A specialist pelvic ultrasound assessment for suspected endometriosis, including targeted evaluation of the ovaries, uterus, and pouch of Douglas using high-resolution equipment and a dedicated protocol.
Endometriosis affects approximately 1.5 million women in the UK — yet the average time from first symptoms to diagnosis remains over eight years. Chronic pelvic pain, painful periods, pain during intercourse, and unexplained fertility difficulties are frequently dismissed or attributed to other causes. A specialist endometriosis ultrasound scan at our Marylebone clinic, 29 Weymouth Street, provides a structured assessment that goes beyond a standard pelvic scan, using a dedicated protocol to evaluate the sites most commonly affected by endometriosis.
An endometriosis ultrasound scan is a targeted pelvic ultrasound examination performed using a specialist protocol designed to identify features associated with endometriosis. The scan assesses the ovaries for endometriomas (chocolate cysts), evaluates the uterus for adenomyosis, and examines the pouch of Douglas and uterosacral ligaments for signs of deep infiltrating endometriosis. The examination combines transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound to maximise diagnostic accuracy. While ultrasound cannot detect all forms of endometriosis — particularly superficial peritoneal disease — it identifies the most clinically significant lesions and provides essential information for gynaecological management. NICE guidelines recommend pelvic ultrasound as the first-line imaging investigation for suspected endometriosis.
Your sonographer takes a brief clinical history, noting the nature, timing, and severity of your symptoms to guide the examination protocol.
The scan begins with a transabdominal assessment of the uterus, ovaries, and bladder with a full bladder to provide an overview of pelvic anatomy.
A transvaginal scan is performed to provide high-resolution images of the uterus, ovaries, and pouch of Douglas. The sliding sign test assesses organ mobility and adhesions.
The uterosacral ligaments, rectovaginal septum, and bladder are systematically evaluated for deep infiltrating endometriosis using the dedicated BSGE-aligned protocol.
Findings are discussed with you immediately. A detailed written report with images is provided before you leave, suitable for sharing with your GP or gynaecologist.
Your sonographer will discuss key findings with you during and immediately after the scan. A written report detailing all findings — including measurements, cyst characteristics, organ mobility assessment, and any features of deep infiltrating endometriosis — is provided before you leave. The report is structured to support onward referral to a gynaecologist or BSGE-accredited endometriosis centre if required. Normal findings provide important reassurance. Where endometriosis features are identified, the report will clearly describe the extent and location of disease to guide your treatment discussion.
Our HCPC-registered sonographers are available Monday to Saturday. Results discussed immediately, written report within 24 hours.