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Women's Imaging Procedures and Services

Whether you need a routine mammogram or an MRI, ultrasound, or another scan your doctor orders, getting imaging tests can often feel overwhelming.

We understand the anxiety and worry that can go along with imaging tests. Our highly trained staff doesn’t just take your images — we see you and understand your concerns.

We provide comprehensive imaging services for both women and men. Our commitment to quality is the same, no matter your gender.

What Services Do You Offer?

Our services include universal imaging tests that anyone may need, and imaging tests specific to women and men.

Women’s Imaging Services

Our comprehensive women’s imaging services include preventative screenings and screenings for expectant mothers.

Breast imaging

One in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Early detection helps save lives. The American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging recommend all women should get screened for breast cancer every year, starting at age 40.

Screening tests include:

Sometimes, you may need additional imaging to check your breast health. Our board-certified radiologists use a variety of tests and procedures to examine your breasts.

These include:

In some cases, imaging technology may be used to obtain a biopsy of your breast tissue. These tests include:

Based on your test results, we may refer you to surgical services.

Fetal echocardiography

Pregnant people may need a fetal echocardiography to scan the hearts of:

  • Babies, in utero, for heart defects.
  • Pregnant people, for heart disease.

Your doctor may order fetal echocardiography if you're between 20 and 24 weeks of pregnancy and have had or have been diagnosed with:

  • Chromosome abnormalities and congenital heart disease (CHD).
  • Exposure to drugs and diseases.
  • Family history of CHD.
  • Increased risk of Down syndrome.

Obstetric ultrasound

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends all pregnant people get at least one obstetric ultrasound during pregnancy. Most expectant families look forward to ultrasounds to catch a glimpse of their baby in the womb.

We strive to make this an enjoyable and memorable event by providing:

  • A picture of your baby.
  • A few recorded minutes of your exam on video.
  • Attempt to determine the sex of your baby (if you want to know).

High-risk pregnancy

There’s also a serious side to these ultrasounds. Our board-certified perinatologists (doctors who specialize in high-risk pregnancy) use ultrasound to produce images that help doctors determine the size, shape, and position of the developing baby. An obstetric ultrasound can also diagnose certain gynecological problems.

Our experts are subspecialty-trained in maternal-fetal-medicine — the care of people with high-risk pregnancies. This additional training allows our experts to better identify problems linked to pregnancy. With this information, our experts can counsel you about what this means for your baby.

Our experts also have experience performing complex diagnostic and therapeutic procedures during pregnancy.

Uterine fibroid embolization

Uterine fibroids are the most common noncancerous tumors in the uterus. About 70% of White women and 80% of Black women have uterine fibroids.

Some uterine fibroids don’t cause any symptoms. But for many women, uterine fibroids can cause abnormal uterine bleeding or pelvic pain or pressure. If you have uterine fibroids, you may also experience constipation, an urge to pee often, infertility, or pregnancy complications.

Almost all fibroids get their blood supply from uterine arteries. Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure performed by an interventional radiologist that blocks blood flow to fibroids without injury to the uterus.

Men's Imaging Services

We also provide male-specific imaging services.

These include:

Universal Imaging Services

Women and men may need other imaging services throughout their lifetime. Your doctor may need images to check for short-term conditions, like an injury or illness. You may also need imaging to look for chronic or life-threatening conditions, including cancer, as well as cardiovascular, neurological, or musculoskeletal diseases.

Our universal imaging services include:

Why Choose UPMC for Women's Imaging Services?

Choosing an imaging center shouldn’t add to your stress and worry. We think these reasons can help you feel confident that you made the right choice.

Accurate, expert care

Our highly skilled staff and board-certified physicians use the latest imaging technology for faster, clearer readings. Getting the best images possible as soon as possible can lead to a more accurate diagnosis and more timely treatments.

Convenient hours and multiple testing locations

UPMC offers:

  • Clean, comfortable, private testing areas.
  • Extended hours, same-day, early morning, and weekend appointments.
  • Free or discounted parking and valet services at many locations.

State-of-the-art imaging technology

Our imaging services use the latest technology, including a 1.5T MRI, 64-slice CT, and 3D mammography.

Seamless continuum of care

Images are often an important piece in preventive care and in solving a health care puzzle. Our caring, knowledgeable, and efficient staff work with you and your doctor to integrate your imaging results into a seamless care plan. Our subspecialty-trained physicians collaborate with researchers in the Department of Radiology at the University of Pittsburgh.


Last reviewed by a UPMC medical professional on 2024-09-05.