Pelvic Ultrasound

A female pelvic ultrasound is a diagnostic non-invasive scan that employs sound waves to generate images of structures and organs within the pelvis. These images allow for the visualization and assessment of the vagina, cervix, uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and bladder.

The type of pelvic ultrasound performed depends on the reason for the ultrasound. Pelvic ultrasounds may be performed in 2 different ways: transabdominal ultrasound (a transducer is put on the abdomen using conductive gel) or transvaginal ultrasound (a sheathed transducer with gel is inserted through the vagina). Pelvic ultrasounds are used to assess:

Blood flow through the pelvic organs
Size, position, and shape of ovaries
Size and shape of the uterus & how it is positioned
Thickness and length of the cervix
Bladder health and any changes to shape
Density and thickness of pelvic organ tissues
Masses or fluids in the endometrium, myometrium (uterine muscle tissue), bladder region, or fallopian tubes
- The ultrasound can supply invaluable information to the doctor pertaining to the shape, structure, size and location of pelvic masses but is unable to provide definitive diagnostic results pertaining to a specific disease or cancer.

In addition, pelvic ultrasounds may be helpful in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as:

PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease)
Pelvic infections
IUD position or displacement (intrauterine contraceptive device)
Ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy that happens outside of the womb)
Abnormal endometrial conditions
Problems in the structural makeup of the uterus
Fibroids
Pelvic tumors
Pelvic ovarian cysts and/or masses
Fetal development during pregnancy
Fetal conditions (assessing and monitoring)
Bleeding after menopause
Infertility (monitoring ovaries for infertility)

The pelvic ultrasound may be used for assistance in other procedures as well. For instance, the transvaginal ultrasound may be used to assist in the removal/retrieval of the eggs and follicle fluid from the ovaries for in vitro fertilization (IVF). It may also be used to assist with an endometrial biopsy or in conjunction with sonohysterography (a procedure producing better images by filling the uterus with fluid). In general, the female pelvic ultrasound procedure involves minimal discomfort and no downtime. Patients with additional questions or concerns pertaining to a pelvic ultrasound should consult with their healthcare provider.

Please contact our office to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced providers.