The procedure typically takes 15 to 30 minutes. The length depends on the complexity and the specific areas being examined.
No, lower abdomen sonography is painless. The only discomfort might come from the pressure applied by the transducer as the technician moves it across the abdominal area, but it is generally well-tolerated.
Yes, in some cases, you may be asked to drink water beforehand to fill your bladder if the focus is on the pelvic organs. For abdominal imaging that involves the GI tract, you may need to fast for a few hours.
Yes, a lower abdomen ultrasound can detect abnormalities like tumors or masses in organs such as the ovaries, prostate, bladder, and kidneys. However, if an abnormality is found, further tests may be required to confirm the presence of cancer.