The good thing about the pelvic ultrasound is that it allows the doctor to see the state of your pelvic organs without using harmful X-rays. It is similar to a transvaginal ultrasound that offers a view of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tube and the surrounding tissue.

Ultrasound of the pelvis and transvaginal ultrasound

The difference between the two procedures is that the first one is more general and it offers information about more of the organs. Usually first the pelvis is examined and then it is followed by a transvaginal ultrasound. In other times it is enough to have only one of the procedures.

pelvic-ultrasound

In order to prepare for the ultrasound of the pelvis you will have your bladder filled with fluid about half an hour before the exam.

The doctors suggest clear liquids, such as water, clear juices or tea without milk. These produce less gas that makes the exam more difficult.

Reasons of the pelvic ultrasound

Irregular bleeding or pain

This is one of the most common reasons for having the exam. Numerous women experience pain caused by ovarian cysts, fibroid tumors, pelvic infections, endometriosis, and also some other causes. It is possible to have a glance at fibroids that are benign uterine tumors.

If this is what the ultrasound of the pelvis founds then you most probably experience muscles cramping that are the most painful during your menstrual period. In the same time these fibroids could also cause excessive bleeding during your periods.

Ovarian cysts

This is another thing that the pelvic ultrasound could find. Just as in the previous case it is a benign tumor that is caused by the ripening of the egg that isn’t released. It could grow to 6 cm and it causes pressure and pain. In this case the ultrasound is made as the first step and if the image isn’t clear, a transvaginal ultrasound is also performed.

Endometriosis

This condition could be found with the help of the ultrasound of the pelvis and it refers to the overgrowth of the lining of the uterus.

In the majority of the cases it appears in the most unusual places, such as beyond the ovaries, outside the pelvis or adjacent to the uterus.

It is believed that this finding of the pelvic ultrasound occurs because the endometrial tissue migrates outside the uterus instead of being expelled through the vagina during menstruation. In this case this exam is the best because it offers a view of the entire pelvic region.

Bladder problems

It is possible to be using an ultrasound of the pelvis in case of this problem, but the doctor could also ask for a bladder or renal ultrasound. The bladder of the patient is filled, and so it is easy for the doctor to see it. As a result doctors could find a thickening of the bladder wall, kidney stones or ureter obstructions.

Pregnancy

We could say that the women pregnant in their 2nd or 3rd trimester have a pelvic ultrasound. Actually they have an exam similar to this one. In the second trimester women don’t need to fill their bladder totally and there is no need to fill the bladder in the third trimester. Naturally this may vary according to the needs of the technologist.

What happens during the ultrasound of the pelvis?

You will be requested to lie on your back. Then the specialist will put some warm jelly on the lower part of the abdomen and then use a tool that looks somewhat like a microphone. This instrument will be moved around your belly. Most probably you will feel some pressure, but there is no reason for you to experience any pain.

The instrument used during the pelvic ultrasound picks up the sound waves and thus creates the image of the pelvis. In the majority of the cases the exam is performed through the abdomen, but it is also possible to perform it through the vagina. The entire procedure takes about 10-20 minutes.

Once the ultrasound of the pelvis is done, you can go to the bathroom. You will feel a lot better after you have emptied your bladder. You will find out about the results of the pelvic ultrasound once they are available.
Read more at http://www.womenhealthzone.com/tests-and-treatments/pelvic-exam/pelvic-ultrasound/#xloT1R6bqivQ9Quh.99