cavity is reviewed for free fluid or unexpected masses. The bladder wall and volume are assessed where relevant. IUD/coil position is confirmed when requested.
Diagnostic Scope
A focused pelvic scan identifies the conditions responsible for the majority of gynaecological symptoms presenting in primary care.
Fluid-filled sacs on the ovaries are identified and characterised by size and internal appearance: simple, haemorrhagic, dermoid or endometrioma (often called a chocolate cyst, associated with endometriosis). Findings guide watchful waiting, follow-up imaging or specialist referral.
Fibroids (leiomyomas) are non-cancerous muscular growths of the uterus. Ultrasound documents their number, size and location (submucosal, intramural or subserosal). Location determines their impact on periods, fertility and the treatment options available.
NICE NG73 (updated November 2024) recommends offering transvaginal ultrasound to all women with suspected endometriosis, even when pelvic examination is normal. The scan identifies ovarian endometriomas and signs of deep endometriosis. A normal scan does not exclude endometriosis: gynaecology referral may still be appropriate.
The 2023 International PCOS Guideline raised the ultrasound threshold for polycystic ovarian morphology to ≥20 follicles per ovary, or ovarian volume ≥10 mL, when using a high-frequency transvaginal probe. Ultrasound contributes to the Rotterdam diagnosis alongside clinical and biochemical findings.
Adenomyosis occurs when endometrial tissue grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, causing heavy painful periods. The 2022 MUSA consensus distinguishes direct features (myometrial cysts, hyperechogenic islands, echogenic sub-endometrial buds) from indirect features (asymmetric thickening, fan-shaped shadowing). We report findings using this terminology.
Polyps are benign focal growths of the womb lining and a common cause of irregular bleeding. ACOG Committee Opinion 734 sets a transvaginal endometrial thickness of 4 mm or less as having more than 99% negative predictive value for endometrial cancer in postmenopausal bleeding. Measurements above this threshold prompt onward referral.
| Heavy periods | Fibroids, adenomyosis, polyps, endometrial thickening |
|---|---|
| Pelvic pain | Cysts, endometriomas, fibroids, free fluid |
| Irregular bleeding | Polyps, endometrial thickening, PCOS, fibroids |
| Bloating / fullness | Cysts, large fibroids, adnexal masses |
| Postmenopausal bleeding | Endometrial thickening, polyps, atrophy |
| Fertility (initial) | PCOS, endometriomas, fibroids, structural anomalies |
Procedure Types
A standard pelvic scan combines both methods. The transabdominal scan provides the wide pelvic overview; the transvaginal scan gives close-range detail of the uterus and ovaries.
| Aspect | Transabdominal (TA) | Transvaginal (TV) |
|---|---|---|
| How it is performed | Probe moved gently over the lower abdomen with gel | Sterile probe (about a finger's width) gently inserted into the vagina |
| Best for viewing | Overall pelvic anatomy, large fibroids, free fluid | Detailed uterus, endometrial lining, ovaries, early pregnancy |
| Preparation | Full bladder (drink ~1 litre of water 1 hour before) | Empty bladder for comfort |
| Image quality | Good wide view; limited detail for small structures | Higher resolution because the probe sits closer to the organs |
| Comfort | Non-invasive; very comfortable | Minimally invasive; usually comfortable; optional |
| When chosen on its own | Patient preference, virgo intacta, anatomical reasons | Rarely on its own; usually combined with a TA overview |
The transvaginal component is performed with full respect for your privacy. You undress from the waist down in private and remain covered with a sheet throughout. The probe is approximately a finger's width and is sheathed in a sterile cover. You can decline the transvaginal part at any time. Please tell the sonographer at the start of the appointment if you prefer a transabdominal-only scan; the diagnostic detail will be more limited, particularly for small endometriomas and detailed endometrial assessment.
When to Book
You don't need a GP referral. The most common reasons women self-refer are persistent pelvic symptoms that haven't been investigated, or findings at a routine examination that warrant imaging.
Lower abdominal or pelvic pain lasting more than a few weeks (sharp, dull or cyclical) should be imaged. Common causes include cysts, fibroids, adenomyosis and endometriosis.
Heavy periods, bleeding between periods, or new menstrual changes warrant imaging. The endometrial lining is assessed and structural causes (fibroids, polyps, adenomyosis) identified.
Any bleeding more than 12 months after the last period needs prompt imaging. The endometrial measurement directly informs whether further investigation is indicated.[2]
A baseline pelvic scan documents the uterus and ovaries before trying to conceive or starting treatment. For cycle-by-cycle monitoring, see follicular tracking.
Persistent bloating or a sensation of pressure in the lower abdomen can indicate ovarian cysts, large fibroids or, rarely, an adnexal mass. Ultrasound provides a quick answer.
If you cannot feel your IUD threads, or if you have new symptoms since insertion, a pelvic scan confirms coil position within the uterine cavity.
From Our Practice
Three patterns recur in our gynaecological imaging casebook. They shape the way we run the appointment, and they explain why earlier imaging is usually more useful than patients expect.
The most common pattern is a self-referrer in her thirties or forties who has had heavy painful periods for a year or more before booking. Symptoms have usually been put down to "just how my periods are". By the time she scans, fibroids may have grown to a size where uterine-sparing treatment options narrow, or the MUSA features of adenomyosis are already well established. None of this is alarming on its own (both are benign), but earlier imaging would have meant wider treatment choice.
Where consent is given, our standard protocol combines a transabdominal overview with a transvaginal close-up. The combined approach catches structures the transabdominal view alone misses: sub-centimetre endometriomas, endometrial polyps under 5 mm, and the early adenomyosis features defined by the 2022 MUSA consensus. We routinely use colour Doppler on any complex-appearing cyst because vascularity is a key descriptor in onward gynaecology referral.
We give verbal feedback at the end of the appointment because waiting in silence is not why anyone has booked. The structured written report follows within 24 hours rather than on the day, because the report is what GPs and gynaecologists actually act on. A same-day handwritten summary saves a few hours; a properly formatted report saves weeks of back-and-forth referrals.
These are general practice patterns described for context. Patterns are not diagnoses. Every patient's clinical picture is different, and any decisions about treatment or referral should be taken with a qualified clinician who has seen the full picture.
Before Your Appointment
Preparation is straightforward. Your booking confirmation will include the specific instructions for your appointment.
Transparent Pricing
One price. No hidden fees. Everything needed for a complete diagnostic assessment.
Combined transabdominal and transvaginal pelvic ultrasound. No booking fees, no separate report fees, no add-ons.
Insurance accepted: AXA, Healix, WPA. Please confirm cover with your insurer before booking.
Your Appointment
From booking to written report: short, structured, and built around the questions you actually want answered.
NHS vs Private
The clinical content of a pelvic ultrasound scan is the same in either setting. The differences lie in how you reach the scan, how quickly the report comes back, and who performs it.
| Aspect | NHS pathway | Sonoworld private scan |
|---|---|---|
| Referral | GP referral required | Self-referral; no GP needed |
| Time from referral to scan | The 6-week diagnostic standard for non-obstetric ultrasound is missed by many trusts.[5] | Same-day or next-day appointments routinely available |
| Time to written report | Typically 1–4 weeks after the scan | Within 24 hours, with verbal feedback at the appointment |
| Operator | NHS sonographer or radiologist (variable seniority) | Consultant sonographer with 20+ years' gynaecological imaging experience |
| Cost to you | Free at point of use | £235 all-inclusive; insurance also accepted |
| Onward referral | Within NHS system | GP- and specialist-ready report; refer to NHS or private as you choose |
Most of our self-pay patients arrive having already started, but not yet finished, the NHS pathway. A private scan does not replace NHS care. It gives you a structured report you can take into either system.
Why Sonoworld
Clinical depth, regulated environment, and a process designed to give you answers quickly.
Daniela Stan, MSc Medical Ultrasound, brings 20+ years of NHS and private experience in women's imaging. The same clinician performs and reports the scan.
Same-day and next-day appointments without a GP referral. When you've been worried about a symptom for weeks, waiting longer isn't the answer.
Every scan includes a structured written report and selected images within 24 hours, formatted for GP, gynaecologist or fertility-specialist review.
Patient Reviews
4.9 out of 5 · Based on Google reviews · last updated [DATE]
"I had been suffering from severe pelvic pain for months and the NHS wait was too long. I booked with Sonoworld and was seen the same day. Daniela was incredibly gentle and explained everything during the transvaginal scan. She found an ovarian cyst and put my mind at ease straight away. The report was sent to my GP the next day."
Verified patient · February 2026
"I booked a pelvic scan to check my coil position and investigate some irregular bleeding. The clinic is spotless and professional. Daniela was very respectful and made me feel completely at ease. She explained everything she could see on the screen. The written report was thorough and my GP was very impressed."
Verified patient · January 2026
"I visited Sonoworld for a fertility assessment before starting IVF. The antral follicle count and ovarian assessment were done thoroughly and the results were explained in a way I could actually understand. Daniela was warm, knowledgeable, and took time to answer all my questions. Highly recommend."
Verified patient · December 2025
Related Scans
If your symptoms cross more than one body region, these pages will help you pick the right scan first time.
Pelvic pain plus upper abdominal discomfort, bloating after meals, or digestive symptoms? The combined scan covers liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, uterus and ovaries in one appointment.
For women undergoing IVF, IUI or timed-conception cycles. Serial measurements of follicular development, with confirmation of ovulation timing.
A proactive women's health package combining pelvic, breast, thyroid and abdominal ultrasound in a single visit, with a consolidated report covering all four regions.
FAQs
Clear answers to the questions patients ask most often before booking.
References & Clinical Sources
This page is prepared by Daniela Stan, MSc Medical Ultrasound (HCPC registered), and reviewed by Sonoworld's gynaecological imaging team. Sonoworld is registered with the Care Quality Commission (rated Good) and the Information Commissioner's Office. Last clinically reviewed: April 2026.
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