How is an ultrasound performed? Why is it performed? Is it painful

Has your doctor recommended an ultrasound (Ultrasound) scan?
Don't worry — this is one of the safest and most widely used medical imaging techniques. In this comprehensive guide from Dalili Medical, we'll walk you through:

✅ What is an ultrasound (sonar)?
✅ When is it used?
✅ Is it safe?
✅ Do you need to prepare before the test?

What Is an Ultrasound (Sonar) Scan?

An ultrasound scan (also known as sonography) is a non-invasive imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of the body’s internal organs. Unlike X-rays, it doesn’t rely on radiation but uses sound waves that bounce off tissues and are converted into visual images on a monitor.

A small device called a transducer is placed on the skin and transmits sound waves into the body. A special gel is applied to the area being examined to improve contact and image quality.

When Is an Ultrasound (Sonar) Used?

Ultrasound is widely used across various medical fields, including:

1. Pregnancy Monitoring

Confirming pregnancy and checking it’s within the uterus
Estimating gestational age
Monitoring fetal growth and development
Determining the baby’s gender
Assessing amniotic fluid and placenta health

2. Abdominal and Pelvic Disorders

Evaluating the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, spleen, and pancreas
Detecting gallstones, cysts, or organ enlargement
Diagnosing appendicitis or abdominal masses

3. Gynecology and Obstetrics

Detecting ovarian cysts
Diagnosing pelvic inflammatory disease
Evaluating uterus and ovaries
Assessing endometrial thickness

4. Heart Evaluation (Echocardiogram)

Assessing heart valves, muscle function, and blood flow

5. Male Reproductive System

Checking for varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum)
Evaluating prostate size and testicular abnormalities

6. Vascular System (Doppler)

Measuring blood flow in arteries and veins
Detecting clots or poor circulation

Types of Ultrasound Scans

Different types of ultrasound are used depending on the area being examined:

✅ 2D Ultrasound
Standard black-and-white images used for general diagnostics and pregnancy.

✅ 3D Ultrasound
More detailed, depth-enhanced images — often used in fetal imaging.

✅ 4D Ultrasound
Real-time moving 3D images, mainly used in advanced fetal scans.

✅ Doppler Ultrasound
Evaluates blood flow through vessels, helping diagnose circulatory issues.

Steps of an Ultrasound Procedure

Before the Scan:

You may be asked to drink water and avoid urinating (especially for pelvic or pregnancy scans).
For abdominal ultrasounds, you might need to fast for several hours.
Wear comfortable clothes and remove jewelry from the area being scanned.

During the Scan:

You’ll lie down on an exam table.
A cool gel will be applied to your skin.
The technician will move the transducer across your skin to capture images.
You may feel slight pressure, but no pain.

Duration:

Ultrasound scans typically take 10–30 minutes, depending on the area being examined.

After the Scan:

You can resume normal activities right away.
If contrast wasn’t used, there are no side effects.

Is Ultrasound Safe?

Yes — ultrasound is considered one of the safest imaging techniques. It doesn’t use ionizing radiation, making it ideal for:

✅ Pregnant women
✅ Children
✅ Patients of all ages

It’s painless, repeatable, and doesn’t affect fertility or the fetus.

Comparison with Other Imaging Tests

Imaging Type	Technology	Key Features
Ultrasound	Sound waves	Safe, real-time, no radiation
X-Ray	Ionizing radiation	Fast, ideal for bones and chest
CT Scan	X-rays + Computer	3D images, quick and detailed
MRI	Magnetic + Radio waves	Best for soft tissue, no radiation

When Will I Get My Ultrasound Results?

In many cases, results are available immediately during or shortly after the scan.
A detailed report from a radiologist is usually ready within minutes to a few hours.
Results may be shared as a printed report, on CD, or via a digital portal or app.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

❓ Is the ultrasound scan painful?

No. The scan is completely painless. You might feel slight pressure or coldness from the gel.

❓ Can I eat or drink before the scan?

It depends on the type of ultrasound.

Abdominal scans often require fasting.
Pelvic scans may require a full bladder.

❓ Is ultrasound only for pregnancy?

No. It’s widely used to examine the abdomen, heart, blood vessels, reproductive organs, and more.

❓ Is it safe to repeat ultrasounds?

Yes — since there’s no radiation, repeated scans are safe and often necessary for monitoring.

Conclusion

Ultrasound (sonar) is a safe, effective, and non-invasive diagnostic tool used in modern medicine to examine vital organs and systems. Whether you're pregnant, experiencing abdominal pain, or being evaluated for heart or vascular conditions, ultrasound provides real-time, accurate imaging without the risks of radiation.

If your doctor recommends an ultrasound, there's no need to worry — it’s a smart first step toward accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.