What is a Pelvic Ultrasound Scan?
A pelvic ultrasound scan is a non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves to produce images to assess the organs and structures inside a woman’s pelvis (lower abdomen).
Organs and structures that are solid and uniform (such as the uterus or ovaries) or that are fluid-filled (such as the bladder) show up clearly on a pelvic ultrasound. Bones may block other organs from being seen. Air-filled organs, such as the intestines, can make the image less clear.
Best Pelvic ultrasound scan centre in Chennai
Chennai Women’s Clinic at T.Nagar is the best ISO certified pregnancy and female related scan centre in Chennai. Our procedures are carried out with the utmost safety and protection.
Here, your medical procedures are taken care of by award-winning Obstetrician and Gynecologist in the city, Dr Deepthi Jammi (Founder & Fetal Medical Consultant, Chennai Women’s Clinic).
What does the Pelvic Ultrasound Scan study?
A pelvic ultrasound is a diagnostic exam that produces images used to assess organs and structures within the female pelvis.
A pelvic ultrasound allows quick visualization of the female pelvic organs and structures, including the uterus, cervix, vagina, fallopian tubes and ovaries.
What does the Pelvic Ultrasound Scan study?
We provide standard treatment and latest medical technology with best facility in our clinic.
A pelvic ultrasound is a diagnostic exam that produces images used to assess organs and structures within the female pelvis.
A pelvic ultrasound allows quick visualization of the female pelvic organs and structures, including the uterus, cervix, vagina, fallopian tubes and ovaries.
What are the two Methods of a Pelvic Ultrasound Scan?
Transabdominal (through the abdomen)
A transducer is placed on the abdomen.
Transvaginal (through the vagina). A long, thin transducer is covered with a plastic/latex sheath is inserted into the vagina.
The type of ultrasound procedure performed depends on the reason for the ultrasound. Occasionally both methods may be needed to provide the information needed for diagnosis or treatment.
How is the Pelvic Ultrasound Scan performed?
Transabdominal Ultrasound
In case of a transabdominal ultrasound, the doctor will ask the patient to drink 4 to 6 glasses of juice or water about an hour before the test to fill her bladder. A full bladder pushes the intestines (which contain air) out of the way of the pelvic organs.
This makes the ultrasound picture clearer. A Gel is applied to the patient’s abdomen to improve the quality of the sound waves. A small, handheld instrument called a transducer is gently moved over the abdomen. A picture of the organs and blood vessels can be seen on a screen.
How is the Pelvic Ultrasound Scan performed?
Transvaginal Ultrasound
A thin, lubricated transducer probe will be gently inserted into the vagina. Only the tip of the transducer is inserted into the vagina. The patient will need to lie very still while the ultrasound scan is done.
Transvaginal ultrasound may give more information than transabdominal ultrasound for women who:
- Are very overweight.
- Are being checked or treated for infertility.
- Have a hard time with a full bladder.
- Have a lot of gas in the intestines. This makes it harder for the doctor to see all the organs in the pelvis.
Transvaginal ultrasound often makes a more precise picture than transabdominal ultrasound because the transducer probe gets closer to the organs being viewed. It is often used in early pregnancy. But transvaginal ultrasound looks at a smaller area than transabdominal ultrasound. It is used only for patients who are married.
In rare cases, sterile saline is put in the uterus through a thin tube (catheter) to allow the doctor to look at the inside of the uterus (hysterosonogram).
If both a transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasound will be done, the transabdominal ultrasound will usually be done first.
A pelvic ultrasound uses sound waves to take a picture of the organs and structures in the lower abdomen(pelvis).
Results
Normal
The ovaries, cervix, and uterus have a normal shape and size and are in the normal place. No growths, tumors, fluid, or other problems, such as cysts, are present. Small cysts (follicles) in women’s ovaries which can have children, are normal. If the patient uses an intrauterine device (IUD), it is in the uterus. If the patient is in the first trimester of pregnancy, the baby (fetus) develops inside the uterus. The bladder is normal in size and shape. If the bladder is checked before and after urination, it empties completely.Abnormal
The uterus is big or abnormally shaped because of uterine fibroids. Cysts or tumors are present, such as cancerous or noncancerous tumors of the ovaries, uterus, or cervix.
The thickness of the uterus lining (endometrium), called the endometrial stripe, is greater than normal. A thicker endometrial stripe (also called endometrial hyperplasia) may mean a higher chance of endometrial cancer in some age groups.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), abscesses, or other problems are present.
An ectopic pregnancy is present.
An abnormal amount of fluid is present in the pelvis.
The bladder has an abnormal shape or a thick wall. If the bladder is checked before and after urination, it may not empty completely during urination.
What Impacts The Test Quality / Results
Reasons the patient may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:
- Stool (faeces), air or other gas, or X-ray contrast material (such as barium) in the intestines or rectum.
- Inability to remain still during the test.
- Obesity.
- Having an open wound on the abdomen.
Key Takeaways
- The doctor can tell the difference between a fluid-filled cyst, a solid tumor, or another type of mass with pelvic ultrasound. This is one of the main advantages of an ultrasound. An abnormal mass needs more testing. A follow-up ultrasound is often 0done in 6 to 8 weeks because many problems get resolved on their own within that time. Pelvic ultrasound cannot determine whether a mass is cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign). A biopsy may have to be done for this.
- Transvaginal ultrasound is used during fertility checks to help guide the removal of ovarian follicles for in vitro fertilization.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no harm in performing this scan on your menstruation cycle. But for better
results, it is recommended to get the scan done during the end of the cycle
when the lining of the uterus is at its thinnest.
Yes. This ultrasound scan assesses the pelvis for any inflammatory disease and infection.