---
title: "I'm getting a deependometriosis scan"
date: 2026-08-02T22:36:00+10:00
author: Digital Team
canonical_url: "https://outsidetheboxcare.com.au/im-getting-a-deependometriosis-scan"
section: Site Content
---
#  I'm getting a deependometriosis scan 

What do I need to know?

 

 

 

  - [The scan](#the-scan)
- [How to prepare](#how-to-prepare)
- [On the day](#on-the-day)
- [Pain?](#pain)
- [Results](#results)
- [Negative scan?](#negative-scan)
 
 

 

 

 A plain-language guide to what this scan is, how to prepare, what to expect on the day, and how to make sense of your results — including a negative one.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 ## What the scan is

A specialist scan that looks deeper.

 

 

 

Persistent pelvic pain rarely has a single cause. It is best understood and best managed through a biopsychosocial and culturally sensitive lens — one that holds space for the physical, emotional, psychological, and social dimensions of your experience. This is the framework our whole team works within.

Treatment begins with understanding the drivers of your pain — not just prescribing to the symptom. From there, we build a personalised whole-self care plan that draws on both non-pharmacological and pharmacological strategies, and coordinates a team of practitioners around you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#### **Pelvic floor concerns?**

If you have a history of pelvic floor tightness or vaginismus, let the sonographer know and have a post-scan plan ready. Speak to Michelle Garland or your own pelvic health physio.

[**Contact Michelle →**](https://outsidetheboxcare.com.au/physiotherapy)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  ![Icon Vaginal Pessary](https://outsidetheboxcare.com.au/files/images/Icons/Icons-Red/Icon-Vaginal-Pessary.svg) 

### Transvaginal probe

A slim, wand-shaped probe with a sterile disposable cover. Smaller than a tampon applicator. Placed gently and moved at different angles to capture detailed images.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 ![Icon Pelvic Congestion Syndromew](https://outsidetheboxcare.com.au/files/images/Icons/Icons-Red/Icon-Pelvic-Congestion-Syndromew.svg) 

### What it looks at

The uterus, ovaries, bowel, uterosacral ligaments, and the space behind the uterus (pouch of Douglas) — areas where endometriosis most commonly grows deep.

 

 

 

**––– The scan looks for two types of endometriosis. –––**

 

 

 

 ![Icon Ovary with Cyst](https://outsidetheboxcare.com.au/files/images/Icons/Icons-Red/Icon-Ovary-with-Cyst.svg) 

Superficial endometriosis

### On the surface of pelvic structures

- On the ovaries (endometriomas)
- Surface of the uterus
- Peritoneum (pelvic lining)

Note: superficial lesions may not always be visible on ultrasound.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 ![Icon Fibroid Tumours](https://outsidetheboxcare.com.au/files/images/Icons/Icons-Red/Icon-Fibroid-Tumours.svg) 

Deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE)

### Growing deeper into tissue

- Uterosacral ligaments
- Bowel and rectum
- Bladder
- Pouch of Douglas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   ![Microscopic treated](https://outsidetheboxcare.com.au/files/images/Treated-Images/_3720x1650_crop_center-center_70_none_ffffff/10602/microscopic_treated.webp) ### **Why this scan matters:** 

RANZCOG now recommends transvaginal ultrasound as the first-line investigation for endometriosis — a significant shift away from requiring surgery to make a diagnosis. This scan, performed by an expert, can detect deep endometriosis with a high degree of accuracy.

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 ## How to prepare

Preparation makes a real difference.

Preparation requirements vary between imaging centres and depend on your history. The most important step is to contact the imaging centre directly when you book — they will tell you exactly what they need from you. Don't assume — ask.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

####   
**Before the scan**

Contact the imaging centre directly to confirm bowel prep and bladder requirements. Take paracetamol and ibuprofen one hour before. Bring a support person if you'd like.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 1. **Bowel preparation:** Some centres require a mini enema and/or laxative the night before or morning of the scan. This helps clear the bowel so the sonographer can see around it more clearly. Ask the imaging centre whether this applies to you — it will depend on your history and symptoms.
2. **Bladder filling:** Some centres ask you to arrive with a full bladder for the first part of the scan. Ask specifically — requirements vary.
3. **Timing:** The scan can be done at any point in your cycle, though some centres prefer just after your period. Check with your imaging centre.
4. **Take simple analgesia beforehand:** We recommend taking paracetamol and/or ibuprofen approximately one hour before your appointment. The scan can be uncomfortable, and having pain relief on board makes a difference.
5. **Bring your referral** and any previous scan results or specialist letters.
6. **Consider bringing a support person.** You are welcome to have someone with you — these appointments can be physically and emotionally significant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 ## On the day

What happens during the scan.

The scan typically takes 45–60 minutes. It is performed by a specialist sonographer and will usually include both an abdominal and a transvaginal component.

 

 

 

1. You'll be asked to complete a short history form about your symptoms and gynaecological background.
2. The abdominal scan is done first — gel is placed on your tummy and a probe is moved across the skin. You may be asked to have a full bladder for this part.
3. You'll then be asked to empty your bladder and change into a gown for the transvaginal scan.
4. The transvaginal probe — covered with a sterile disposable sheath — is gently placed inside the vagina. The sonographer will move it carefully at different angles to examine your uterus, ovaries, and surrounding structures. You can ask them to pause or stop at any time.
5. Images will be reviewed by a radiologist who will provide a written report to your doctor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  ![MRI Scan 2](https://outsidetheboxcare.com.au/files/images/Treated-Images/_2880x2880_crop_center-center_70_none_ffffff/17392/MRI-Scan-2.webp)  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 ## **Pain and discomfort**

It can be uncomfortable – here's how to prepare

Discomfort during a deep endometriosis scan is common, and for women with significant pelvic pain or tenderness, it can be quite uncomfortable. This is not something to push through silently — your feedback during the scan is valuable and helps the sonographer find areas of tenderness that guide the diagnosis.

Women with persistent pelvic pain or tight pelvic floor muscles may find that the scan triggers pelvic floor muscle spasm. This is a real and recognised response — not a sign that something has gone wrong.

You are always in control during this scan. You can ask to pause, adjust positioning, or stop at any point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  
**Take simple analgesia before and after.** Paracetamol and ibuprofen (taken together as directed) approximately one hour before your scan can significantly reduce discomfort. Plan to take something afterwards too — many women feel sore or crampy for a few hours following the scan.

  
**If you have tight pelvic floor muscles or a history of vaginismus or pelvic floor dysfunction,** please mention this to the sonographer before the scan begins. Have a plan in place for afterwards — this might include gentle breathing techniques, a warm pack, and rest. A follow-up with your pelvic health physiotherapist, or with our own [Michelle Garland](https://outsidetheboxcare.com.au/physiotherapy), can be really helpful for managing pelvic floor muscle spasm after the scan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 ## Your results

What happens after the scan

Your written report will be sent to us after your scan. Your results will be discussed with you at your follow-up appointment, where we will talk through the findings and what they mean for your care plan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  
**If something concerning is found**, the imaging centre will contact you or your doctor before your scheduled follow-up — you will not be left waiting if anything requires urgent attention.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 ## When the scan is negative

No cause found – what does it mean?

Receiving a normal or negative scan result when you are living with significant pain can be one of the most difficult and confusing experiences. It can feel like the scan has said your pain isn't real — but that is not what it means.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  
If symptoms persist despite treatment, further assessment — including referral to a gynaecologist or consideration of laparoscopy — may be the next step. We will guide you through that conversation at your follow-up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 ## **Understanding a negative result**

A negative scan does not mean no disease.

Even specialist transvaginal ultrasound has real limitations. Superficial endometriosis — which sits on the surface of pelvic structures rather than growing deep into tissue — is often not visible on ultrasound, regardless of how skilled the sonographer is. The RANZCOG Living Evidence Guideline on Endometriosis is clear on this point: a negative ultrasound does not exclude superficial peritoneal disease.

Where a scan is negative but your symptoms strongly suggest endometriosis, we may continue to treat on a **presumptive clinical diagnosis** — meaning we treat based on your symptoms and history, even without imaging confirmation. This is supported by clinical guidelines and is a legitimate, evidence-informed approach.

We acknowledge that this can be hard. When nothing is seen, it can feel as though you are back where you started — without the certainty of a clear answer. We want you to know that a negative scan does not close the door. It is one piece of information, and your pain and experience remain at the centre of your care regardless of the result.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  
If symptoms persist despite treatment, further assessment — including referral to a gynaecologist or consideration of laparoscopy — may be the next step. We will guide you through that conversation at your follow-up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  ![Icon Pelvic Pain](https://outsidetheboxcare.com.au/files/images/Icons/Icons-Red/Icon-Pelvic-Pain.svg) 

**11.4%**  
estimated prevalence of endometriosis in Australian women

 

 

 

 ![Icon Ovarian Endometrrioama](https://outsidetheboxcare.com.au/files/images/Icons/Icons-Red/Icon-Ovarian-Endometrrioama.svg) 

**~30–50%**   
of endometriosis cases may not be detectable on ultrasound alone

 

 

 

 ![Icon Ovarian Cancer Risk](https://outsidetheboxcare.com.au/files/images/Icons/Icons-Red/Icon-Ovarian-Cancer-Risk.svg) 

**7+ years**  
average delay from symptoms to diagnosis in Australia

 

 

 

*Statistics informed by the* [*RANZCOG Australian Living Evidence Guideline: Endometriosis*](https://ranzcog.edu.au/resources/endometriosis-clinical-practice-guideline/)