---
title: "Ultrasound Imaging"
url: https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/u/ultrasound-imaging/
description: "An ultrasound exam (or \"sonogram\") is a painless diagnostic technique that makes use of how sound waves travel through the body. When sound waves pass..."
---

# Ultrasound Imaging

An ultrasound exam (or "sonogram") is a painless diagnostic technique that makes use of how sound waves travel through the body. When sound waves pass through the body, they bounce off tissues and organs in certain ways. The reflected waves can be used to make images of the organs inside. The sound waves don't hurt the body, and there's no radiation.

Archived from the 2024 edition

## Overview

Ultrasound imaging may be done in the health provider's office, in the hospital, or in an outpatient facility. The reason for the study and details of the case will help decide where the test should be done.

In most cases, very little needs to be done before an ultrasound exam. The patient lies on the exam table. A clear, water-based gel is put on the skin over the part to be checked. This gel helps the sound waves go through the body. A hand-held probe ("transducer") is then moved over that part. For prostate ultrasound exams, a specially designed probe is inserted into the rectum.

## In this entry

The archived page carried these sections, in this order.

- Types of Ultrasounds
- Evaluation of Infertility
- Evaluation of the Female Urethra
- Pediatric Urology
- Evaluation of Blood Flow
- Explore Further

## Other entries in Tests, Imaging and Procedures

- [Angiography](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/a_/angiography/)
- [Biopsy](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/b/biopsy/)
- [Complete Blood Count (CBC)](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/c/complete-blood-count-(cbc)/)
- [Contrast and Radionuclide Cystography](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/c/contrast-and-radionuclide-cystography/)
- [CT Scan](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/c/ct-scan/)
- [Cystometry](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/c/cystometry/)
- [Cystoscopy](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/c/cystoscopy/)
- [Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urology-a-z/m/magnetic-resonance-imaging-(mri)/)

### Source of this entry

- Original address**/urology-a-z/u/ultrasound-imaging/**
- Edition**2024 edition**
- Group**Tests, Imaging and Procedures**

### This is not medical advice

These pages are archived reference copies of material published on this domain. They are not medical advice, not a diagnosis and not a substitute for talking with a health professional.

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- [About OAB](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/its-time-to-talk-about-oab/about-oab/)
- [Overactive Bladder: Patient Guide](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/overactive-bladder/)
- [Urologic Conditions](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/urologic-conditions/)
- [Educational Materials](https://itstimetotalkaboutoab.org/educational-materials/)

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