Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Was the sonographer being a creep?

251 replies

Owlmoonstar · 20/10/2025 20:47

I had an ultrasound scan today to investigate pelvic pain.

Firstly it was external, like a typical pregnancy scan.

And then I was asked if I would like an internal exam, which I agreed.

During the internal scan, the sonographer (a man) touched my bum cheeks in a bit of a weird way.

If you can imagine the way your hand would grip the device, he then released his index and little finger and was kinda jiggling the skin near my bum crack.

He also did an in and out motion with the device, as one would with a dildo.

I don't know if I'm overthinking everything. It felt off at the time. But obviously I was just all kinda tensed up, staring at the ceiling trying to wish the entire procedure was over. Same as when you have a smear test. It's just an uncomfortable, unpleasant situation in general.

I just wanted to get it all off my chest and have some feedback really.

Having a scan, in an intimate area feels generally vulnerable, so I'm not sure if I'm being silly.

OP posts:
NinaGeiger · 20/10/2025 20:55

Really difficult to say but I had a few internal scans in pregnancy and they never did anything like that. Sometimes the scan hurt a bit but they sort of explained what they were doing and said "sorry that probably pinched". But I appreciate it was a different reason for a scan.
I can sort of imagine there might be things they need to do to get the best image so maybe it was innocent but I also believe in trusting your gut.

Also I think as a healthcare professional myself it's not great he wasn't explaining what he was doing eg "I just need to take out and reinsert it for xyz reason."

So basically this comment is zero help, sorry

PeachyKoala · 20/10/2025 20:56

I had an internal ultrasound when donating eggs and they did have to slide the device in and out and change angle a couple of times to get the best views of my ovaries.

SewingBees · 20/10/2025 20:58

PeachyKoala · 20/10/2025 20:56

I had an internal ultrasound when donating eggs and they did have to slide the device in and out and change angle a couple of times to get the best views of my ovaries.

Yes, similar experience here, on several different occasions. It felt like I was being somewhat stretched internally at times.

Cece92 · 20/10/2025 20:58

It really depends OP I’ve had a few internals and like PP said they had to go in and out. I’ve had to sit with my hand under my bum aswell as I have a tilted uterus so need be at a different angle. X

Nightingaille · 20/10/2025 21:01

Did you have a chaperone in the room with you?

Iwanttobuticant · 20/10/2025 21:01

I had the same procedures very recently. The sonographer was a woman. At no point did she touch any part of my body with her hand. The device used for the internal ultrasound does get moved about while they are scanning. The in and out may have been him trying to get through your cervix? I have to say my sonographer was straight in no trouble and I have a funny cervix which plays silly beggars when I have a smear. I don't know whether he was inappropriate or not, but I certainly would not have liked being touched like that.

Original poster
Owlmoonstar · 20/10/2025 21:01

NinaGeiger · 20/10/2025 20:55

Really difficult to say but I had a few internal scans in pregnancy and they never did anything like that. Sometimes the scan hurt a bit but they sort of explained what they were doing and said "sorry that probably pinched". But I appreciate it was a different reason for a scan.
I can sort of imagine there might be things they need to do to get the best image so maybe it was innocent but I also believe in trusting your gut.

Also I think as a healthcare professional myself it's not great he wasn't explaining what he was doing eg "I just need to take out and reinsert it for xyz reason."

So basically this comment is zero help, sorry

I think this is a sensible way to think of things. It would have been nice if he was more vocal.

It definitely felt off. Especially where his fingers were. And the in and out was definitely not giving me the impression it was to re-manoeuvre. It was done in a subtle way.

OP posts:
Try2makeadifference · 20/10/2025 21:02

Were you offered a chaperone? That should be a prerequisite. If not you need to make a complaint as it is not acceptable.

Original poster
Owlmoonstar · 20/10/2025 21:02

Nightingaille · 20/10/2025 21:01

Did you have a chaperone in the room with you?

There was a female assistant behind the screen

OP posts:
Dreamerinme · 20/10/2025 21:02

Did he not ask you if you would like a chaperone? I have had 3-4 internals done in NHS hospitals and there was even signs offering this on the wall.

One time I was asked to put my hands under my bottom to tilt my pelvis, and they can adjust the probe a bit in/out/sideways, but I don’t think he should have been putting his own hand near your ‘butt crack.’ Whether this was innocent or not I don’t know.

YaWeeFurryBastard · 20/10/2025 21:05

Maybe I’m old fashioned but I personally don’t think men should be performing internal scans/examinations unless it’s an emergency. It’s difficult to say OP whether this was a man with bad intentions but the fact you’re feeling uncomfortable is enough, I’d have felt the same.

Ukelelesolo · 20/10/2025 21:06

I’ve had loads of internal scans (more than 50 at a guess) and the in and out motion sounds normal but what is concerning is that he did not explain what he was doing g or try to put you at ease. I’ve had internal scans by male medical staff with no chaperone and felt entirely safe. And one creepy man who creeped me out even with a chaperone there.

@PeachyKoala thank you - a woman like you helped me become a mother.

Branleuse · 20/10/2025 21:08

If it felt like he was being creepy then he probably was.

kab89 · 20/10/2025 21:10

When you say the chaperone was behind the screen do you mean that they couldn't see the procedure.

Glitchymn1 · 20/10/2025 21:11

I’ve had one, it was awful and yes it is like a dildo. Excruciating experience, I just needed to pee the whole time. I was lying on my back? They couldn’t have touched my bum.

CryOverSpilledIrnBru · 20/10/2025 21:11

I've had internal scans and was a bit bemused when I had a full explanation for each and every move of the device. Found it a bit annoying and unnecessary tbh, was happy for them to just get on with it. There was a lot of in and out and twisting and turning. Always female practitioners. But everyone is different and has different experiences and sensitivities of course.

I am in no way saying you're wrong or that your scanning professional did a good job, just my honest experiences.

SpookyQ · 20/10/2025 21:12

Please let the hospital know about this. Even if it is to improve the practice of the sonographer.

One of the reasons medical staff can get away with being inappropriate is because women in general are very reluctant to raise something so personal as this. Please do not rely on a chaperone being able to speak up for you, often they too are worried about behaviours and struggle to raise things.

it may have been nothing, but it has left you feeling uncomfortable and you are allowed to have that feeling. I hope you are ok.

partytimed · 20/10/2025 21:13

Ask for a woman id never allow a man to do this

Fioppyy · 20/10/2025 21:14

I’ve had something similar. Ironically while having a chaperone. I’ve had 40+ scans like this and what stood out was his hand manovering to touch me externally too/my bum cheeks.

Original poster
Owlmoonstar · 20/10/2025 21:14

kab89 · 20/10/2025 21:10

When you say the chaperone was behind the screen do you mean that they couldn't see the procedure.

She was behind me I believe. I was kinda zoned out trying to take my mind off the whole thing. I don't remember her being in my view or my peripheral view at all.

OP posts:
Nightingaille · 20/10/2025 21:15

Owlmoonstar · 20/10/2025 21:02

There was a female assistant behind the screen

Show quote history

The chaperone should be there to support you primarily.Could the chaperone see the scanning process being carried out? I think it would be worthwhile to raise a complaint in that the situation made you feel uncomfortable.

Original poster
Owlmoonstar · 20/10/2025 21:15

SpookyQ · 20/10/2025 21:12

Please let the hospital know about this. Even if it is to improve the practice of the sonographer.

One of the reasons medical staff can get away with being inappropriate is because women in general are very reluctant to raise something so personal as this. Please do not rely on a chaperone being able to speak up for you, often they too are worried about behaviours and struggle to raise things.

it may have been nothing, but it has left you feeling uncomfortable and you are allowed to have that feeling. I hope you are ok.

Yes. I wouldn't want to get him into trouble. But maybe feedback would be a good idea.

For example, be more verbal about what you are doing. And try to be aware of any wandering fingers.

OP posts:
TheUsualChaos · 20/10/2025 21:17

There is no need for him to touch, his hand only needs to hold the probe. Also the chaperone should not be behind any screen, they should be with you and be able to see what's going on.

Original poster
Owlmoonstar · 20/10/2025 21:17

He actually didn't speak throughout the entire procedure. That made me feel uncomfortable too.

OP posts:
Original poster
Owlmoonstar · 20/10/2025 21:19

TheUsualChaos · 20/10/2025 21:17

There is no need for him to touch, his hand only needs to hold the probe. Also the chaperone should not be behind any screen, they should be with you and be able to see what's going on.

I had no idea of this. I thought she was just there typing stuff up on a computer or something. She didn't speak to me other than to advise me on where to sit and to show me the screen to remove my trousers in privacy. They were both very robotic, zero emotion.

I would have loved to have had a friendly, chatty lady in with me to put me at ease.

OP posts: