What is Pelvic Ultrasound?

What is a pelvic ultrasound?

A pelvic ultrasound is an examination that is regularly prescribed for women and consists of a precise visualization of the organs and structures of the body female pelvis including the uterus, the cervix, the vagina, the Fallopian tubes and ovaries.

This medical imaging technique is used to evaluate structures in the pelvic region.

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 can also be used to determine the extent of the problem. 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.
• 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
• Postmenopausal bleeding
• Ovarian follicle size monitoring for the infertility assessment.
• 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)
• Monitoring fetal development during pregnancy
• Assessment of certain fetal conditions

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

How does a pelvic ultrasound work?

A pelvic ultrasound can be performed using one or both of the following methods:

• Abdominal route : A transducer is placed on the abdomen using a conductive gel.
• Endovaginal for women: a long, thin transducer is covered with a conductive gel and a plastic/latex sheath and inserted into the vagina (this examination can only be performed if you have already had intercourse). This route is preferred for precision, as the probe will be closer to the organs being examined.

The type of ultrasound performed depends on the reason for the scan. Only one method may be used, or both methods may be necessary to provide the information required for diagnosis or treatment.

Other related procedures can be used to assess pelvic problems, including hysteroscopy, colposcopy and laparoscopy.