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This article addresses a sensitive health topic. Content has been reviewed for clinical accuracy and cultural appropriateness in accordance with Korea's healthcare regulations.
This content is published by DoctorsInKorea.com for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed KMA physician for personalised guidance.
Ultrasound imaging uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of internal organs, blood vessels, and soft tissues. It is safe, painless, and does not use radiation — making it suitable for all ages including pregnant women.
Ultrasound imaging works by emitting high-frequency sound waves from a handheld transducer placed against the skin. These waves bounce off internal structures and return to the transducer, which converts them into real-time images on a monitor. Ultrasound is versatile, portable, and involves no ionizing radiation, making it one of the safest diagnostic tools available.
Abdominal ultrasound is commonly used to evaluate the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, spleen, and pancreas. Pelvic ultrasound assesses the uterus and ovaries in women, while scrotal ultrasound is used to evaluate testicular conditions. Doppler ultrasound measures blood flow in vessels and is used to detect deep vein thrombosis, arterial disease, and cardiac valve abnormalities. Obstetric ultrasound is essential during pregnancy for foetal development monitoring, dating the pregnancy, detecting anomalies, and assessing the placenta.
In Korea, ultrasound scans are available at all major hospitals, community health centres, private clinics, and specialist imaging centres. Preparation varies by type: abdominal ultrasound requires fasting for 4–6 hours; pelvic ultrasound requires a full bladder; obstetric scans may require a full bladder in early pregnancy. The procedure is painless — patients lie on an examination table while the radiologist or sonographer applies gel to the skin and moves the transducer across the area.
Key Points
- Uses sound waves — no radiation, safe for all ages including pregnant women
- Real-time images of organs, blood vessels, and soft tissues
- Different types: abdominal, pelvic, obstetric, cardiac (echocardiogram), Doppler
- Preparation varies: fasting, full bladder, or no preparation depending on scan type
- Takes 15–45 minutes; results often reviewed immediately
- Cannot penetrate bone or air-filled structures — complemented by MRI or CT
Causes & Risk Factors
- Abdominal pain, bloating, or suspected gallstones or kidney stones
- Monitoring pregnancy — foetal growth, dating, anomaly screening
- Evaluation of thyroid nodules, lymph nodes, or neck masses
- Pelvic pain, irregular periods, or suspected ovarian cysts
- Assessment of testicular lumps or pain
- Deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease evaluation (Doppler)
When to See a Doctor
- If you experience unexplained abdominal pain, bloating, or changes in bowel habits
- For routine pregnancy monitoring — first scan typically at 10–14 weeks (dating scan)
- If you feel a lump in the abdomen, thyroid, or testicles
- If you have swelling, pain, or redness in a limb — to rule out deep vein thrombosis
- As part of a routine gynaecological check-up or evaluation of menstrual problems
- Before certain interventional procedures requiring ultrasound guidance
For emergencies in Korea, call 119
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This content is published for educational purposes only. For accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment, consult a licensed KMA physician in Korea.
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Medical Disclaimer
This article is published by DoctorsInKorea.com for educational and informational purposes only. It does not replace a professional clinical evaluation by a licensed healthcare provider. For accurate medical diagnosis and personalised treatment paths, please book an appointment with a licensed KMA physician. For immediate life-threatening medical emergencies in Korea, please call 119.
Sources & References
Last reviewed: May 29, 2026