Why Ultrasonography is Important?

By Dr. Preeti Naware, Consultant Gynecologist & Infertility Specialist

Ultrasonography — often simply called an ultrasound — is one of the most indispensable tools in modern women’s health care. As a gynecologist and obstetrician, I have witnessed firsthand how ultrasound transforms diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment in ways no other modality can.

What Is Ultrasonography?

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to generate real-time images of internal organs, tissues, and blood flow. It is safe, non-invasive, and does not use ionizing radiation. This makes it highly suited for repeated use, especially in sensitive areas such as the reproductive organs and during pregnancy.

Key Roles in Gynecology & Obstetrics

Pregnancy Monitoring & Fetal Assessment

From the moment pregnancy is confirmed, ultrasonography helps us track embryonic and fetal development. It enables us to:

• Confirm the gestational sac, fetal heartbeat, and viability
• Estimate gestational age and growth parameters
• Monitor amniotic fluid volume and placental position
• Detect multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets)
• Identify potential complications such as fetal anomalies, growth restriction, or placenta previa

Diagnosing Gynecological Conditions

In the non-pregnant state, ultrasound is vital for evaluating a broad range of women’s health issues:

• Uterine fibroids and polyps
• Ovarian cysts, masses, or tumors
• Endometriosis (especially through transvaginal ultrasound)
• Uterine anomalies (e.g. bicornuate uterus, septum)
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Pelvic inflammatory disease and adnexal pathology

Guiding Procedures & Treatments

Ultrasound is used during minimally invasive interventions for better accuracy and safety:

• Guided biopsies of pelvic masses
• Follicular monitoring during fertility treatments
• Aspiration of cysts or fluid collections
• Guidance during intrauterine procedures

Benefits of Ultrasonography

• Safe for Mother & Fetus — No radiation exposure, making it the modality of choice in pregnancy.
• Real-Time Imaging — Allows dynamic evaluation (movement, blood flow, pulsations).
• Repeatable & Accessible — Can be repeated frequently without harm, and is widely available in most clinics/hospitals.
• Cost-Effective — Less expensive than many imaging modalities (e.g. CT, MRI).
• High Diagnostic Efficiency — Gives clear, detailed imaging of pelvic structures, often obviating the need for more invasive diagnostics.

Limitations & Considerations

• Operator Dependency: The quality and interpretation of ultrasound depend heavily on the skill and experience of the sonographer or clinician.
• Limited Penetration: In obese patients or when bowel gas intervenes, the imaging quality may degrade.
• Resolution Constraints: Very small lesions ( a few millimeters) or deep‐seated structures may not be resolved well.
• False Positives/Negatives: Some findings may be ambiguous and require further evaluation (e.g. MRI or diagnostic laparoscopy).