Ultrasound Pelvis
About Test
Ultrasound pelvis is a noninvasive imaging test that uses sound waves to visualize the structures inside your pelvis. The equipment consists of a transducer and a computer to create images. It is also known as Sonography. Pelvis refers to the area below your belly, surrounded by hip bones. It contains many vital urogenital organs and some parts of digestive organs. The pelvic ultrasound may be performed via three routes: the abdomen, vagina (in females), and rectal. Ultrasound pelvis is used to find out any pathology in the structures that reside in the pelvis, like the rectum, urinary bladder, female reproductive organs (uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, vagina), prostate, and other male reproductive organs.
Why and when do you need this test?
You may need an ultrasound pelvis if you have signs and symptoms of pelvic disease. Some of the indications for an Ultrasound pelvis include;
- Pain in the pelvic region
- Problems with urination (pain, leakage, or difficulty passing urine)
- Pain in sexual intercourse
- Hip pain
- Irregular, prolonged, or unusual periods
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding,
- To confirm the findings (enlargement or swelling) of a physical examination of the prostate gland
- Infertility,
- Suspicion of masses, tumors, and abscesses of the pelvic organs
- To take a biopsy of pelvic organs under ultrasound guidance
- To check for the position of the IUD (intrauterine device)
Do you need to prepare for the test?
There are simple steps to follow to make it a success.
- You will be asked to drink plenty of water to fill your urinary bladder. You can pee after the procedure.
- You may need to wear loose, easy clothing
What can you expect?
- For an ultrasound pelvis, you will be asked to lie down on the bed on your back.
- The radiologist or the sonographer would put some gel on your front body below the belly.
- The doctor will then put a transducer probe which looks like a microphone, over the gel.
- The transducer will transmit sound waves to the body and back from the body to the computer to form images.
- No pain is felt during the procedure, or you may feel pain only if the area is tender.
- After the exam, you may return to daily activities normally.
- The procedure lasts for about 30 minutes but may take longer.
Are there any risks to this test?
Ultrasound is a non-invasive test that does not use X- rays, so it is usually safe and has no risks.
What do the test results mean?
The abnormal results may include;
- Ureteric or bladder stone
- Urinary Bladder cancer,
- Colorectal cancer
- Hernias
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Ovarian torsion
- Ovarian tumor,
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Endometrial fibroids,
- Endometriosis or adenomyosis
- Uterine cancer,
- Structural defects of the pelvic organs,
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Infection or cysts in the testes or scrotum
- Prostate or testicular cancers,
Related Tests:
Other related tests may include:
- CT scan of the pelvis
- MRI scan of the pelvis
