What happens at a pelvic ultrasound?
During a pelvic ultrasound, the technician uses a device called a transducer, which transmits sound waves. These sound waves reverberate off tissues and organs in the pelvis back to the transducer, creating an image of your organs.
Ultrasound gel is placed on both the transducer and the skin for a pelvic ultrasound performed abdominally. For a transvaginal or rectal pelvic ultrasound, a gel is placed on a thin transducer covered in a plastic or latex sheath before it’s inserted into the vagina or rectum.
Why is a pelvic ultrasound recommended?
The two primary reasons your doctor may recommend a pelvic ultrasound are to measure and evaluate pelvic organs or diagnose various health conditions.
The ultrasound results can also provide your doctor with information about the shape, size, and position of your ovaries and uterus, echogenicity and thickness of fluids, cervix size, and blood flow to your pelvic organs.
A pelvic ultrasound (transrectal ultrasound) is used on men to rectally diagnose prostate cancer and check the seminal fluid for signs of infertility. It is also recommended for females when a transvaginal ultrasound is not an option.
Is pelvic ultrasound painful?
A pelvic ultrasound is not typically considered painful. When performed abdominally, most women will experience little to no discomfort. The gel can be cool, and you may feel pressure on a full bladder.
Women who have a pelvic ultrasound performed transvaginally may experience mild discomfort when the technician inserts the transducer inside the vagina. During a rectal ultrasound, you may feel pressure or a sensation of fullness in the rectum.
What abnormalities can be detected on a pelvic ultrasound?
A pelvic ultrasound can be used to detect abnormalities and diagnose conditions, including:
● Abnormalities of the uterine structure and endometrial conditions
● Fibroid tumors
● Pelvic inflammatory disease
● The presence of an IUD
● Bleeding after menopause
● Problems with the prostate gland
An ultrasound is also an important tool used for monitoring pregnancy and fertility treatments. An ultrasound is often used during procedures such as:
● Detecting ectopic pregnancy
● Monitoring fetal growth and positioning
● Evaluating some fetal conditions, like the presence of twins or developmental abnormalities
● Assessing ovarian follicle size to determine fertility status
● Aspirating eggs and follicle fluid during in vitro fertilization treatments
What is the difference between a pelvic ultrasound and an abdominal ultrasound?
An abdominal ultrasound is a type of pelvic ultrasound used to evaluate the tissues inside the pelvis. An abdominal ultrasound examines the gallbladder, liver, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, bladder, and abdominal blood vessels.
While a transabdominal ultrasound provides a wide view of the pelvic organs, a transvaginal ultrasound can evaluate female organs in greater detail.
Why can’t you see endometriosis on an ultrasound?
The superficial lesions of endometriosis cannot be diagnosed using ultrasound because they do not have a mass. These lesions, which cause women with endometriosis significant pain, cannot be diagnosed using pelvic ultrasound technology because their color isn’t detectable with this method.
The only definitive way to diagnose endometriosis is surgically by using a laparoscopy.
