Pelvic ultrasound/ovarian scan questions...

Doctors and medical students alike really ought to treat patients with dignity and respect, rather than acting like they're just livestock or a slab of meat—which, unfortunately, still happens way too often in some parts of America. Thankfully, there are plenty of wonderful physicians (and students) 🙂, but I can't help but wonder about the ones who are absolutely terrible at communicating or showing basic empathy. What on earth drives someone to go into medicine if that's their attitude? 😕
Is there any way to actually win them over?

Ugh, honestly, I have zero interest in going to Mayo Clinic—I can't deal with being stared at by a bunch of med students while I'm trying to get things done. Does anyone know a different hospital where I can actually get this taken care of? Somewhere with a doctor who’s actually competent too...

You could certainly get that taken care of over in Springfield; they have gynecological clinics there too, though I can't really give you a specific doctor's name to go to. To be honest, I know an excellent physician in that area, but he specializes strictly in prenatal care, so I'm not entirely sure if he sees patients who aren't pregnant.

You could always opt for private care, though there's a catch. Let's be honest: many private practices don't carry the high-end diagnostic equipment you'll find in major hospitals, and you occasionally run into doctors who lack real depth when it comes to interpreting ultrasounds. That said, it isn't a universal rule; there are certainly private practitioners who possess both the advanced tech and the necessary expertise. You can always find specialized clinics staffed by physicians who have spent decades honing their skills in large hospital systems, much like Julia or Vila might

Student said:Look, I'm sorry, but Petrov University is a teaching hospital—period. If you've got a problem with fifth-year medical students being part of the process, then by all means, go find a private clinic!

If you ask me, stay away from those private clinics for your ultrasounds—honestly, it’s probably not worth it. Most of them are working with outdated equipment that's seen better days, and let’s be real, the technicians there usually lack the hands-on experience you actually need. It’s like trying to fix a high-end PC with a screwdriver you found in a junk drawer—you might get lucky, but why take the risk?
Look, I’m telling you—don't just wander into any random state-run hospital and hope for the best. Seriously, skip the general ward shuffle. You need to find an experienced specialist who actually knows their stuff—someone who's been around the block a few times.

🤔

Another total disaster, ha 😉

Betty Bennett10, if you happen to have a phone number for one of those clinics, could you shoot it over to me in a DM? If you have it, obviously.

So, here’s the deal: I want to get an ultrasound just to be safe. My periods are incredibly painful and my ovulation hurts sometimes too. I know that can be normal, but I worry it might be a sign of something else, like endometriosis or a cyst, God forbid.

I got a referral, but I honestly can't make out the handwriting. I'm about 90% sure it's for a transvaginal ultrasound 😁. My question is: how should I prepare for that specific type (is it the same as a standard pelvic exam or...?); and for those who know—where is the best place to go in Chicago, and what are the wait times like?

If anyone has any other helpful tips from their own experience, please feel free to share...

Elizabeth Jackson64 said:Basically, I want to get an ultrasound just to be safe. My periods are brutal and ovulation hurts sometimes too. I know it's usually normal, but it could also be a sign of something else—God forbid—like endometriosis or a cyst.

I got a referral, but I can't make out the handwriting. Pretty sure it's a transvaginal ultrasound though, like 90% certain 😁. My question is: how do you prep for that kind of thing (is it like a regular OBGYN exam or...?), and for those who know—where's the best place to go in Chicago, and what are the wait times like?

If anyone has any other useful info from experience, please chime in...

Prep is exactly the same as a standard gynecological exam.👍
It's nothing scary; it’s just a little "camera" using the "entrance" to scan your internal organs.
If you go to a private clinic, you shouldn't have to wait at all, and it usually costs around $100.

Melissa Martinez5 said:Just prep like you would for any regular OB-GYN appointment. Nothing special.👍
It’s really not that big of a deal. It’s just a little "camera" poking around the "entrance" to get a good look at your insides.
If you go through a private clinic, I don't think you'll be stuck waiting around at all, but man, that price tag... it’s gonna hit ya. $100.

So, I basically guessed my way through that transvaginal ultrasound, and it wasn't until just now that I finally made a decision—only to find out I actually have PCOS.
Honestly, I can't tell if things were actually worse before I knew the truth, or if they just feel unbearable now that I finally do.
Look, I'm telling you—just get going already. Seriously. Don't mess around when it comes to your health.

Elizabeth Jackson64 said:I got this referral that’s basically illegible, but I’m about 90% sure it’s for a transvaginal ultrasound 😁. My question is: how should I prepare for that specific kind of scan (is it like a standard gynecological exam or...?), and for anyone who knows—where is the best place to get this done in Chicago, and what are the wait times usually like?
...

Well, if you're a virgin, they won't do a transvaginal scan; instead, they'll just perform the ultrasound over your abdomen.
The vaginal probe itself is shaped a little bit like a small remote control.
It’s pretty straightforward—you just show up, lie down, and try to relax. The doctor is supposed to put a condom cover over the probe and gently insert it. You should be able to see your uterus and ovaries on the monitor right next to the bed.
Honestly, it isn't scary or even that awkward. If you feel comfortable with your doctor, they can actually show you things, like whether you're ovulating or if you can see the corpus luteum and stuff like that.
Personally, I always go to private clinics for my ultrasounds, so I really can't recommend any of the public hospitals or government facilities.

I am not a virgin... I take my health very seriously, so I've been referred for an ultrasound... specifically using a vaginal probe.
I'm not seeing a private doctor; my clinic gynecologist wrote me a referral, which means I have to go to a hospital somewhere in the city. I'm not sure if I should go to Mount Sinai—I know that one relatively well—or somewhere else? I've honestly never been to a major facility like Mayo Clinic or anything similar, so I’d really appreciate any advice. Thanks for all the previous posts here. 🙂
So, I have a referral through Social Security Administration and I also have supplemental insurance, if that matters... will I end up having to pay out of pocket, maybe like 50-$33? (Just guessing at the price, if there even is one)

@Melissa Martinez5/">@@Melissa Martinez5: You've got me a little worried now... was painful menstruation or occasional ovulation pain your only symptom of PCOS?? (sniff...) Because my cycles are usually regular; it's just that the pain has gotten worse over the last six months... maybe because I've become sexually active within the last year. 🤷

And one more quick question... is it better to schedule this right after my period when everything is "cleaner," or does it not matter as long as I'm not currently on it?

Elizabeth Jackson64 said:1. So, I have a referral through the Social Security Administration and I also have supplemental health insurance, if that even matters... will I end up having to pay an extra 50-$33? (just guessing the price, assuming there even is one)

2. @Melissa Martinez5: you really scared me there... was painful periods and occasional ovulation pain your only PCOS symptom?? (sigh...) because my cycles are usually totally regular, it's just that the pain has gotten way worse over the last six months... maybe because we've been sexually active this past year.. 🤷

3. and, one more little question.. is it better to schedule the appointment right after my period ends when everything is "cleaner," or does it not matter as long as I'm not currently on it?

1. I don't think so; if there is a fee, it should be something minor, but definitely bring some cash just in case.

2. Don't stress too much about the PCOS; there are definitely worse things out there than that. 😉

3. Try to go around day 10-15; they might be able to check your ovulation then too.😉

Elizabeth Jackson64 said:So, I’ve got my referral through Social Security Administration and I have supplemental insurance too, if that even matters... will I end up paying like $50-$33? (Just guessing the price, if there even is one)

Also, quick question... is it better to schedule this right after my period when everything is "cleaner," or does it not matter as long as I'm not actually bleeding?

If you have a referral and supplemental coverage, you shouldn't have to pay a dime. For the ultrasound, they usually book you based on your last period. You always want to get an ultrasound done during the first half of your cycle—ideally within those first 10 days right after your period ends—because some girls start ovulating pretty early. 🙂 You can get it done at places like Mercury, Vinogradska, or Petrov... (but not at Rib).

Edit: My advice? Don't go overboard eating right before the appointment (don't want your bowels being super full).

I mean, I guess... why would someone even need to head all the way to the hospital just for an ultrasound? 🤷
Most gynecologists have their own ultrasound machines right there in their outpatient clinics anyway.

Before my little guy finally had his ultrasound, I used to head over to the local vineyard whenever it was necessary—I remember thinking everything was just perfectly fine back then. Ljičnik was such a clean, orderly place, too; honestly, if I could have moved right next door to him, I probably would have!

Jamie Davis17 said:Why go all the way to the hospital for an ultrasound? Most OB-GYN clinics have them on-site anyway.🤷

My gynecologist just opened a new clinic (I live just outside the city, not right in downtown Chicago), and they have an ultrasound machine, but it isn't set up yet.🙄 😁

hiddenscout362: Honestly, I am worried. I’m really hoping nothing comes back wrong since my only partner is perfectly healthy, and there isn't any history of gynecological issues in my family. So... I don't know how much weight that carries, but I'm staying hopeful 🙂

Also, thanks for the suggestions. So, should I look toward Mayo Clinic or maybe a specialist near Mercy Hospital or something over by the local clinic? It’s still a bit of a mystery where I'll end up going 😬. It sounds like I shouldn't have to pay out of pocket, which is great. Still, I'll bring some cash just in case, since this is a specialist visit. I won't eat a full meal—just some tea and maybe a piece of toast or something light. I know you usually need a full bladder for a standard ultrasound, does that apply to this one too? And does anyone know if I can schedule this for the afternoon, or is it strictly an early morning thing? :S

Elizabeth Jackson64 said:I know you usually need a full bladder for a standard ultrasound, but does that rule apply to this one too?

Actually, I don't think you need it to be full... though, honestly, they'll probably just tell you to go hit the restroom before they even start anyway. 😉

Alright, sounds good... I just have one more question regarding scheduling. What time of day does this usually take place? Is there any flexibility for an afternoon or midday slot, or is it strictly morning appointments only?