Pelvic Ultrasound in Toronto & the GTA
A scan of the bladder and the organs around it. You set the pace, and you can ask questions at any point.
At a glance
- How long
- About 20 to 45 minutes depending on the exam
- How to prepare
- See the steps below Full instructions
- Cost
- Covered by OHIP With a requisition. Without OHIP from $145
- Results
- 24 to 48 hours Report sent to your doctor
A pelvic ultrasound is a scan of the lower belly that uses sound waves to make pictures of the bladder and the organs around it. For women that means the uterus and ovaries, and for men the bladder and prostate. It uses no radiation. You need a full bladder, which works like a window for the sound waves.
For women, a pelvic ultrasound sometimes has a second, internal part called a transvaginal scan. It gives a closer view of the uterus and ovaries. We explain it below so nothing comes as a surprise.
Why your doctor might order it
- To look into pelvic pain or changes in your periods
- To check the uterus and ovaries, or the bladder and prostate
- To follow up on something found during a physical exam or an earlier test
How to prepare
- Drink 4 glasses (1 litre) of water, finishing 1 hour before your appointment.
- Do not go to the washroom, you need a full bladder for this exam.
- You may eat as usual.
- Wear a two-piece outfit so you only need to lower your waistband or change your bottom half.
What happens at your appointment
- Arrive at least 15 minutes early with your health card and your signed requisition.
- You lie on your back on the exam table. The sonographer puts warm gel on your lower belly.
- A small handheld probe moves across your skin with gentle pressure. With a full bladder this can feel uncomfortable, but it does not last long.
- If a transvaginal scan is part of your exam, you empty your bladder first and the sonographer explains each step before it starts.
- When the pictures are done you can go to the washroom, get dressed and carry on with your day.
- A radiologist reads your images. Your results are sent securely to your referring provider, who will review them with you.
How long: About 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the exam.
Cost and OHIP coverage
With a valid Ontario health card and a requisition, this exam is covered by OHIP. There is no charge for the exam, the report or your images.
Without OHIP, Bluewater's cash fee schedule lists these prices as of October 2026: pelvic ultrasound $145, transvaginal ultrasound $145, and pelvic plus transvaginal $290. The full list of self-pay prices is on our Insurance & Billing page.
About the transvaginal (internal) scan
A transvaginal ultrasound is done from inside the vagina instead of over the belly. A thin probe, about as wide as a finger or two, is covered with a fresh protective cover and gel and placed gently into the vagina. Because it sits closer to the uterus and ovaries, the pictures are often more detailed.
For this part you empty your bladder first and undress from the waist down in private, with a sheet to cover yourself. Most people feel pressure rather than pain. If anything hurts, say so and the sonographer can adjust or stop.
This part is internal, and it is your choice. Before anything starts, the sonographer explains what will happen and you can ask any question. You can say no, or ask to talk it over with staff first. If you would prefer a female sonographer, ask when you book and we will accommodate the request wherever staffing allows.
- Questions about whether a transvaginal scan will be part of your exam? Ask when you book, or call our call centre at 416-462-0064.
- To ask whether a chaperone can be in the room for the internal scan, call 416-462-0064 before your appointment.
Where to have it done
- 123 Edward Street 123 Edward Street, Suite 600, Toronto Book
- Eglinton Avenue East 150 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 301, Toronto Book
- Etobicoke 3170 Lake Shore Blvd West, Suite 101, Etobicoke Book
- Keele & Ingram 2221 Keele Street, Suite 106, North York Book
- Lawrence & Dufferin 960 Lawrence Ave. West, Suite 203, North York Book
- Scarborough 1371 Neilson Road, Suite 309, Scarborough Book
- University Heights 1275 Finch Ave W, Suite 114, North York Book
- Woodbridge 4600 Highway 7 West, Unit LL30, Woodbridge Book
- Belleville 210 Dundas Street East, Suite 301, Belleville Book
- Port Hope 249 Ontario Street, Suite 110, Port Hope Book
Common questions
How much water should I drink before a pelvic ultrasound?
Drink 4 glasses of water, about 1 litre in total, and finish them 1 hour before your appointment. Then do not go to the washroom, because the exam needs a full bladder. You may eat as usual.
What if I really cannot hold my bladder?
Tell the front desk or your sonographer right away. They see this every day and will tell you what you can do. Please ask before emptying your bladder, since you may otherwise need to drink again and wait.
Does a transvaginal ultrasound hurt?
Most people feel pressure rather than pain, a bit like a pelvic exam. If anything hurts, tell your sonographer. They can slow down, adjust or stop at any time.
Can I say no to the internal part of a pelvic ultrasound?
Yes. The sonographer explains the transvaginal scan before it starts, and you can ask questions, take a moment, or decline. If you are unsure, talk it over with the staff or with the provider who ordered your scan.