Pelvic ultrasound or pelvic exploration

Pelvic ultrasound in Paris, ile-de-france

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What is a pelvic ultrasound?

Apelvic ultrasound is a medical examination frequently prescribed for women, enabling detailed examination of pelvic organs and structures such as the uterus, cervix, vagina, fallopian tubes and ovaries. This medical imaging method offers a precise view of the various parts of the pelvic region, and enables its structures to be evaluated.

Why do I need a pelvic ultrasound?

Pelvic ultrasound may be prescribed to measure and evaluate the female pelvic organs. Ultrasound evaluation of the pelvis may include, without limitation, the following:

The size, shape and position of the uterus and ovaries.
Thickness, echogenicity (darkness or clarity of image due to tissue density) and presence of fluids or masses in the endometrium, myometrium (uterine muscle tissue), fallopian tubes or in or near the bladder.
Cervical length and thickness
Changes in bladder shape
Blood flow in the pelvic organs.

Pelvic ultrasound can provide a great deal of information on the size, location and structure of pelvic masses, but it cannot make a definitive diagnosis of cancer or specific pathology. However, it is a powerful tool for revealing certain anomalies.

What abnormalities can be observed with a pelvic ultrasound?

Make a pelvic ultrasound can be used to diagnose and assist in the treatment of the following conditions:

Anomalies of the anatomical structure of the uterus, including endometrial disorders (uterus doubling in volume as in the case of theadénomyose utérine).
Fibroid tumors (benign tumours), masses, cysts and other types of tumour in the pelvis.
Presence and position of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD).
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PIM) and other types of inflammation or infection
Saignement postménopausique
Ovarian follicle size monitoring for the infertility assessment.
To explore the pelvis before and after surgery for genital prolapse or urinary incontinence, the defeco MRI est un examen complémentaire à l’échographie pelvienne qui peut s’avérer utile selon les cas.
Aspiration of follicular fluid and eggs from the ovaries for in vitro fertilization.
Ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy occurring outside the uterus, generally in the Fallopian tube)
Suivi du développement du fœtus pendant la grossesse.
L’évaluation de certaines conditions fœtales.

Ultrasound can also be used to facilitate other procedures, such as endometrial biopsy. Pelvic ultrasound may employ one or two methods, and sometimes both.

Can you see cancer with a pelvic ultrasound?

Yes, it is possible to detect cancer with a pelvic ultrasoundbut this is extremely rare. Pelvic ultrasound can be used to visualize masses or abnormalities in pelvic organs such as the uterus, ovaries, bladder or prostate. However, although it can identify the presence of tumors or suspicious formations, it cannot accurately distinguish whether a tumor is benign or malignant.

To diagnose cancer reliably, ultrasound often needs to be supplemented by more in-depth examinations, such as a Pelvic MRI. MRI provides much more detailed images, enabling better analysis of internal structures and assessment of the characteristics of the masses detected. It is therefore essential for confirming the nature of the lesion and directing the diagnosis towards appropriate management.

In short, although pelvic ultrasound can reveal abnormalities that may indicate the presence of cancer, the latter can only be reliably diagnosed with a Pelvic MRI which allows more precise examination of lesions.

How does a pelvic ultrasound work?

Apelvic ultrasound is a simple, painless medical examination that visualizes pelvic organs such as the uterus, ovaries, bladder and prostate. Here's how the examination works:

Pre-examination preparation :
Depending on the type of examination, it may be advisable to drink water to fill the bladder, which facilitates visualization of certain organs. This preparation is more often required for abdominal ultrasound. If the examination is performed endovaginally, it is generally not necessary to fill the bladder.
Abdominal examination :
A gel is applied to the abdomen to facilitate the transmission of sound waves. The doctor or technician moves a probe over the skin to take images of the pelvic organs. Although the examination is painless, the doctor may apply slight pressure to better visualize certain organs.
Endovaginal examination :
If more detailed images are required, particularly to examine the uterus and ovaries, a smaller probe is inserted into the vagina. This allows more precise visualization of internal pelvic structures.
After the exam :
Once the examination is over, the gel is cleaned and the patient can get dressed. Results are often available immediately or shortly afterwards, and a report is issued by the doctor.

Pelvic ultrasound is a quick, generally painless examination that can be used to diagnose pathologies such as fibroids, ovarian cysts and other pelvic disorders.

What is a hysteroscopy?

Diagnostic hysteroscopy is a procedure in which a small camera is introduced into the uterine cavity via the cervix, using a fine cannula. In the case of treatment of detected pathologies, such as polyps or fibroids, the procedure is called operative hysteroscopy.

When should I have a hysteroscopy?

This procedure is indicated in the following cases:

Pathologies of the uterine cavity suspected on ultrasound : polyps, fibroids, thickened mucosa after menopause, endometrial cancer synechiae (adhesions), uterine septa.
Menstrual cycle abnormalities : menorrhagia (heavy periods) or menstrual bleeding (bleeding outside the menstrual period).
Bleeding after menopause (a symptom that should always prompt consultation).
Infertility (find out more)
Recurrent miscarriages.
Permanent contraception by obturation of the tubes.
Removal of an IUD with ascended wires that cannot be removed by simple speculum examination.

What is colposcopy?

Colposcopy is a method of examining the cervix using a magnifying device called a colposcope. This examination, often aided by the application of dyes, helps to identify precancerous lesions and guide samples for further analysis.

L’échographie pelvienne : ce qu’il faut retenir

L’échographie pelvienne est souvent pratiquée sur des patientes se plaignant de douleurs pelviennes ou de symptômes gynécologiques. Cette procédure est essentielle en gynécologie pour évaluer la santé des organes reproducteurs et détecter des anomalies. L’échographie pelvienne peut aider à surveiller l’ovulation et à évaluer la fertilité en observant les follicules ovariens. Elle permet de détecter des kystes ovariens, des tumeurs ou d’autres lésions dans la région pelvienne. Les médecins peuvent prescrire une échographie pelvienne pour investiguer la cause de douleurs pelviennes persistantes. En cas de découverte d’anomalies, l’échographie peut guider les décisions concernant une éventuelle intervention chirurgicale. L’échographie pelvienne est cruciale pour diagnostiquer des conditions comme la grossesse extra-utérine et évaluer la santé de l’utérus. Bien que l’échographie soit généralement non invasive et indolore, elle peut être utilisée pour planifier des interventions chirurgicales nécessitant une anesthésie. L’échographie peut aussi aider à analyser des problèmes menstruels en évaluant l’utérus et les ovaires. Cette technique permet d’examiner à la fois les structures génitales et urinaires, offrant une vue d’ensemble de la santé pelvienne.

Dernière mise à jour : le 1ᵉʳ novembre 2024
Reviewed by Dr Anne Elodie Millischer