Article by:
Amelia Grant
Although ultrasounds are not included in most yearly checkups, they can be a useful tool for detecting some diseases early. Pelvic ultrasounds, for example, show us the uterus, ovary, and fallopian tubes, as well as the existence of cysts and fibroids. The latter are frequently difficult or impossible to detect with a routine pelvic examination. Doctors frequently offer these ultrasounds to any woman who is suffering pelvic pain, irregular bleeding, or unusually heavy menstruation.
A pelvic ultrasound is a thorough examination that allows us to diagnose a wide range of gynecological disorders without invasive procedures. The images obtained allow for fast inspection and assessment of the organs and structures found in the female pelvis, such as the uterus, cervix, vagina, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
Pelvic ultrasounds are often conducted using either of two methods: transabdominal or transvaginal.
Pelvic ultrasounds can be done in a doctor's office as an outpatient procedure or as part of a hospital stay. Most procedures will be the same, regardless of whether they are transabdominal or transvaginal.
Before a transabdominal ultrasound, you will be asked to remove any clothing, jewelry, or other items that could interfere with the scan. If necessary, you will be provided with a gown to wear. You will lie on your back on an examination table while the conductive gel is applied to your abdomen. The transducer will then be gently yet forcefully pressed against your skin and moved about the region of concern.
During the ultrasound procedure, images will be displayed on the computer screen. Once the doctor has collected all of the necessary photographs and information, they will remove the extra gel and allow you to replace your clothing and jewelry.
If you are booked for a transvaginal ultrasound, the doctor will supply you with a gown and ask you to lie on the exam table with your feet and legs supported. This is the same position used for regular pelvic exams. The transducer will be encased in a plastic or latex sheath and greased with conductive gel. These movements typically involve some light pressure.
Images will be presented when they collect information. Once the procedure is over, the transducer will be removed, and you will be able to change your clothes.
Pelvic ultrasonography is used to measure and evaluate the female pelvic organs. The following are common findings from pelvic ultrasonography:
The blood flow through your pelvic organs
The length and thickness of your cervix
The size, shape, and position of your uterus and ovaries
Any changes in your bladder shape
The presence, thickness, and density of fluids or masses in the endometrium, uterine muscle tissue, fallopian tubes, and bladder
A pelvic ultrasound can reveal a lot about the size, position, and structure of any pelvic masses, but it cannot give patients a conclusive diagnosis of cancer or other particular disorders. In general, we'll utilize a pelvic ultrasound to diagnose and help treat diseases such as:
aspiration of follicle fluid and eggs from the ovaries for in vitro fertilization
postmenopausal bleeding
pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and other types of inflammation or infection
abnormalities in the anatomic structure of your uterus, including endometrial issues
assessing certain fetal conditions
the monitoring of ovarian follicle size for infertility evaluation
fibroid tumors, masses, cysts, and other types of tumors within the pelvis
monitoring fetal development during pregnancy
an ectopic pregnancy
A pelvic ultrasound can also be used to determine the existence and position of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD), as well as to aid in other procedures like endometrial biopsy.
