Why Would I Need A Pelvic Ultrasound?
A pelvic ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to create a picture of the organs and structures in the lower abdomenPelvic MRI – A technique that may provide even more detail, generating images at multiple angles. It is utilized for the myriad of reasons;
1. Assessing Pelvic Pain:
There are many reasons men and women experience pelvic pain, such as ovarian cysts, fibroids or PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease). A pelvic ultrasound can identify where the pain is originating from.
2. Abnormal Bleeding:
An Investigation Heavy bleeding or irregular menstrual periods can be a sign that there are polyps, fibroids, endometrial hyperplasia. An ultrasound also can diagnose these conditions.
3. Monitoring Pregnancy:
During early stages of pregnancy pelvic ultrasounds are essentials for identification viability, gestational age and multiple pregnancies; meanwhile helps in keeping a check on fetal growth as well.
4. Evaluating Infertility:
Infertility pelvic ultrasoundsFor women who are undergoing infertility treatment, a pelvic ultrasound can also detect abnormalities in the ovaries or fallopian tubes that may be contributing to fertility problems.
5. What sort of Gynecological Cases can be Diagnosed:
Pelvic Ultrasound can be used to help diagnose and monitor conditions such as endometriosis, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids.
6. Guiding Procedures:
Traditional ultrasounds are used in egg retrievals for IVF, and placement of IUDs.
Steps for Pelvic Ultrasound
A pelvic ultrasound can be done in one of two main ways: transabdominally and transvaginally.
1. Transabdominal Ultrasound:
Preparation: You may have to drink extra glasses of water prior to the test just so your bladder is full. A full bladder can would make a better image.
What Happens: You will lie on your back and have gel rubbed over the lower part of your stomach. The sonographer will slide a transducer over your abdomen to take images of the pelvic structures.
2. Transvaginal Ultrasound:
Preparation You may be asked to urinate before the test.
What You Need: A yoga mat or soft surface to lie onProcedure: Lying On Back, Knees Bent They place a transducer, which is covered with lubricant into the vagina. Transvaginal Ultrasound: This approach provides a clearer picture of the pelvic organs and is preferred for more detailed images.
Transabdominal & transvaginal ultrasounds are normally not painful, but may cause a little discomfort at times; more so for the latter.
Risks of a Pelvic Ultrasound
Pelvic ultrasounds are usually a very safe, non-ionizing radiation modalilty. This procedure carries low risks, which could include:
1. Mild Discomfort:
A transvaginal ultrasound might be slightly uncomfortable for some women because it requires the insertion of a special type of transducer into your vagina.
2. Allergic Reaction:
An allergic reaction to the ultrasound gel is very rarely seen
3. Misinterpretation:
However, as with all diagnostic investigations there is a chance that the images might be misinterpreted and an incorrect diagnosis would follow.
All in all, the minimal risks of a pelvic ultrasound are greatly overshadowed by its benefits.
Pelvic Ultrasound Findings
Your pelvic ultrasound findings can be useful in the condition of your reproductive organs. So, what can the results suggest?
1. Normal Findings:
Uterus: normal in size, shape and position with a well-defined endometrial stripe
Ovaries : normal in size and appearance without cysts or masses.
The fallopian tubes: These are usually not visible, unless they are in some way abnormal.
2. Abnormal Findings:
OVARIAN CYSTS: These are fluid-filled sacs that may or not be cause for concern.
Fibroids: Non-cancerous growths that develop in and around the wall of your womb (uterus) For some women they can cause pelvic pain, heavy periods or backache
Endometriosis is the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus.
Ectopic Pregnancy: A pregnancy where the fertilised egg is implanted outside of uterus, most often in a fallopian tube.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) An infection that spreads to the pelvis may lead t o permanent damage of your uterus, ovaries or fallopian tubes.
Polyps- These are growths of tissue in the lining of the uterus and they potentially can cause bleeding.
3. Follow-Up:
Based on the results, your doctor may recommend further tests or treatment. These could involve blood tests, further imaging or referral to a specialist.
4. Communication:
Most of the time, your healthcare provider will go over this information with you and let you know what the results mean and discuss next steps. You will also get a written report
Conclusion
Pelvic ultrasound is an essential tool in the diagnosis and management of gynecological conditions. The procedure is an important one for women due to its non-invasiveness, as well as the quality of images that it generates. If you are worried about pelvic health, or have symptoms that may require a pelvic ultrasound discuss these with your healthcare professional to decide on the best approach.