A pelvic ultrasound uses sound waves to obtain images of your pelvic organs. Your physician may order a pelvic ultrasound to get a detailed look at the uterus, cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, as well as the bladder and rectum, as they are also part of the pelvic space. While ultrasound excels at evaluating organs that are solid or fluid-filled, it is not optimal for evaluating gas-filled organs such as the bowel.
Ultrasound is the first line among medical diagnostic radiology imaging tools to diagnose ovarian cancer. It is also excellent for investigating premenopausal complaints, such as abnormal or heavy uterine bleeding, and conditions like pelvic floor prolapse or urinary incontinence.
A pelvic ultrasound is useful for examining common concerns, such as:
Ovarian cysts
Uterine fibroids
Uterine bleeding
Urinary incontinence
Uterine polyps
Pelvic floor prolapse
Ultrasound of the pelvis may help to evaluate findings your clinician has felt on your clinical examination, such as ovarian cysts or uterine fibroids. Your clinician may want to measure the thickness of the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, which is especially important for any uterine bleeding after menopause. A thickened endometrial lining can be a sign of endometrial hyperplasia. Too thin of an endometrial lining can also cause bleeding known as atrophic or estrogen-deficient bleeding.
Some women experience changes in their menstrual cycle in length or quantity. Ultrasound can determine whether your heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding is from a uterine polyp, fibroids, or adenomyosis.
Since ultrasound excels at evaluating the fluid-filled bladder, it can be used to assess whether you retain urine after voiding. Some women with frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) may be unable to empty the bladder completely, which creates an optimal environment for growing bacteria.
If you are premenopausal, try to schedule your imaging examination when you are not having your menses, optimally during days 6-14 of your cycle. A pelvic ultrasound generally consists of two components:
With multiple location across the Denver area, we make it easy for you to find a “Women’s Imaging Center near me” or a “Medical Diagnostic Imaging Center near me”