Women's Ultrasound · Cardiff & Penarth

Female Pelvic & Ovarian ultrasound.

A detailed look at the womb, ovaries and pelvic structures — for pelvic pain, heavy or irregular periods, suspected fibroids, ovarian cysts, PCOS and endometriosis. Consultant sonographer-led, self-refer, with findings explained at your appointment.

Scans from £260 · self-refer, no GP letter needed
★★★★★ 4.9 from 376 Google reviews
Same-weekappointments available
Same-dayresults explained
Consultantsonographer-led
HIWregulated & insured
Specialist women's imaging

Clear answers, explained on the day

A pelvic ultrasound is the clearest first look at what's going on — for pelvic pain, heavy or irregular periods, suspected fibroids, ovarian cysts, PCOS or endometriosis. Too often women wait months for imaging, then weeks more for a letter to explain it.

At Acorn, a consultant sonographer talks you through what they're seeing as they scan, so you leave understanding your results. You'll get a written report within 24-48 hours with your digital images, plus onward referral if anything needs a closer look — and a female chaperone is present for every internal scan.

Based in Penarth, just outside Cardiff, we see women from across South Wales — with same-week appointments and results explained on the day.

What we look for

The female pelvis

A full look at the uterus, ovaries and surrounding pelvic structures — helping identify ovarian cysts, fibroids, endometrial polyps, polycystic ovaries and advanced endometriosis.

Uterus

Size, shape and position.

Endometrium

Lining thickness and polyps.

Fibroids

Number, size and location.

Right ovary

Follicles, cysts and masses.

Left ovary

Follicles, cysts and masses.

Fallopian tubes

Dilated tubes and hydrosalpinx, if abnormal.

Bladder

Wall and contents.

Pouch of Douglas

Free fluid and signs of endometriosis.

Common reasons people book

Reasons to book this scan

Pelvic pain
Heavy or irregular periods
Suspected ovarian cyst
Postmenopausal bleeding
Endometriosis assessment
Fibroid follow-up
Polycystic ovary (PCOS)
A thorough pelvic check
Before your scan

How to prepare

  • For the external scan, drink 1.5 pints of water in the hour before your appointment and do not empty your bladder.
  • For the internal scan, empty your bladder just beforehand. If you're booked for both, we scan externally first and you can empty your bladder in between.
  • Eat normally. No fasting is required unless an abdomen scan is included, and we'll tell you if so.
  • Bring any relevant blood test results, such as a CA125 or hormone profile.
Why the full bladder? For the external (transabdominal) scan it pushes the bowel out of the way and gives much clearer images of the uterus and ovaries. For the internal (transvaginal) scan the opposite is true, and an empty bladder is better.

A female chaperone is always present for transvaginal scans. If you'd rather have the external scan only, choose that option when you book.

What to expect

Your appointment, step by step

1

Arrive

Free street parking at Penarth, and a 5-minute walk from Penarth railway station.

2

Meet your sonographer

A short chat about your symptoms, cycle and history, and a decision together about which scans you need.

3

The scan (30-45 mins)

Warm gel for the external scan. If an internal scan is included you empty your bladder first, and a chaperone stays throughout.

4

Results on the day

The sonographer explains the findings as they scan and again at the end. A written report follows within 24-48 hours.

Meet your sonographers

Your scan, in expert hands

Your scan is carried out by one of our consultant sonographers, who explains what they're seeing as they go.

Ms Sophie Wong

BSc and PGDip
Consultant Sonographer

Ms Tamsin Davies

BSc PGDip
Consultant Sonographer
Transparent pricing

Simple, all-inclusive

Priced by how many areas are scanned in the appointment, not by how long it takes.

1 area

External or internal

£260
  • One scan type: external (transabdominal) or internal (transvaginal)
  • Results explained on the day, written report in 24-48 hrs
  • No GP referral required
Book 1 area
3 areas

External, internal & abdomen

£399
  • Full pelvis plus a complete abdomen scan
  • For pain that could be gynaecological or digestive
  • All three areas in one appointment
Book 3 areas

Want a different pair of areas? Internal plus abdomen, or external plus abdomen, both cost £360 — book the 2-area option above and tell the sonographer which two you need on the day. All prices include consultation, scan, written report, digital images and any onward referral if required.

Why women choose Acorn

Consultant sonographer-led, fast, close to home

Consultant sonographers

Your scan is performed by a consultant sonographer who explains findings as you go.

Results on the day

Findings explained as you go, with a written report in 24-48 hours.

Same-week access

Most appointments within 48-72 hours — no long waiting lists.

HIW regulated

Care held to high clinical standards, with a chaperone always present.

Frequently asked

Female pelvic ultrasound questions

How much does a private female pelvis ultrasound cost?

It depends on how many areas are scanned. £260 for one area (either the external or the internal scan), £360 for two areas (usually external and internal together), and £399 for three areas (external, internal and a full abdomen scan).

Can I mix which two areas I have?

Yes. Internal plus abdomen, or external plus abdomen, both count as two areas and cost £360. Book with the two-area option and tell the sonographer which two you'd like when you arrive.

Do I need an internal scan?

Not always. The external (transabdominal) scan answers many questions on its own. The internal (transvaginal) scan gives more detail on the ovaries, the endometrium and small fibroids. You choose when you book, and you can change your mind on the day.

Is the internal scan painful?

It's mildly uncomfortable rather than painful. The probe is narrow, gently inserted, and used with a sterile cover and lubricant. You can ask us to stop at any point.

Can the scan diagnose endometriosis?

Mild endometriosis is often invisible on ultrasound. Advanced disease, such as endometriomas and deep infiltration, can be seen. An MRI is sometimes needed to complete the picture.

Can the scan detect ovarian cancer?

Ultrasound shows features that are suspicious and that prompt further investigation, and it's often combined with a CA125 blood test. A diagnosis can only be confirmed with a biopsy.

Can I have a scan during my period?

Yes. Ultrasound can be done during menstruation. The internal scan may feel slightly less comfortable, and the external scan is unaffected.

Will the clinician be female?

Tell us when you book and we'll do what we can to arrange it. A female chaperone is present for every internal (transvaginal) scan regardless.

Do I need a GP referral, and how quickly can I be seen?

No referral needed — this is a self-referral scan you can book online. Most appointments are available within 48-72 hours.

Will I get a written report?

Yes. The findings are explained at your appointment, and a written report follows within 24-48 hours, along with your digital scan images.

Where to find us

Our Penarth clinic

Ultrasound clinic

Penarth

13 Washington Buildings, Stanwell Road,

Penarth, CF64 2AD

10 min from Cardiff city centre · Free street parking · 5-min walk from Penarth railway station
Mon-Thu 9-6 · Fri 9-5 · Sat 9-3

Please note: Ultrasound findings are explained at your appointment and in a written report. Some conditions cannot be seen on ultrasound and may need further investigation, such as an MRI or biopsy, to confirm a diagnosis. This page is general information, not medical advice.

Get the answers you need

Self-refer for a private female pelvic ultrasound in Penarth, near Cardiff — consultant sonographer-led, same-week, with results explained at your appointment and a written report within 24-48 hours.