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Ultrasound & Imaging
Pelvic & Pregnancy Ultrasound in Los Angeles
The physician holding the probe is the one who reads it.
In most practices a technician performs the scan and someone you never meet writes the report, days later. Here, Dr. Kim performs the ultrasound himself and tells you what he is seeing while he is looking at it.
Medically reviewed by David Seil Kim, MD, PhD, FACOG · Last reviewed
Your physician
Why it matters who is scanning.
An ultrasound is not a photograph; it is an examination. The person moving the probe decides what gets looked at, and that decision is better made by someone who took your history ten minutes earlier and knows what he is looking for.
- ExperienceNearly 30 years in obstetrics & gynecology
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center15 years · OB/GYN residency faculty
- American Board of Obstetrics & GynecologyOral board examiner
- Los Angeles Magazine Top Doctor2020–2024 · 2026
What is performed here
Imaging, in the office, on the day.
All of the following are performed at Yunella rather than referred to an imaging centre. That means no second appointment, no second building, and no waiting on a report.
Gynecologic ultrasound
- Pelvic and transvaginal ultrasound for pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, masses and routine evaluation.
- Assessment of fibroids and polyps, ovarian cysts, and the thickness and appearance of the uterine lining.
- Saline infusion sonohysterography — a small amount of sterile saline outlines the uterine cavity so that polyps and fibroids inside it become clearly visible.
- Findings are explained during the appointment, not summarised in a report you receive later.
Early pregnancy
- Early pregnancy ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy is in the uterus, to date it accurately, and to see the heartbeat.
- For patients with bleeding, pain or a history of loss, this is often the most reassuring half hour of the first trimester — and it happens here rather than at an emergency room.
- Accurate dating early matters more than patients expect, because it sets every decision that follows.
- Continuing care: pregnancy care.
Pregnancy and bonding scans
- Ultrasound during pregnancy to follow growth, position, fluid and placental location, performed by Dr. Kim at prenatal visits rather than with a handheld Doppler.
- 3D and 4D bonding ultrasound after 20 weeks — not a medical scan, but unhurried time to see your baby, in a room kept for that purpose.
- Bonding sessions are included in the concierge maternity program.
- Whoever you want with you is welcome in the room.
Fertility imaging
- Antral follicle count — part of ovarian reserve testing, read alongside AMH rather than in isolation.
- Follicle monitoring during treatment cycles, so that timing is measured rather than estimated.
- Cycle-timed scans mean short, early appointments in a narrow window. Being close by matters more here than patients expect.
- Related: fertility care.
Waiting on a scan somewhere else?
If you have been referred out for pelvic imaging, tell us what was ordered. Most of it can be done here, usually sooner, and read with you the same day.
What to expect
How a scan works here.
- PreparationDepends on the scan. Some abdominal scans are done with a full bladder; transvaginal scans are not. You are told what applies when you book.
- Which typeAbdominal, transvaginal, or both. Transvaginal gives a much clearer view of the uterus and ovaries, particularly early in pregnancy. Nothing is done without explaining it first.
- DuringDr. Kim performs the scan and talks through what he is seeing as he sees it. Most take between ten and thirty minutes depending on what is being assessed.
- The screen is turned toward youFor pregnancy scans, you watch with him. For gynecologic scans, he shows you what he is describing rather than describing it in the abstract.
- AfterwardsYou leave knowing the findings. If something needs further evaluation, the next step is arranged before you go.
This page is general information and is not medical advice. Bonding ultrasound is non-diagnostic and does not replace medically indicated imaging. Which imaging is appropriate for you is a clinical decision made at your visit.
Explained
Each type of scan, and what it shows.
Which imaging is used for what, and what to expect from each. All of these are performed at Yunella by Dr. Kim.
Pelvic ultrasound
Imaging of the uterus, ovaries and surrounding structures, used to evaluate pelvic pain, abnormal bleeding, masses and a wide range of gynecologic symptoms.
Performed abdominally, transvaginally, or both, depending on what needs to be seen. Some abdominal scans require a full bladder, and you are told which applies when you book.
Transvaginal ultrasound
A slim probe placed in the vagina gives a much closer and clearer view of the uterus and ovaries than an abdominal scan. It is the standard approach for assessing the uterine lining, ovarian cysts, fibroid position and early pregnancy.
It does not require a full bladder — an empty one is more comfortable. Nothing is done without explaining it first.
Early pregnancy ultrasound
Performed in the first trimester to confirm the pregnancy is in the uterus, to date it accurately, and to see the heartbeat. Accurate dating early matters more than most patients expect, because it sets every decision that follows.
For patients with bleeding, pain or a history of loss, this scan is often the most reassuring half hour of the first trimester — and it happens here rather than in an emergency room.
Pregnancy ultrasound
Imaging through pregnancy to follow growth, fetal position, amniotic fluid and placental location. At Yunella these are performed by Dr. Kim during prenatal visits rather than with a handheld Doppler.
The screen is turned toward you and findings are described as they are seen. Continuing care: pregnancy care.
3D and 4D bonding ultrasound
Non-diagnostic scans performed after 20 weeks for the experience of seeing your baby, in a room kept for that purpose rather than squeezed into a prenatal visit. Whoever you want with you is welcome.
Bonding scans do not replace medically indicated imaging. Four sessions are included in the concierge maternity program.
Fertility and follicle monitoring
Serial scans during a treatment cycle to track follicle development and the uterine lining, so that timing is measured rather than estimated.
Monitoring means several short appointments within a narrow window, often early in the morning. Being close to the office matters more here than patients expect.
Antral follicle count
A count of the small resting follicles visible on ultrasound at the start of a cycle. It is one of the two main measures of ovarian reserve, read alongside AMH rather than in isolation.
It is performed by Dr. Kim as part of ovarian reserve testing, and the result is explained in the same appointment.
Saline infusion sonohysterography
A small amount of sterile saline is placed in the uterine cavity during a transvaginal ultrasound, outlining the cavity so that polyps and fibroids inside it become clearly visible.
It is more sensitive than a standard ultrasound for these findings, takes about fifteen minutes, and causes cramping similar to a period. It is performed in the office.
Questions
What patients ask first.
Who performs the ultrasound?
Dr. Kim does, in the office. He performs the scan himself rather than sending you to a technician whose images are read later by someone you never meet.
Do I need a full bladder?
For some abdominal pelvic scans, yes. For transvaginal scans, no — an empty bladder is more comfortable. We tell you which applies when you book, because it is a miserable thing to get wrong.
When will I get the results?
During the appointment. Dr. Kim reads the scan as he performs it and explains the findings before you leave, rather than sending a report days later.
What is a 3D or 4D bonding ultrasound?
A non-diagnostic scan after 20 weeks, done for the experience of seeing your baby rather than for medical assessment. It does not replace medically indicated imaging, and it is time set aside rather than squeezed into a prenatal visit.
Is ultrasound safe in pregnancy?
Ultrasound uses sound waves rather than radiation and has a long record of safe use in pregnancy when performed for medical reasons by a trained clinician. Scans here are performed by a physician with a clinical purpose.
What is the difference between an abdominal and a transvaginal ultrasound?
An abdominal scan images through the abdominal wall and often needs a full bladder. A transvaginal scan places the probe closer to the uterus and ovaries, giving a clearer view, and does not need a full bladder. Which is used depends on what needs to be seen.
Can I bring someone with me to a bonding ultrasound?
Yes. Bonding sessions are held in a room kept for that purpose, and whoever you want with you is welcome.
Where can I get a pelvic ultrasound in Los Angeles?
Yunella Women's Health performs pelvic, transvaginal, pregnancy and fertility ultrasound in the office on San Vicente Boulevard in Los Angeles, with scans performed and read by Dr. David Seil Kim during the same appointment.
More on coverage and cost: Insurance & Payment. General questions: FAQs.
Start here
See it with the person who can explain it.
Most imaging can be arranged within days, and read with you the same day it is done.
Or call (424) 404-8832 · 6330 San Vicente Blvd, Suite 418, Los Angeles, CA 90048